Should Americans Believe in a Unique American Mission?

Should Americans Believe in a Unique American “Mission?”

1. Wilfred McClay and Howard Zinn hold differing perspectives on beholding the American mission as exceptional. What is the argument that each author is making and how do they justify/support their argument? Use your own words and move beyond the issue summary when reiterating each viewpoint.

2. What is a myth? Are myths necessary to sustain community life and interconnectedness among diverse groups in society? Define myth and then argue both sides of the issue by pointing to the potential pros and cons of social myths. Make sure to use concrete empirical examples of contemporary American social myths.

3. Many conflicts throughout history have been fueled by the notion, “God is on our side!” What is the power behind such a claim and do you think that this type of religious exceptionalism “fosters” social cohesion within a society? Is this “myth” justifiable in the age of fighting “global injustice?” Is this “myth” conducive to fighting global terrorism? Discuss at length and provide concrete empirical examples whenever possible.

4. What constituted the myth of “Manifest Destiny?” How did this myth mobilize people into action and what actions were undertaken in the name of “civilizing” the less civilized, among them Native Americans? Did the gains to America at that time legitimize what was done to Native Americans in the process? What does McClay say on this topic? What is your perspective? Why?

5. McClay describes America as a country advancing the values of universalism, idealism, and zealous crusading. What do these ideals represent? Are these ideals advanced in U.S. foreign policy today? Domestic policy? Try to be specific. Now imagine a United States of America without these ideals. Would you still want to live in the U.S.? Would you still hold pride in “being” American? Explain.

6. The construction of an American identity is reinforced in myths and legends. In the absence of modern forms of communication, artists often act as storytellers and reinforcers of American identity. McClay cites the Apotheosis of George Washington as a symbol of American democracy. What other symbols of democracy can you identify in your everyday life (the internet, public places, market places etc.) that seemingly reinforce your identity of “being” American. Do you think that the dominant American identity construction needs revisioning or does it serve us perfectly in this age of globalization? Why or why not? Explain.

7. According to Howard Zinn, fighting wars are intricately tied to the dangerous myth of a unique American mission. What will it take to end wars—according to Zinn—and do you agree or disagree with him? Why? Explain.

8. Although McClay believes that “there are myths aplenty that richly deserve to be punctured,” do you agree with McClay’s conclusion that there is little value in debunking the past?

9. What is Howard Zinn’s perspective on George W. Bush’s national security strategy? Is it in the interest of America to exempt itself from legal and moral standards accepted by other nations (countries) in the world? Why or why not?

10. Why does McClay say that it is “pointless to ask whether Lincoln’s vision of the Union reflects an objective reality”? Do you concur? Why or why not?

11. Offer two arguments in support of or against the statement, “American exceptionalism is a dangerous notion.” Support your answer with evidence from the selections by McClay and Zinn.

12. How might McClay and Zinn view the United States’ policy against “states that support” terrorists (as opposed to just terrorists themselves)? Is this a worthwhile distinction? Discuss.

13. Upon having critically reviewed both sides of the argument on the myth of “American exceptionalism,” which author was more persuasive in his argument? Why?