Exceptionalism: Nationalism or Patriotism (Come to See a Big Coffee Mug, Stay for a Social Commentary)

Anybody who's study the history and causes around the Second World War, would be very familiar with the idea of nationalism. Nationalism is a state of mind in which one believes that their nation is better than any other, to the extent that they begin to adopt bigotry, racism, and general arrogance. Adolf Hitler used his overwhelming charisma to brainwash his people into following his disturbing ideologies, thus leading to what we think of today as Nazi Germany. Nationalism is also the mindset which compelled young Japanese pilots to fly their airplanes into the side of a US Battleship; a suicidal salute to the "Land of the Rising Sun". However, being proud of one countries accomplishments does not mean nationalism, in fact there is already a term for that, "patriotism". Patriotism is definitely a factor in nationalism, because patriotism (per dictionary.com) means,"Devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty." People with a nationalist mindset are absolutely patriotic, they just took it a few steps further.

In my opinion, exceptionalism (based on my research) is walking the fine line between innocent patriotism and nationalism. While exceptionalism does not necessarily entail superiority, it does suggest the idea that America is different from any other nation. This can easily be twisted into a nationalist idea that America is on a completely different level of sophistication compared to all other countries. Let's take a moment to think about whether or not nationalistic exceptionalism (or straight up exceptionalism) is warranted. True, America started off as a very unique indirect democratic nation, which emphasized personally liberty more than any other nation at the time. As history progressed this system became more popular until it became a characteristic of any western country. Post World Wars America had a stunningly modern and powerful military making it the biggest power house rivaled only by Russia. Up to that point the United States had not lost many (if any) wars, leaving a feeling of immortality; however, this was shaken up after Korea and Vietnam. Even now, we don't have the largest military, we don't have the highest GDP, and we are currently $19T in debt. Is nationalistic exceptionalism still warranted? No, not really. Is patriotic exceptionalism warranted? Absolutely. It is always healthy for the people of a country to support their country even through the lowest of low points. No matter what is going on in the white house, on the battlefield, or on the streets; I will always wave the flag of my country because I realize that while our country may be broken right now, it can always be repaired. Also the culture here in Cumming Georgia is one that I love with all my heart; one that is unique to this little corner of the United States. So be proud to be an American, just don't let it go to your head, because we don't want another Hideki Hitler Stalin III.



TL;DR- Exceptionalism + humility> Nationalism


I wanna see the world's largest coffee mug.

Oh, here it is.