Only in America

One of the more annoying aspects of being a citizen of the USA is the ever-present sense of American Exceptionalism; that we are somehow “better” than anyone or anywhere else. It is an attitude of jingoism and braggadocio that contends that we are so good that we cannot learn anything from others and equally off-putting, that others must emulate us. Let’s face it, having someone constantly tell you how great they are and how much you should be like them is really fucking irritating. This goes double when George Fucking Bush blunders about, merrily shooting the bird to friend and foe alike, further promulgating this “America the Arrogant” image.

That said, the fact that this nation stands poised to elect as President a self-made black man from a broken home speaks volumes as to just how exceptional the American system truly is. Think about that for a moment. Barack Obama is a man to which nothing was given. His success is by and large a product of his own hard work, determination, ability and ambition. But those qualities are rarely enough to allow one to flourish elsewhere as he has here. In much of the world, race, class, religion, clan, etc. represent an insurmountable obstacle to those that aspire to something beyond their immediate circumstance and while the American system is by no means unique, it has few peers in that regard.

Yes, our system has its problems. Race, class, et al. make the path to success here more difficult than it need be but really, I cannot think of another place I would rather make a go of it. We may not be perfect but by God, we strive to be better, fairer, more decent and tomorrow, we will make the unlikeliest of candidates the most powerful man on the planet. Perhaps nothing more could draw a better illustration of what is achievable in this place and in our time.