Schooling Generations in American Exceptionalism

[Apocalipstic]

Loving this thread!

I sometimes wonder if WWII was our last shining moment as a Nation. Jake, your trip sounds amazing! How wonderful to get to see the good side of what the US has done.

UofM, yes, I think teaching exceptional ism, or Nationalism leads to problems. Even on a small scale, thinking one is better than other people is disastrous.

I agree 100% about W. *rant*

When we go back and look at Manifest Destiny, where we are today is no surprise. Though I keep wishing we would somehow be better than that.

I wonder if it is in our nature as humans to be Nationalistic?

[PearlsNLace]

How is this different than nationalism, or ethnocentrism? Is it just a term that is to be more precise? A new spin?

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by PearlsNLace

How is this different than nationalism, or ethnocentrism? Is it just a term that is to be more precise? A new spin?

PeralsNLace, Nationalism is when you involve your identity with that of a nation/state, and it emphasizes collective identity.

Ethnocentrism, is the belief that one's ethnic group is centrally important, while at the same time judging other groups.

Exceptionalism, as it relates to this article, is specific to the US, where its citizens believe they occupy a special place in the world. It also refers showing outstanding achievements or displaying superior intelligence, character, strength and extraordinary talent. I see it as a lethal combination of the aforementioned with an added twist.

Perhaps yes, it can be viewed as a new spin. Thanks for adding your comments to the thread.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

PeralsNLace, Nationalism is when you involve your identity with that of a nation/state, and it emphasizes collective identity.

Ethnocentrism, is the belief that one's ethnic group is centrally important, while at the same time judging other groups.

Exceptionalism, as it relates to this article, is specific to the US, where its citizens believe they occupy a special place in the world. It also refers showing outstanding achievements or displaying superior intelligence, character, strength and extraordinary talent. I see it as a lethal combination of the aforementioned with an added twist.

Perhaps yes, it can be viewed as a new spin. Thanks for adding your comments to the thread.

I do think it is important that we remember we are not the only country who pushes for their own exceptionalism though. We are not exceptionally different in preaching being exceptional.....definitely obnoxious though.

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I do think it is important that we remember we are not the only country who pushes for their own exceptionalism though. We are not exceptionally different in preaching being exceptional.....definitely obnoxious though.

I understand, but I would like to know how many countries have it spelled out in their school curriculum. I for one was not taught that for the few years I went to school here. Maybe it is something worth looking into.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

I understand, but I would like to know how many countries have it spelled out in their school curriculum. I for one was not taught that for the few years I went to school here. Maybe it is something worth looking into.

Very interesting. I see now what you are saying. Yes we have a history of Nationalism, but is it taught per se in curriculum?

I know before & during WWII Germany and Japan did and we know how that went. And yes, I think the Soviet Union and China...

I keep wishing the US was more progressive.

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

Very interesting. I see now what you are saying. Yes we have a history of Nationalism, but is it taught per se in curriculum?

I know before & during WWII Germany and Japan did and we know how that went. And yes, I think the Soviet Union and China...

I keep wishing the US was more progressive.

Exactly!, and this is the part that strikes a chord with me. And let's not forget Cuba.

So how can we as a nation denounce those countries that are doing what Texas is trying to do? Are Conservatives so blind not to see this?

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by PearlsNLace

How is this different than nationalism, or ethnocentrism? Is it just a term that is to be more precise? A new spin?

Great point! I think it has similar results, but in my mind Nationalism would be all US citizens for example pledging allegiance to being exceptional (I find the pledge creepy) rather than an individual Ethnic group feeling superior.

Each is divisive and dangerous in its own way! Agreed!

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

Loving this thread!

I sometimes wonder if WWII was our last shining moment as a Nation. Jake, your trip sounds amazing! How wonderful to get to see the good side of what the US has done.

UofM, yes, I think teaching exceptional ism, or Nationalism leads to problems. Even on a small scale, thinking one is better than other people is disastrous.

I agree 100% about W. *rant*

When we go back and look at Manifest Destiny, where we are today is no surprise. Though I keep wishing we would somehow be better than that.

I wonder if it is in our nature as humans to be Nationalistic?

Thank you Apocalipstic, I believe that WWII was probably the Us's last shining moment, sadly.

As to if it is our nature to be Nationalistic? I think you may be on to something. From the very get go we are taught to stay with our "group, "circle", "Posse", "family", and so on., so it is no wonder this is how we turn out.

What makes what the State of Texas is trying to do dangerous, in my view, is to teach children, most of whom have very little parental intervention, that they are better, superior, than other children in the world simply because they are US citizens.

How is this conducive to world peace and better understanding and relations with your neighbors? Aren't we all in the same group, as human beings?

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

Thank you Apocalipstic, I believe that WWII was probably the Us's last shining moment, sadly.

As to if it is our nature to be Nationalistic? I think you may be on to something. From the very get go we are taught to stay with our "group, "circle", "Posse", "family", and so on., so it is no wonder this is how we turn out.

What makes what the State of Texas is trying to do dangerous, in my view, is to teach children, most of whom have very little parental intervention, that they are better, superior, than other children in the world simply because they are US citizens.

How is this conducive to world peace and better understanding and relations with your neighbors? Aren't we all in the same group, as human beings?

I think it is very dangerous, but I don't think it is that different from what is already being taught.

Does that make sense?

I completely agree with you and dream of a day when at least something taught in US is actually true and good.

I know I am still pretty bitter about the pack of lies I was taught.

[Hack]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

Loving this thread!

I sometimes wonder if WWII was our last shining moment as a Nation. Jake, your trip sounds amazing! How wonderful to get to see the good side of what the US has done.

It was. Thank you.

*wistful little grin*