Are the world's lesser nations jealous of American exceptionalism?

Question

Why don't they do something about their own situation instead of complaining about how great America is? No one told them to embrace inferior systems of government and economics, that was entirely their own fault.

It's not like there's any huge secret about how we do it. The recipe is there for anyone to see: It's called the US Constitution.
http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution.html

American exceptionalism has been historically referred to as the perception that the United States differs qualitatively from other developed nations, because of its unique origins, national credo, historical evolution, and distinctive political and religious institutions...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_exceptionalism

Answer 1

They're stubborn.

That's all there is to it.

We do things a certain way and consistently achieve better results.

They do things a different way and consistently achieve worse results.

Yet they insist that we're the ones doing it all wrong....

Answer 2

I happened to like flag-waving and you are partially right about the jealousy. However, it is the people who do know better. There are some other countries who's people just were not capable of having their freedoms with government.

More than that is the fact the those particular governments think more of themselves and put the needs of their people on the back burner. So, in short, I think this is why people desire to be here. Our government is of, by and for the people. Many others governments for just for themselves with whatever is left over going to their population. That is really sad.

Answer 3

America is no longer about being exceptional, it's about being exploited. Both parties are a mess and everyone who is serious about their politics and their country knows our two party system is broken. Our school system is steadily declining. Our jobs are being outsourced. Our borders and ports are total jokes of security. We are in a situation in Iraq where most reasonable people agree at this point we are stuck there and the only way out is to leave. The Vice President may be involved in leaking a CIA agent's name to the press through his chief of staff. New Orleans still a mess and corporate America hauling in record profits while we pay out the ying yang for gasoline. We also give them millions in tax breaks every year. I do not consider America exceptional, after over fifty years in my country, I consider it sad when I look around America. I have lived long enough to watch the steady decline of our spirit and the change in our direction after the assassination of President Kennedy. President Nixon was the other big factor in our decline. The damage he did in dishonoring the Office of the President and being in my opinion solely responsible for Americans not trusting their government, and it's only continuing to decline. We are being dumbed down and outsourced to third world status.

Answer 4

Wow, some hostile respondents here. Let's make one thing perfectly clear - THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH FLAG WAVING.
OK, having estabished that, I do believe there is a certain amount of jealousy. It should not be that way but that is the way it is. And, you are correct that the Constitution contains the formula. It worked in 1776 and it works today. It has withstood the test of time.
For those who try to make themselves seem important by bashing America, just name one other country where you personally would rather live and, at the same time, enjoy freedoms like you have in the US.

Answer 5

No, there is no such thing as American exceptionalism. There is American imperialism, but the American people will shut that down in the next few years.

Answer 6

Very jealous. Many also feel embarrassed that we had to save their butts in 2 world wars.

Answer 7

'lesser nations'....typical American ignorance.

Answer 8

Do you ever wonder why some people in other countries believe that we think our feces doesn't smell?