As 2014 draws to a close many in our community gather to celebrate the season. That celebration may be in the form of a religious gathering or simply a party with those you love to share festive food and drink. At this time of year everyone becomes reflective because the season gives us the opportunity to look back, as well as look ahead. This year you should also take a few moments to acknowledge the present.
Our nation is far from perfect but I understand how lucky each one of us is to be a participant in the grand experiment called America. Our country is qualitatively different from other nation states due to the threads that create the fabric of America; liberty, equality and respect for the individual. Basically, what constitutes the concept of American exceptionalism.
At the heart of America is the concept of liberty or free will; an ability to make choices about your life unimpeded by your government. This fundamental right has been tested in numerous situations throughout our nation’s history, yet in each challenge the arch of history has bent toward justice. Our ability to pursue the life we want; whether that liberty is to marry someone of a different race, of the same sex, or to protest against those that do either.
Liberty is the essential concept that sets America apart from so many countries. Other countries believe in the concept of liberty but it is much easier to implement in countries with low ethnic and religious diversity than the United States. The United States has one of the most diverse populations of any developed country, let alone world power.
President Obama encapsulated this sentiment perfectly in a speech he gave to the American people Nov. 20:
“Scripture tells us that we shall not oppress a stranger, for we know the heart of a stranger – we were strangers once, too. My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too.”
Our nation’s ability to allow and foster a cacophony of voices about any issue is truly unique. American exceptionalism.
Another great American core value is equality, a fundamental right you are guaranteed as a citizen of the United States. We all know that equality is the destination of the American journey and that the road so far has had many potholes. Many have been denied rights given other citizens; women, African Americans and the LGBT community. Temporary stains on the American fabric.
Americans steadfast belief in the concept of equality, and our political freedom, allow us to protest, to cajole our elected representatives, to change our government to ensure that it lives up to its creed; “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” Over time that statement has been expanded to include women, minorities and now the LGBT community. One might ask why the inequality existed in the first place. While a just question, the more important point is that America has a system that allows it to heal itself which works quite successfully. We have healed many of the wounds around race, gender and sexual orientation in America. There is still much to do, as has been evidenced by recent events in Ferguson and New York, but we as Americans inherently believe we will get to the promised land of true equality for all our citizens. American exceptionalism.
Along with liberty and equality, individuality is one of the strongest threads in the fabric of America. Your right to individuality trumps that of societal norms and the government. Whether it is a libertarian saying keep the government out of your bedroom or a Republican saying keep the government out of your pocket, each is supporting the concept of individual rights. Individualism is a major component of the LGBT civil rights movement. Society can argue whether being LGBT is biological, environmental or a choice, but in the end it does not matter because your individuality takes precedence over what society and the government may think.
When laws are passed, or ideas are put forth, that challenge liberty, equality or individuality, they usually die. The death may be long and slow, think slavery or women’s rights, but in the end America usually gets it right. So when you gather with those you love this season, no matter what political stripe, ethnicity or gender, take a moment to raise your glass and toast how lucky we are to be Americans. After all, isn’t it completely by chance?
With all of our nation’s warts, problems and issues, the vast majority of the world would change places with us in a heartbeat. No other nation can make that claim except America. American exceptionalism. Happy Holidays.
STAMPP CORBIN
PUBLISHER
San Diego LGBT Weekly
