Mr. Illini
liberty142
Junior Chimp
Posts: 6,847
Political Matrix
E: -4.26, S: -3.30
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« on: October 18, 2020, 07:45:27 PM » |
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The argument that OP references usually completely lacks nuance. Folks on both sides refuse to acknowledge that maybe the history of such a large and powerful nation is complicated.
The way I see it, we are still an important symbol of and advocate for democratic government in the rest of the world. People living under authoritarian governments really do look to us as an example of what is possible. We are also a powerful symbol for diversity - the world's melting pot where no one person can claim what it means to be "American."
That said, we are also a symbol of colonialism and white supremacy. It is what we were founded on and that leaves a lasting impact on our society today in many ways. We also are staunchly capitalistic, which has simultaneously built a great economy while leaving us lagging far behind other developed countries in education, health, and overall quality of life.
All of these things can be true at the same time.
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