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American Exceptionalism - how true is it?



Americans claim exceptionalism and many people say what a people full of themselves - but they have proved it over and over again in the last 75 - 80 years since the 2nd world war. Look at some incredible records set by Americans in the current Olympics - Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian ever - 26 medals, 22 of which are gold (he may win 2 more before the game is over). Phelps' record will stand for years to come, and he may return in 2020 for more medals; Simone Biles is the best (in terms of championship and medals won) gymnast (male or female) of all time - 4 times US All round gymnastic champion back-to-back, 3 times world gymnastic champion back-to-back, Olympic all round gold medalist (she has won 3 gold medals already and she will probably be the first female gymnast to win 5 gold medals if she continues at the level she is going; an American, Kim Rhode is the only person to have won a medal at six consecutive summer Olympics, she has been winning a medal since 1996 Atlanta Olympics and she just won another bronze in women's Skeet today. Americans have won a total of 2681 medals in their Olympic history. The country that is nearest to them in medal haul is former Soviet Union at 1204, that is more than double.

From another perspective, among the top best universities in the world between 11 to 14 US universities have ranked among the top 20s. They dominate the top. Most of the in the inventions that have transformed our world since after the 2nd world war have come out of US - internet, social media, space exploration, entertainment-music - they dictate the pace after the Beatles, in humanitarian donations they lead the rest of the world, in the aerospace inventions and innovation, they dominate every sphere of live. Americans have created an exceptional system that has produced exceptional results that has left the rest of the world wondering.

In spite of a horrible record of discrimination against minority, the country has created an incredible environment for its citizens to excel and provide a sense of national pride that would want an average American to want die to maintain the nation's pride. They celebrate their own and idolize (not worship) them when they excel, they are honored and rewarded, from the White house to the last person in their towns. Schools pride and identify with Americans who have distinguished themselves. They honor true success and provide incredible financial support to public and private institutions remain on top. Lots of lessons for other countries who are seeking heights like those achieved and set by Americans - Give your people a reason to be proud citizens.

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