Sep 15 2012: Perhaps you are right if we take the word "exceptional" to mean superior in all or most aspects - but that is not the crux of this conversation. The initial question was about particular great qualities in America and does not require those qualities to be exclusive. Let's assume for a minute that all countries in the world are great because they have achieved national sovereignty - a worthy achievement, and a great baseline for acknowledging the great qualities of any nation. Beyond sovereignty, what great contributions do various countries bring to the world as members of our global community? While America may be weak in many areas, the question at hand is about America's strengths. If you were to say simply that America is a "great" exporter of entertainment, that might be one example, but would obviously shine a light on the fact that our entertainment often casts us in the worst possible light. So then the question is partially, what are the highest and best functions of America in the global community? We give the most out of any other country to UN Peacekeeping - some would call this a great thing.
Thanks for engaging the question. I am one of the editors and contributors for the book, and I suggested the title. To answer TED Lover's question, we would love to hear feedback from a pacifist. You might even find even find a resonant voice in the book.
What do you guys think of this video clip from HBO? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h__uutzcQXc
The Greatest Generation is a label that was given to that generation as an honor, in addition to other labels that were not quite so flattering. It is hyperbole, no doubt, as most honorifics are. The concept that I am trying to grapple with in this thread with your noble minds in company, is specifically what qualities that generation had which were great, and whether those same qualities endure in America.
The Greatest Generation, as some call them, exhibited bravery, resolve, strategic skill, and a certain moral code. When they returned from war, many educated themselves and became leading members of local communities. Both of my grandfathers are in this group. Both of my grandmothers were war brides, married at 16. Both couples, in my personal story, cast a long shadow despite and personal failings they might have had.
A different issue, but an interesting one, is the valuation of certain national pride exports. Should we say that the thing that makes Belgium great is its waffles or beer? Should America be the great exporter of fast food and Hollywood? Some would argue that these exports are a great aspect of every country, and that the relative greatness of a country is related to the greatness of their products. We are a nation of innovators, and despite falling metrics in so many fields, we continue to score high in patents. Does this say something about the American spirit and future?
The website for the book is www.shadowofgreatness.com
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A reply on Conversation: While American exceptionalism is a lightning rod issue, we may be able to find some common ground asking simply, "what makes America great?"
A reply on Conversation: While American exceptionalism is a lightning rod issue, we may be able to find some common ground asking simply, "what makes America great?"
A comment on Conversation: While American exceptionalism is a lightning rod issue, we may be able to find some common ground asking simply, "what makes America great?"
Thanks for engaging the question. I am one of the editors and contributors for the book, and I suggested the title. To answer TED Lover's question, we would love to hear feedback from a pacifist. You might even find even find a resonant voice in the book.
What do you guys think of this video clip from HBO? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h__uutzcQXc
The Greatest Generation is a label that was given to that generation as an honor, in addition to other labels that were not quite so flattering. It is hyperbole, no doubt, as most honorifics are. The concept that I am trying to grapple with in this thread with your noble minds in company, is specifically what qualities that generation had which were great, and whether those same qualities endure in America.
The Greatest Generation, as some call them, exhibited bravery, resolve, strategic skill, and a certain moral code. When they returned from war, many educated themselves and became leading members of local communities. Both of my grandfathers are in this group. Both of my grandmothers were war brides, married at 16. Both couples, in my personal story, cast a long shadow despite and personal failings they might have had.
A different issue, but an interesting one, is the valuation of certain national pride exports. Should we say that the thing that makes Belgium great is its waffles or beer? Should America be the great exporter of fast food and Hollywood? Some would argue that these exports are a great aspect of every country, and that the relative greatness of a country is related to the greatness of their products. We are a nation of innovators, and despite falling metrics in so many fields, we continue to score high in patents. Does this say something about the American spirit and future?
The website for the book is www.shadowofgreatness.com