Stories and essays inspired by Benjamin Franklin's "The Way To Wealth"
Monday, October 29, 2012
How does the US view the rest of the world?
The question is, “How does the US view the rest of the world?” Before this question can be answered, the question it implies must first be addressed: how does the US view itself in relation to the rest of the world?
How many times have you heard the phrase “city on a hill” (credits go to our dear friend John Winthrop)? How many times have you heard the metaphor that America is a beacon of hope, a shining example for the rest of the world to look up to? How many times have you heard the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, sung before all sorts of sporting events, like ballgames, basketball games, and hockey matches? How many times have you held your hand over your heart and pledged allegiance to the flag and to the United States of America? How many times have you watched the July 4th fireworks go off after a weekend of red, white, and blue streamers and waving flags? So, how many times? There are too many to count. Americans clearly take immense pride in their nation, flaunting their patriotic pride every chance they get.
Now, if America is already that “city on a hill”, then where are all the other countries located? There is no more room on the top of the hill, meaning the rest of the world must scramble to find their place elsewhere. One country might be a village that’s near the top, and another may be a little community near the foot of the hill. However, one thing is for sure: the prime spot has already been reserved and taken.
All these sentiments point towards the belief that America is number one. America is the best. With this kind of assertion, America assumes that the rest of the world is less capable and less powerful. And so, all these nations are seen as in need of America’s assistance, advice, and aid. After all, isn’t that what’s taught in school? Help those who are less fortunate.
Take a look for yourself. The next time your school has an activities fair, walk around and see how many clubs are dedicated to helping and raising money for other countries. The next time you visit church, take note of which countries your youth group is planning to send care packages to. Which countries are people planning to visit over the summer for a mission trip? A popular response seems to be anywhere in Africa. Why?
It seems that even from a young age, Americans are conditioned to believe that America is better off than the rest of the world. A kindergartener will go home and share with their parents that they just learned about Shabani, an eight year old HIV/AIDs infected boy living in poverty in Zambia. A fifth grade class will begin a class project to raise awareness of the exploitation of child labor in sweatshops in China. During sophomore year in world history, students will debate about the Cold War and how the world needed a leader like America to try and stop communism, even if it meant America overreaching on foreign policy by sticking its nose in another countries’ business, declaring itself the leader of anti-communist countries, and going to war with other countries like Vietnam and Korea. After all, America was “helping”. Meanwhile, everything America does seems glorified in comparison. Americans see themselves on some golden path to success as each citizen has constitutional rights, as technological innovations are made to release the newest version of the iPhone, and as they elect the first black president (just to name a few).
It doesn’t matter whether or not this belief of American exceptionalism is actually supported and backed by factual evidence; this feeling existed in the past, exists in today’s society, and will continue to exist in the future.
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I really like the tone of this essay; by forcing the reader to confront themselves and their views, it makes them reconsider the whole idea of American exceptionalism. Because many people don’t realize that they view the rest of the world this way, that realization is a sharp one, and I think it is a very good realization to have. I also really like that you keep asking the reader questions directly, as it makes them pay more attention when they realize “Oh, wait, this person is talking to me”.
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up a great point in the very first paragraph of your essay, and it really engages the reader right from the start. It is interesting how you did not categorize all the other countries as one, but explained how there are different opinions for each of them, however none reaches the top of the hill. It was really clever how in the end you say that it does not matter whether American exceptionalism is backed up by factual evidence, it is simply what we are conditioned to believe. However, if we had not done so much to aid other countries and those in need around the world, would we still feel this way? In what ways (other than foreign aid) do we gain dependence from other countries? Overall very interesting essay and engaging style of writing.
ReplyDeleteI think that the format of your essay was extremely clever. As Michael pointed out it made the reader have to look within themselves. Constantly asking questions keeps the reader honest. I like how you address that we feel the need to always help other countries. In response to Aline's first question I believe that America gets its ego from helping other countries. When Americans go to other nations or "3rd world" countries we go because we infer that they need our superior knowledge and help. In all realness most of the time we mess the whole country up, leaving it in worse shape than when we got there. I believe that the main reason that Americans try to "aid" other countries is completely self serving. It is so that we can feel better about ourselves as people and make our nation look better. I feel that America is like that annoying friend that always tries to get into everyones business and solve problems that have absolutely nothing to do with them.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this. The tone seems inquisitive and thoughtful, which made the piece fun to read. Everything was to the point, and I feel the layout was well-organized. One thing you want to note though, is your introductory paragraph – “the question it implies must first ask itself, ‘How does the US view itself in relation to the rest of the world?” It is somewhat confusing for the reader to know exactly what “it” is. Another way to write it is, “the question this statement implies,” instead. You make a case here that America sees that she needs to help the rest of the world as best as they can. Why do you personally think people of America feel this way?
ReplyDeleteAngel, I thought that they way you interacted with readers with questions throughout your essay was very engaging and thoughtful. It’s interesting how you mention that American exceptionalism has, is, and will continue to be a part of American society. One of the questions I had though, was whether or not the definition of American exceptionalism changes with time. Is the concept of American exceptionalism being constantly molded to fit society as the years go by? If so, does it keep its basic root idea that Winthrop originally wanted to express? I liked how you used so many examples to paint a picture of what American exceptionalism is and represents. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentioned, the questions in the beginning provide an effective hook to your essay as your message about Americans’ feeling of superiority become clear without having to be explicitly stated. Your style of writing is fluid, engaging, and consequential: transition phrases such as “Now...” and “Take a look at yourself...” create an informal tone that I personally enjoy. Your argument is very clear as well. To respond to Jumana’s comment about how Americans interfere with foreign affairs for self-serving reasons, I completely agree. America views itself as a “city upon a hill” and thus sees it itself as a leader that must help others, except the problem is these others’ don’t acknowledge Americans as leaders and so America is aggressive in its foreign policies. Do you think America has the moral obligation to try to help other nations?
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