0

American exceptionalism (REBT style)

Posted by Rex Alexander on Tue 18 Jun 24 in General Semantics, overgeneralization, People Rating, Rating |
5
(2)

greatest

On another thread, we have been discussing America being the greatest country in the world, that is so called “American Exceptionalism.” To which I sez: Our language completely screws up our attempts to communicate, and English is not exceptional in that regard. You call something (or someone) the “greatest” and the implication is that

1. It is 100% great
2. It has always been and always will be 100% great
3. Every single aspect of it is great, which means
4. If you criticize one thing about it you are criticizing all things about it.
I have lived and worked in five Asian countries and visited more, and I am here to tell you that in many ways America is FAR from being the greatest. Whie, for example, America may exceptional in many aspects of University education and our universities are envied the world-over, our K-12 education is a disgrace and ranks among the lowest of any developed society.

[easyazon_infoblock align=”none” identifier=”1609185048″ key=”image” locale=”US” tag=”assets9000-20″]
These broad generalities, such as “greatest” are really toxic. They skew communication and cause us to see reality through foggy lenses and especially to unnecessarily, inappropriately inflame ourselves emotionally.

Loading

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 2

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Originally posted 2016-06-17 05:30:58.

Follow me
Please share the love . . .

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Join discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2018-2024 All rights reserved.
This site is using the Desk Mess Mirrored Child Child-Theme, v2.2.4.1.1500210207, on top of
the Parent-Theme Desk Mess Mirrored, v2.5, from BuyNowShop.com

Never miss a post!

Don't let this happen you you!
Get FREE weekly Newsletter Digest of New Posts

We respect your privacy.