Exceptionalism: Native Americans in the United States and Pew Research Center Essay

The idea of American exceptionalism is non a fresh one. Thomas Jefferson spoke of civilizing the Indians many a(prenominal) believed they were savages. Surely the Native Americans thought the purity newcomers were the savages. The white men forced the Natives off of the new land and proceeded to gain them. The United States continues this tradition today, going into countries where we ar not welcome, and trying to win everyplace them, make them more like us. What I can gather from interpret Wilfred McClays, The Founding Fathers, is that he believes America is what is because of our past.From the time the Europeans came to America to settle, we have believed we atomic number 18 superior. Mr. McClay states that we need to stay connected to past and learn from those who discovered our slap-up Nation (McClay 2006). Following his writing was not easy, it did not seem rather clear. It seems as though he thumbs Americans place themselves on a pedestal, tho that is why our count ry is so great. Americans justify their actions by making our knowledge stories we teach people what we want them to know, not what truly happened. Howard Zinn does not feel Americans should insist on exceptionalism (Zinn 2005).The United States does not have the right to publicize its beliefs on the other nations of the world. He discusses the issues of American Superiority in his article, The index finger and Glory. According to Mr. Zinn, there is a growing trend among Americans who refuse to let that we are a superior people. A 2011 Gallup Poll confirms this statement. In 2002 more or less 60% of Americans believed our culture was superior to others (Pew query Center 2011). In 2011 lean dropped to 49% (Pew Research Center). I agree with Howard Zinn in that Americans are not exceptional, we are from other people, just as each individual is different.Although many believe we are better because we have so much freedom, and we are the land of opportunity, we are not. We have h omeless people, our politicians are corrupt, and children go to get laid hungry. The United States bullys other countries for our birth self-interest. Decisions are make to take control of other countries. What other military has bases all over the planet? The United States needs to take care of its own people, and past it will be exceptional. I have been to other countries, and in my eyes, they seem to be doing it right, but I am sure they have their own issues as well. Bibliography McClay, Wilfred M. 2006. The Founding Nations. First Things. March 2006.Accessed January 24, 2015. http//www. firstthings. com/article/2006/03/the-founding-of- nations Pew Research Center. 2011. The American-Western European Gap. Pew Research Center. November 17, 2011. Accessed January 29, 2015. www. pewglobal .org/2011/11/17/the-american-western-european-values-gap/ Zinn, Howard. 2005. The Power and the Glory. capital of Massachusetts Review. June 1,2005. Accessed January 25, 2015. http//bostonrevie w. net/zinn-power-glory.