The Case for American Exceptionalism

Not to sound like a professional lecturer, but I'm proud to be an American. 

Just so you'd know. 

Are we a perfect people?

Of course not, but what we stand for is what unites us. 

I don't need some damn symbol of a flag, apple pie, baseball, or some French lady holding a torch welcoming the tired masses to know what I am honored to be...

Notice I didn't use the word blessed.

I'm black - and the last time I was pulled over by the cops, I was quickly reminded of said fact.

I know my way out of your lily-white town, sir, you don't have to follow me with guns drawn out at me and my little old car all the way to the city limits sign.

I understand that I'm not welcome, so I shall put deuces to this place, a reminder of Mayberry. 

I'm proud of my heritage:

The one of the struggle, the one that indicates that there is so much more work to do, the one that pushes me to think that I'm a part of the shining beacon on the hill, and yes, even that others are envious of my lot.  

I don't know what for. 

Having to spend my life shattering your stereotypes of African-American males is tiresome; we're not all pant-sagging thugs who can run, jump, shoot, and want to impregnate Becky or Mary Ellen.

Neither of them are my type.

What frustrates me when I see the words "American exceptionalism" is the aforementioned Rockwellian images that a few people tend to run with.

You make me feel like a bastard stepchild in my own family.

Am I supposed to fight your wars and kowtow to the symbols when I'm the last hired, first fired?

Enamored of what others worldwide see on TV when I can barely keep the water on and feed my child?

Are you kidding me?

However, I live in a place where the rest of the world looks upon us as a role model for its own people, if you haven't referenced other nations' constitutions and their desire for a democracy.

This also should explain why so many international students attend OUR universities, McDonald's is in over one hundred countries, and when their leaders get in trouble, we are the first to be called upon. 

Not last, THE FIRST.

So you think I'm not beating my chest? Watch the Summer Olympics during any Leap Year.

USA! USA! USA!

Where else can I freely choose my next President without having my entire family massacred for not supporting the government's choice?

Only in America!

In the end, we are exceptional not because of where we were born, but because of what our common ideas bring to an infinite number and having the right to disagree. 

Toldja America is an exceptional place, and I'm proud to be an American. 

Remember...the things we make, make us.

Innovation is in our bloodline, as are initiative and a certain strong ethic to be greater than the sum of our parts. 

I'm proud to be American, and that is what makes me exceptional.