Perception of American Exceptionalism Essay -- US Politics Identity

Americans through the years of existence have adapted well to the radical changes throughout the world. Technology, independence and social equality are some of the diverse concepts the United States have adapted to and developed in order to become a more unified country. Our nation believes that it is exceptional when it comes to other countries worldwide. As can be shown through the popular reference to America as the ‘shining city on a hill’. The term â€Å"American exceptionalism† is derived from ideals held by many Americans throughout history. Different people have analyzed American exceptionalism through multiple literary devices. Works such as A Model of Christian Charity, What is an American and Acres of Diamonds illustrate the sentiment that America is incomparable to any other country through different approaches. On the contrary, Democracy in America and How the Other Half Lives are two documents that argue against this theory through harsh yet meani ngful remarks. Since the time of European settlement, Americans have seen themselves as the epitome of the perfect civilization. The works of Winthrop, Crevecoeur and Conwell can support this concept. John Winthrop emphasizes the importance of America maintaining moral values because of their standing as this perfect society in his piece, A Model of Christian Charity, â€Å"For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us† (Winthrop, 20). The belief that Americans are so important that everyone else is analyzing their actions supports the idea of American exceptionalism. By stressing the connection of morality to this high standing, Winthrop indicates that exceptionalism is conditional. In order for America to keep its place on the... ... of the outstanding country. As for other authors, the thought of America classifying itself as exceptional is shameful by the way the country actually functions. These different people have analyzed American exceptionalism through multiple literary devices all through history. Works Cited Winthrop, John. "A Model of Christian Charity." Five Hundred Years. Casper and Daviess. 1630. Crevecoeur, Hector St. John de. "What is an American." Five Hundred Years. Casper and Daviess. 1782. Conwell, Russell H.. "Acres of Diamonds." Five Hundred Years. Casper and Daviess. 1862. Tocqueville, Alexis de. "Democracy in America." Five Hundred Years. Casper and Daviess. 1835. Riis, Jacob. "How the Other Half Lives." Five Hundred Years. Casper and Daviess. 1890. Ferguson, Andrew. "Are Americans Closet Statists?." Weekly Standard, 09 Aug 2010. Web. 7 Dec 2010.