I agree with this sentiment, Diane. When it comes to differences, why not greet them with interest and curiosity instead of defensiveness? It's fascinating and illuminating learning bits of wisdom from people who are different from us.
From the bacteria in our gut to any ecosystem on a macro level, the health and survivability of its ecology hinges on its diversity. Or as someone (or many someones) once said, "It takes all kinds to make a world."
[Although I have to admit, on more than one occasion I've been compelled to ask, "Really, must it? I mean, ALL kinds..."]
Interesting comment, Ron. Someone once told me the French writer, Henri Balzac, said: "Behind every great fortune, there is a crime." If not a crime, then exploitation as Diane said.
Well done piece. I seem to recall a notion, quaint and passe' now, of "our common humanity." I guess the neoliberals carved that up into "market segments."
“All rules have been completely dissolved and that is from Israel’s initiative from 1947 till today, the systematic attack of diplomats. They seem to want to call for global sympathy, yet they are the number one cause of death of diplomats, at least in recent history.” Rules of diplomacy, by extension rules of humanity, all the same to the Israelis/Zionists, all subsumed to the eternal Zionist project. They want to see "a new, rules-free normal."
Humankind has aspired to rise above its self-inflicted massacres with the League of Nations following WWI, and the UN after WWII. The League didn't get too far, the UN maybe not that much further in terms of overall impact, though it has continued to exist since 1945, something to be said for that alone (the reasons for its impuissance are a topic for another time, but suffice it to say the America Empire and its Israel extension are behind a lot of it).
Eleanor Roosevelt spearheaded the effort to develop and get approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (inclusion of the word "universal" was purposeful) and it was unanimously adopted by the 50 member nations in December of 1948, all subsequent 70 (or so) members of the UN have signed it (Israel having done so in 1951 and ratified in 1954, the US has yet to ratify. Israel's record on human rights can be found here https://www.opengeloven.net/files/Israel%20and%20UNHR_1311.pdf, this from the entity that incessantly insists and whines about its legitimacy and "right to exist."
It's as preposterous to think as it is true, that this small in size but enormous in influence expropriated land mass in the Middle East, can plunge the western world, if not all of it, into a new Dark Age.
Yup, whether even if bribed, threatened, strong-armed, directed, or indifferent to go along for the ride, it's a damning indictment of the "human" species.
I agree wholeheartedly, Diane. We can learn from our differences. Too bad the narcissist in the white house and his administration don’t see it that way. DC is nothing but a cesspool of idea logs, sadly. Thank you for sharing this post.🙏👍☺️
This is a great post. I have gone on about religion being a thing that divides us by making some feel superior, but you captured the entire spectrum of exceptional attitudes that are really making a mess of the world.
A masterpiece and concise explanation of "Exceptionalism" in my opinion, Diane! The article should be read by so-called spiritual leaders and the clergy of all religions on this globe if they are really sincere in their devotion to a higher state of consciousness for self-development and of the human race in general.
I remember a comedy spoof on the Smothers Brothers in the very early 70's, when they did a montage of national leaders from antiquity up until then, always invoking "God is on our side" baloney, for the common people to believe. The United States, or actually the North and South American continents were founded by "exceptionalism" and various holocausts of the indigenous people by the European invaders. And now a 3rd world war seems to be brewing, with Western Capitalism and Imperialism on the precipice of massive destruction. Very scary!
As Peter, Paul and Mary sang, "when will they ever learn?"
I agree with what you are saying. I think that competition, wanting to be better than others, is a problem too. If we didn't see the need to be better than others, then racism, sexism, white supremacy etc. would not make sense to most people. Maybe we need to start by accepting ourselves for the imperfect beings that we are and accepting that others are also imperfect, probably in different ways, which is what makes diversity so important.
Imperfection, like perfection, is in the eye of the beholder, anyway. What one person finds less than perfect, another may find to be just exactly right. I am sure many people who make lots of money and spend it on big houses and cars see their lives as perfect. I don't see their lives as perfect at all.
I believe those who suffer from "Exceptionalism" are deep down very insecure people. They worry that others might find out they, too, are human and fallible. They create strife and division in the vain hope that no one notices their insecurity and humanity.
I agree with this sentiment, Diane. When it comes to differences, why not greet them with interest and curiosity instead of defensiveness? It's fascinating and illuminating learning bits of wisdom from people who are different from us.
We have so much to learn and gain from people who are different from us. Nothing is more stifling than a monoculture in any form.
From the bacteria in our gut to any ecosystem on a macro level, the health and survivability of its ecology hinges on its diversity. Or as someone (or many someones) once said, "It takes all kinds to make a world."
[Although I have to admit, on more than one occasion I've been compelled to ask, "Really, must it? I mean, ALL kinds..."]
One error. No one gets rich on their own hard work. If they are rich the got that wealth from the hard work of many others. Rich = Exploitation.
They work hard at exploitation.
👍
Interesting comment, Ron. Someone once told me the French writer, Henri Balzac, said: "Behind every great fortune, there is a crime." If not a crime, then exploitation as Diane said.
Well done piece. I seem to recall a notion, quaint and passe' now, of "our common humanity." I guess the neoliberals carved that up into "market segments."
Further indicative of the times in which we live ("merely exist" a more fitting word choice?) is this statement from a recent episode of reason2resist (https://reason2resist.substack.com/p/victim-of-washington-shooting-spread) taking a close look at the shootings in DC:
“All rules have been completely dissolved and that is from Israel’s initiative from 1947 till today, the systematic attack of diplomats. They seem to want to call for global sympathy, yet they are the number one cause of death of diplomats, at least in recent history.” Rules of diplomacy, by extension rules of humanity, all the same to the Israelis/Zionists, all subsumed to the eternal Zionist project. They want to see "a new, rules-free normal."
Humankind has aspired to rise above its self-inflicted massacres with the League of Nations following WWI, and the UN after WWII. The League didn't get too far, the UN maybe not that much further in terms of overall impact, though it has continued to exist since 1945, something to be said for that alone (the reasons for its impuissance are a topic for another time, but suffice it to say the America Empire and its Israel extension are behind a lot of it).
Eleanor Roosevelt spearheaded the effort to develop and get approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (inclusion of the word "universal" was purposeful) and it was unanimously adopted by the 50 member nations in December of 1948, all subsequent 70 (or so) members of the UN have signed it (Israel having done so in 1951 and ratified in 1954, the US has yet to ratify. Israel's record on human rights can be found here https://www.opengeloven.net/files/Israel%20and%20UNHR_1311.pdf, this from the entity that incessantly insists and whines about its legitimacy and "right to exist."
It's as preposterous to think as it is true, that this small in size but enormous in influence expropriated land mass in the Middle East, can plunge the western world, if not all of it, into a new Dark Age.
What is even more preposterous and revolting is that most of the rest of the world goes right along for the ride!
Yup, whether even if bribed, threatened, strong-armed, directed, or indifferent to go along for the ride, it's a damning indictment of the "human" species.
I agree wholeheartedly, Diane. We can learn from our differences. Too bad the narcissist in the white house and his administration don’t see it that way. DC is nothing but a cesspool of idea logs, sadly. Thank you for sharing this post.🙏👍☺️
Here's Patrick Lawrence's take on Trump: https://scheerpost.com/2025/05/29/patrick-lawrence-the-white-house-as-playpen/
Thank you for this information. I read the article and it explains a lot about Trump.
This is a great post. I have gone on about religion being a thing that divides us by making some feel superior, but you captured the entire spectrum of exceptional attitudes that are really making a mess of the world.
Thanks, Susan!
Fantastic! Brava! Yes! Let's start over! Yay! Huzzah! Hurray! Oh wait...oy, we got a lot of work to do! ;)
I love everything about this essay. xoxo
Very gratifying!
A masterpiece and concise explanation of "Exceptionalism" in my opinion, Diane! The article should be read by so-called spiritual leaders and the clergy of all religions on this globe if they are really sincere in their devotion to a higher state of consciousness for self-development and of the human race in general.
I remember a comedy spoof on the Smothers Brothers in the very early 70's, when they did a montage of national leaders from antiquity up until then, always invoking "God is on our side" baloney, for the common people to believe. The United States, or actually the North and South American continents were founded by "exceptionalism" and various holocausts of the indigenous people by the European invaders. And now a 3rd world war seems to be brewing, with Western Capitalism and Imperialism on the precipice of massive destruction. Very scary!
As Peter, Paul and Mary sang, "when will they ever learn?"
Good question, Frank!
I agree with what you are saying. I think that competition, wanting to be better than others, is a problem too. If we didn't see the need to be better than others, then racism, sexism, white supremacy etc. would not make sense to most people. Maybe we need to start by accepting ourselves for the imperfect beings that we are and accepting that others are also imperfect, probably in different ways, which is what makes diversity so important.
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with imperfection. It always gives us room for improvement.
Imperfection, like perfection, is in the eye of the beholder, anyway. What one person finds less than perfect, another may find to be just exactly right. I am sure many people who make lots of money and spend it on big houses and cars see their lives as perfect. I don't see their lives as perfect at all.
Perfection is grossly overrated.
Thanks, Susan!
I believe those who suffer from "Exceptionalism" are deep down very insecure people. They worry that others might find out they, too, are human and fallible. They create strife and division in the vain hope that no one notices their insecurity and humanity.