America is certainly exceptional. There are numerous reasons why America is so exceptional from democracy to religious freedom. Many people reference America as a global melting plot. This is because so many people from so many different cultures all come to America. Why do they come to this marvelous destination? The simplest reason is that one has more freedom here than anywhere else. As noted by both Winthrop and Crevecoeur, America offers infinate opportunities for all of it's people. All of the prestigious opportunities this country offers is great but what people like most about America is the abundant ingenuity and the uncomplicated lifestyle also noted by Crevecoeur.
Monday, August 30, 2010
American Literature CLOG: Prompt for Round 1-A
American Literature CLOG: Prompt for Round 1-A: "Is America exceptional? If so, how so? If no, why not? (Try to reference Winthrop and/or Crèvecoeur in your response, please)."
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Teddy, for the most part I agree with your response and that freedom itself is a strong argument that America is exceptional. However, I believe that as time has progressed America has moved farther away from Crevcoeur and Winthrop's idea that work makes people better. If Crevcoeur were to look at our society today, he would notice an enormous dependence on cities as well as a staggering amount of poverty present in certain areas. American exceptionalism in his mind was the opportunity for the equality of wealth and dependence on farming and hard work. In my mind I would have to agree in some way with George Herbert's theory that sin will eventually follow the pure and optimistic ideas of Winthrop and Crevecoeur. I am not denying that America offers opportunity and a culmination of international cultures however I am recognizing the difference in your perception of exceptionalism to theirs.
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