The Best Country in the Universe

[SalixIncendium]

Or so I was told at a demolition derby I treated myself to last night at the county fair. I know I'll probably take some heat from some of our US members over this, but...

For whatever reason, I took exception to a comment by the MC, who announced after the national anthem, "We are the best country in the UNIVERSE!!" to which the grandstands went wild. While they cheered, I couldn't help but think, "I'm not even sure we're the best country in North America right now."

I suppose I understand national pride thing to an extent, when it comes to cultural things, but I find it a bit arrogant to say "we're #1."

Maybe other countries wouldn't dislike the US so much if we actually took a look at ourselves and realized we have some opportunity for improvement?

What say you?

 

[Alien826]

It's called "American Exceptionalism". The only thing I'd agree with is that (some) Americans are exceptionally conceited.

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

What say you?

Events like demolition derbies are prone to have people who support nationalism. So it doesn't really surprise me about your experience.

Maybe other countries wouldn't dislike the US so much if we actually took a look at ourselves and realized we have some opportunity for improvement?

Depends on whether other countries care much about what's said at demolition derbies, I guess.

That being said, I see your point.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Depends on whether other countries care much about what's said at demolition derbies, I guess.

This certainly wasn't the first time I heard it suggested at a group function that the US is the best nation in the world, so I'm confident that the idea isn't exclusive to demo derbies.

 

[RestlessSoul]

Was this guy there?

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

This certainly wasn't the first time I heard it suggested at a group function that the US is the best nation in the world, so I'm confident that the idea isn't exclusive to demo derbies.

Still, I feel I can just about make a point that if you keep hearing this at group functions, that maybe, just maybe, you might be spending time at some of the wrong group functions. IMO.

 

[RestlessSoul]

.

 

[Secret Chief]

Or so I was told at a demolition derby I treated myself to last night at the county fair. I know I'll probably take some heat from some of our US members over this, but...

For whatever reason, I took exception to a comment by the MC, who announced after the national anthem, "We are the best country in the UNIVERSE!!" to which the grandstands went wild. While they cheered, I couldn't help but think, "I'm not even sure we're the best country in North America right now."

I suppose I understand national pride thing to an extent, when it comes to cultural things, but I find it a bit arrogant to say "we're #1."

Maybe other countries wouldn't dislike the US so much if we actually took a look at ourselves and realized we have some opportunity for improvement?

What say you?

Yeah the disliking might reduce. A bit.

 

[Alien826]

Still, I feel I can just about make a point that if you keep hearing this at group functions, that maybe, just maybe, you might be spending time at some of the wrong group functions. IMO.

Actually I hear this a lot in all kinds of circumstances, particularly political speeches. (Thinks: Maybe I should avoid those).

 

[Stevicus]

Or so I was told at a demolition derby I treated myself to last night at the county fair. I know I'll probably take some heat from some of our US members over this, but...

For whatever reason, I took exception to a comment by the MC, who announced after the national anthem, "We are the best country in the UNIVERSE!!" to which the grandstands went wild. While they cheered, I couldn't help but think, "I'm not even sure we're the best country in North America right now."

I suppose I understand national pride thing to an extent, when it comes to cultural things, but I find it a bit arrogant to say "we're #1."

Maybe other countries wouldn't dislike the US so much if we actually took a look at ourselves and realized we have some opportunity for improvement?

What say you?

Many of us have been raised with such notions for generations now. "America is the greatest country on earth!" We're the "shining city on the hill," the "leader of the free world." We "made the world safe for democracy."

 

[Estro Felino]

I will never understand the desire to be the best...

In my humble opinion the US is a great nation because of its great people; this what makes it a beacon, a model of civilization. The people setting an example.
But people are not the same thing as the élites.

It's a thing I experience in Europe too. I love the British, the French, the Spanish, the Germans, the Polish, the Ukrainians, everyone...
but I feel distrust towards the European élites. Who are not the same thing as European commoners.
Maybe because the French Revolution is carved into our DNA so we make this distinction, a priori.

So...I really can't understand why Americans may fail to realize that what makes America the best is the commoners.
Whereas some élites may hinder equality and justice.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Chauvinism is ignorant, arrogant, and often dangerous.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Ironically, this comment was made immediately after a demolition derby he attended where his team kept using the front end of the car to attack. @Snow White

 

[ChristineM]

@SalixIncendium

Apart from the message in the OP i hope you enjoyed your evening.

Regarding the OP, i rather like this Newsroom sketch from 2012.
It's 5 minutes so make a coffee before you watch.

 

[YmirGF]

How terribly sad that so many Americans no longer believe in themselves.

 

[Secret Chief]

Many of us have been raised with such notions for generations now. "America is the greatest country on earth!" We're the "shining city on the hill," the "leader of the free world." We "made the world safe for democracy."

View attachment 81640

So sad. And especially for such a wealthy country (wealthy for some).

 

[SalixIncendium]

How terribly sad that so many Americans no longer believe in themselves.

How does believing in oneself equate to believing your country is #1?

 

[YmirGF]

How does believing in oneself equate to believing your country is #1?

Not going to get into it. This is dreary thinking.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Not going to get into it. This is dreary thinking.

I wasn't the one who brought it up, but it's your prerogative.

 

[Windwalker]

How terribly sad that so many Americans no longer believe in themselves.

There is a difference between believing in ourselves in the sense of what comes through overcompensating chest thumpings seeking to feel good about oneself, and the true power that comes through a grateful humility. There is a hair's breadth line between the ego seeking recognition, and a true power to do good in the world on the other side of the ego.