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  • Monala

Monala

1 year ago

in Michelle Obama Talks about the ‘A’ Word on Jack and Jill Politics
s @ 2:21:


Your remarks about American exceptionalism struck me. Does one have to agree with them to be considered patriotic by you? I have been thinking of two analogies that illustrate, to me, why belief in American exceptionalism is unnecessary and potentially dangerous.



The first analogy is to my family. I dearly love my family, including the immediate relatives, extended family, and in-laws. They're very supportive and loving. Yet I'd never describe them as "the most free, most just, most innovative, most prosperous and generous [family] the world has ever known." If I made such a statement, most people would find it ridiculous. Why? Because there are many great families out there, and because my family has their share of faults. I don't have to believe we're the greatest family in the world to love them deeply, or be very grateful for them, or have no desire to be a part of any other family.



The second analogy is to religious cults. Those who have studied cults document that many believe in their exceptionalism. They convince their followers that they alone know the truth and practice the truth. This is one of the beliefs that make cults so dangerous, because it isolates their members from the outside, "inferior" world, and makes it very hard for members to view the group objectively.
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