Is America The Greatest Country In The World?
Here’s an interesting (Aaron Sorkin-written) scene from the new HBO series, The Newsroom.
This little snippet is having its viral moment on the Internet (viewed 591,762 times since it was posted on YouTube on June 24th).
Sorkin has done his homework well, and in this scene he gives his response to the mania of American exceptionalism.
2 thoughts on “Is America The Greatest Country In The World?”
Partly right. The first step is to admit our short comings but let’s not wallow in it as the story in the movie ends with. Talk is cheap. Those than can need to step out of the box lead with new models that make the old obsolete for change to begin.
American exceptionalism has deep roots in American history. Puritan John Winthrop — in his 1630 sermon, “A Model of Christian Charity” — told the future Massachusetts Bay colonists that their community would be a “city on a hill” (a phrase from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount).
The idea has been a persistent theme throughout American history, driving both noble and ignoble acts.
For the most part today, those who answer every constructive criticism of America with the phrase “we are the greatest” … need to grow up.
Sorkin’s sad litany of conspicuous shortcomings is a necessary corrective that should be welcomed by all adults who are interested in improving our country by facing its flaws realistically.