America The Beautiful

Americans, throughout history, have believed that their country is blessed by God in that the American system is unique and that they are not the same as everyone else in the world. This belief is what is known as American exceptionalism. They are extraordinary and do not need to conform to standard principles. Paradoxically, Americans have long insisted that they become a model for the world because they believe that theirs is a formula that others can follow and be successful in their own individual lives. They think that the American dream provides for individual success in that one is free to express him/herself as opposed to Islamic nations where one is trained never to question faith or be too opinionated on the matter. This freedom of expression eventually leads to universalism to show American enemies that she is the most decent society in the world. The significance of this exceptionalism is that when other countries see America’s great freedom, they want the advantages available on her lands.

The reason this issue is important is that of emphasis on the freedom of expression. Islamic countries have a robust set way of life and values are imposed on every aspect of the individuals’ lives even if the person does not wholeheartedly agree. As stated by D Souza in 2012, “The subversive American idea is one of shaping your own life, of making your destiny and not by external authorities.” An American way of life is thus envied at times because there are no tribal or cultural boundaries hindering an individual from reaching self-actualization and thereby successful in his/her field of expertise. In the first section of the chapter, D’Souza explains that American exceptionalism leads to American universalism and that both have come under severe attack from the enemies of America. Some Islamic nations have gone to the extent of justifying murderous assaults against America because what her people believe in invites such attacks.

In the book titled what’s so great about America, D’Souza states that “We do not require that Islamic countries undertake America’s form of separation, which prohibits any government involvement in religion.” However, he goes ahead to state that it is indispensable that Muslim fundamentalists relinquish the use of force for Islam spreading purposes. The venture portrays the high level of freedom enjoyed in America. Similarly, in the film America Imagine the World without Her, Dinesh proclaims that America allows you to write your script. People of the land are united in fighting a common enemy, but on a typical day, you are free to practice what you preach as long as it does not harm your neighbor. The significance of the film demonstrates leftist accusations that America is built on conquest and theft.

While there are similarities in both the film and the chapter reading, the contrast is evident when the author states, “The ethic of conquest is universal. What is uniquely American is the alternative, equal rights, self-determination, and wealth creation. For instance, this informs the reader that the wealth of America is not stolen but created. When it comes to war between America and the Islamic nations, America looks to rebuild them rather than take and conceal resources. This relates to the author's argument by ensuring that the entrepreneurial message of America’s growth is passed on to later generations. America is based on the merchant ethic which places security and materialism above the values of conquest. In history, Dinesh points out that an entrepreneur was far down the ladder in the system and that even a thief acquired more admiration because of the courage required to perform the act. Conversely, in present-day America, he points out that businessmen are the pinnacle of the America dream and that the real heroes are entrepreneurs, not warriors.

In analyzing this author's claim, the reader can see that Americans are self-scrutinizing individuals. They hold themselves to a standard that is higher as compared to everyone else and even though they have done something right, they are continually examining themselves to see if they could have acted better. Also, Americans remain a united people with a standard way of life and shared values. Despite their different personalities, Americans who run into others in remote areas quickly become friends. This is mostly because they are associated with a common goal of hard work, entrepreneurship, wealth creation and strength in unity. For instance, the chapter excerpt and the film show the reader that America is one of the most united continents in the world because as they continuously work on self-development and quickly assist each other in times of difficulty. Following the terrorist attack, New York and the rest of America realized that there was a broad national unity that holds them together. A significant point the reader should know is that freedom is costly. Despite the fact that Americans are free to follow their principles, it comes with a price. By contrast, a free society is not merely more productive and more fun; it is also morally superior to the externally directed organization.

In the author's conclusion, he points out that America is reborn and produces a new kind of human being. A human being who is confident, self-reliant, tolerant and future-oriented. In America, the lives individuals make for themselves are far much more important than the life they are given. With determination, vision, and self-control, Americans can create a prosperous life for themselves while using the goodwill of the land to their advantage. Furthermore, instead of a nation united by blood, culture, and soil, America is a nation bonded together by abstract principles of commerce and comfort. This information is essential for the reader to know because conquest is portrayed as immoral and consumerism is highly advocated for America to be the greatest, freest and most decent society in existence.