The “Myth” of American Exceptionalism

I was called out in an email by a reader (this is not an attack as I respect this reader and hence why I am not revealing their identity) who asked me about my belief in American Exceptionalism and my respect for Gordon S. Wood. The reason being, Dr. Wood’s in his most recent – and by the way excellent book – Empire of Liberty, book writes on page 50, “the myth of American Exceptionalism.” Obviously there is more to it but not enough to go into it. My good friend asked why I did not finally relent that there is no such thing as “American Exceptionalism” and accept that we are no better or worse than anyone else.

First, I had to remind my good friend about the nature of my insistence of American Exceptionalism. It is not what some think it is, I want to preserve some American Myths. Gasp!, MYTHS???

Yes, myths. Second, I needed to refer him to Peter Novick’s That Noble Dream: The “Objectivity Question” and the American Historical Profession. More specifically pages 3-5 of the Introduction. As Novick observes, “My use of the term [myth], in accordance with current practice, implies nothing about the truth or falsity of what is being discussed. Rather it is a device to illuminate the important functions which “historical objectivity” has served in sustaining the professional historical venture; and since myths are by definition sacred…”

Myths in this modern context have nothing to do with being false or true, but instead they are events that were unchallenged or sacred for a period of time. This is what Dr. Wood was speaking of. His statement is not a declaration for those who wish to pile on to the Anti-American pile; you know, the cultural relativistic folks. So myths indeed can be events that are not considered untrue.

I believe that every culture is POTENTIALLY “exceptional,” of course, but I simply do not believe many equal our own accomplishments, especially when considered within our limited existence.

I think it good that we question these “myths” so long as we do not dismiss them.