By Pem Schaeffer

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” —Inigo Montoya, “The Princess Bride”

There are lots of words like that; they invoke an immediate connotation, while the word itself means something else entirely. This is when critical thought often goes missing in action. Consider “exceptional” as applied in “American Exceptionalism.”

I’ve always thought the root of the word is exception, as in “an exception to the rule.” No judgment as to whether the exception is good or bad, just an indication that it departs from the ordinary. Or “in your case, we’ll make an exception,” as in those streaming across our southern border being allowed to do so, without application of relevant law or health protocols imposed on citizen residents across the land. Dictionary.com confirms this, with words like “forming an exception or rare instance; unusual” for the adjective, and “uniqueness” for the noun form.

It’s apparent in most articles, and in “person on the street” interviews on TV, that the default interpretation of American Exceptionalism is that the U.S. is superior to all other countries.

In interviews of college students recently, responses tended to “I don’t think America is anything special” or “America isn’t all that great.” Actual responses were littered with “like,” which must be the prevailing substitute for “uhh...” given its repeated use. Or it derives from relentless pursuit of “likes” on social media that burns it in the mind and on the tongue. So along with gender dysphoria and other socially constructed ailments, America dysphoria is now afflicting the young.

Among other things, this mistaken interpretation of American Exceptionalism reflects a lack of critical thinking skills at the very least, especially among the young — and those in college in particular.

My understanding of American Exceptionalism came something like 20 years ago. I remember it being from Rush Limbaugh on one of his daily shows. No matter; my conviction is this: Virtually every other country has been organized on the basis of tribal uniformity and protection of borders. America, on the other hand, is unique — or exceptional — because it is founded on ideals, not tribalism.

In simple terms, I believe that American Exceptionalism is defined for all to see by these words in the Declaration of Independence:

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...

That is, America’s founding was driven by and based on strongly held ideas and ideals, not tribal uniformity. Which makes America an exception among nations of our world and therefore exceptional. Not necessarily superior, but unique among nations. Inherent in the founding ideals is that our individuality — for each of us — surpasses the group identity that dominates tribal cultures.

Victor Davis Hanson ended a recent column with this: “America is history’s aberration. Those now trying to tear it down are the same familiar suspects over the last 2,500 years, who despise consensual government and the middle classes who preserve it.”

What Are We To Do?

Here are some thoughts to kick-start things:

  • Recognize that patriotism, exceptionalism, the flag, and love of country are most of all about American founding principles and the innate goodness of its people, and least of all about the federal government.
  • The Washington Monument is a beautiful thing, but given its location and age, it has about it an inescapable linkage with government. Let’s decide here and now that we need an American Monument, located somewhere near the geographic centroid of our country, high on a knoll, where it can symbolize “a shining city upon a hill.” We should then set about surrounding it with a “city” of other buildings and suitable monuments to the founding and the framing of this great, but imperfect country. On the same site, create a second generation Mount Suribachi, perhaps showing the original founders planting America and its flag in our soil. Let other attractions and development arise around the location to become the focus and manifestation of love of America.
  • Maybe we should call the shining city Celebration, and build Heritage America Park in it. Perhaps the new Space Academy announced by President Donald Trump could be located nearby.
  • Hold multiple annual parades and fireworks celebrations at the new park with stirring concerts and other symbols of the civic pride we once shared as Americans.
  • Once and for all, face up to the paradox that if America is so flawed, so evil, and so irredeemable without tyrannical government, why is it that untold millions will sacrifice virtually everything, including the safety of their family, to make their future here?
  • Realize that we have reached the juncture where President Ronald Reagan’s quote is no longer just a curiosity but an imperative for us to rouse the sleeping dogs and the silent majority to join in the next great awakening:
    • “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

Pem Schaeffer can be reached at pemster4062@yahoo.com.