In class we talked about US Exceptionalism, the "belief that the US has the moral authority to pursue it's own interests" as long as the actions are justified by pursuing "freedom or democracy." US Exceptionalism is also defined as US citizens believing that the US is better than other countries. This made me think of Toby Keith. Toby Keith had a rivalry with the Dixie Chicks after 9/11 over whether or not the War on Terror was justified. Keith argued that this war was necessary and released the song, "Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue." In the song he states (in reference to 9/11):
"Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
`Cause we`ll put a boot in your ass
It`s the American way"
This quote relates the the US Exceptionalist ideal that war is justifiable as long as it is in the pursuit of freedom. The song "Made in America" doesn't talk about war being justifiable, but it refers to the idea that the US is better than other countries (Toby Keith talks about his father paying more for products that are made in the USA). I don't mean for this blog to offend anyone, I enjoy many Toby Keith songs. However, the songs about the superiority of America seem very arrogant and parallel to US Exceptionalism. In my opinion, war is never justifiable. Also, no country is #1- each country has strengths and weaknesses. Thus, it is important to have peace and unity so we may utilize one another's strengths. Perhaps I'm wrong, but that's my belief and I would appreciate hearing other opinions!
Below are the music videos if you're interested.
US Exceptionalism
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I agree with you. I like your use of a music video/song to prove your point. Most of the videos made to demonstrate the American "lifestyle" include predominately Caucasian people which raises my eyebrow. It always confused me as a kid why the main reason people migrate to the US is because of diversity, but the US rarely celebrates that reality and instead most of its citizens are concerned with more of it instead of the lack of it in some schools, states, and communities.
I agree with you that no country is #1. I think that it is not only U.S.A that believes their country is . I think you can find that in every country in the world. However,one issue that I have with U.S exceptionalism is that the idea that U.S should help countries adopt democracy or the American version of democracy. I do not have any issues with American democracy but when it is represented as the best set of principles it is not completely true. There are different forms of government systems that have its own weaknesses and strengths. However, every country has its unique history and culture and its own form of government and there is no such as thing as the "best form of government".
These are really good examples of US Exceptionalism (and probably not what many people would think of right away).
I really dislike Keith's lyrical image of the "Statue of Liberty shaking her fist" - it actually sort of upsets me. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of America's freedom and is supposed to serve as a figure of hope to people from other nations. To interpret her as angry is rude and frustrating.
The images of Keith singing to soldiers and getting them riled up about "beating" other nations also worries me. In an already violent environment, it doesn't seem like a good idea to pump more US Exceptionalism into our troops. I 100% think that our military should be patriotic and I am grateful to them for their service, but I don't know that I agree with concerts/events that get everyone excited about 'the USA being angry and coming to kick your butt'. But then again, I don't really agree with war at all, so I may not be at license to talk about it.
When I disagree with things, I often try to look at them from the other side, in case I can somehow understand where certain viewpoints are coming from. I dislike American Exceptionalism (even though we probably all have a little bit of it, to a certain degree). Perhaps Toby Keith feels more strongly about this than others because his dad was a veteran. I'm sure that an emotional connection like this could cause someone to be more heated in US Exceptionalism than others.
Great blog!
Wow, I really love this blog! I honestly hate those songs, they are so arrogant. Especially when he says "it's the American way" is that really what we want the American way to be? Waging war and causing more fear and terror? We are a huge world power and with that comes a lot of responsibility. Instead of using our money and resources to cause more hate and violence in this world why are we not promoting a more peaceful message. And I agree 100% about war not being justified. I can honestly only think of one justifiable war in American history and that is the revolutionary war. We have this big idea that we are better than every other country and our government promotes and ingrains that idea into our heads and the heads of our youth. Constantly making statements such as "the best country on earth"... That's total bullshit. Just as you said, there is no #1 country, all have strengths and weaknesses and we all need each other in this world. Unity is key.
I'm really glad that you wrote a blog on this; I thought about these types of songs when we covered American Exceptionalism in class. I think that songs like these really make Americans seem bigheaded. I mean, what other country has songs on about how amazing their country is? It's almost embarrassing, in a way.
I completely agree with you when you say that no country is number one. It's absolutely true because no country can be number one in everything and it's absolutely absurd to try and be number one in everything. One must always give and take.
Great blog topic! Honestly before this class, I had no other perspective than what I was institutionally taught. I remember listening to this song over and over again and feeling proud to be an American. Looking back, I realize that my pride was coming from the feeling of 'serving justice' and being 'big'. Sadly, as an elementary student, I remember appreciating the idea that we would have revenge on those who killed so many of our people. My dad was a possible victim of 9-11, but thank goodness fate was in his favor. Now, rather than being proud of strength and power, I have realized that virtue and betterment of the people should be the most important aspect of our country; pride should be drawn from the execution of genuine and truly good intentions by peaceful terms.