There's an appeal to the American sense of exceptionalism, that we're morally superior, as way to not be self-critical. I think that's a bit dangerous.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
The notion of American exceptionalism is effective in part because there is little on the face of it that is offensive.
It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation.
I think 'The Americans' is exceptional on every level.
People say America is exceptional. I agree, but it's not the complexion of our skin or the twists in our DNA that make us unique. America is exceptional because we were founded upon the notion that everyone should be free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
It's a deft trick to turn American exceptionalism into an exceptional political tactic.
Affirming belief that America is an exceptional nation has become a test of patriotism in American politics.
American exceptionalism is grounded in the founding of the United States upon an idea, rather than upon the ambitions of men.
America is exceptional in combining standard great-power realism with extravagant idealism about the country's redemptive role in creating international order.
The willingness to be self-critical in England is much greater than the willingness to be self-critical in America.
What does the doctrine of American exceptionalism empower the United States to do? Nothing more than to act better than traditional empires - committed to looting and conquest - have done. So that's American exceptionalism: an exceptionalism based on noble ideas, ideas that it holds itself to even when it falls short of them.
No opposing quotes found.