Saturday, May 4, 2019

American Exceptionalism & American Innocence: A People's History Of Fake News ― From The Revolutionary War To The War On Terror By Roberto Sirvent & Danny Haiphong


𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 & 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗔 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗢𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗴

“American Exceptionalism & American Innocence” by Roberto Sirvent and Danny Haiphong critically examines the narratives that have shaped the United States' self-perception and the global perception of the country. Here are the top 11 most important points and lessons from the book:

~ 1. The Myth of American Exceptionalism:
Sirvent and Haiphong dissect the deeply ingrained belief that the United States is inherently superior to other nations. They argue that this myth has been used to justify numerous injustices, both domestically and internationally. The idea of exceptionalism has perpetuated a sense of moral and cultural superiority that ignores the country's history of exploitation and violence.

~ 2. Historical Context Of Fake News:
The book traces the origins of fake news in America back to the Revolutionary War, illustrating how misinformation has been a tool of power throughout the nation's history. This historical perspective challenges the notion that fake news is a recent phenomenon, instead showing it as a longstanding strategy for manipulating public opinion and maintaining control. 

~ 3. Innocence As A Shield:
American innocence is depicted as a psychological shield that protects the national conscience from acknowledging wrongdoing. By portraying itself as innocent, the U.S. deflects criticism and avoids accountability for actions that have caused harm globally. This innocence narrative is crucial in maintaining public support for controversial policies and interventions.

~ 4. Racial & Economic Exploitation:
Sirvent and Haiphong emphasize how the myths of exceptionalism and innocence have been used to justify racial and economic exploitation. They discuss the treatment of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, and immigrants, highlighting how these groups have been systematically oppressed to uphold the economic and social order benefiting the white elite.

~ 5. Media As A Propaganda Tool:
The authors argue that mainstream media in the U.S. often acts as a propaganda tool, reinforcing dominant narratives and marginalizing dissenting voices. They explore how media has historically supported war efforts, neoliberal policies, and the suppression of progressive movements by promoting a biased version of reality. 

𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 & 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 :- https://amzn.to/3ynOGrI

~ 6. Militarism & Imperialism:
The book critiques U.S. foreign policy, describing it as imperialistic and driven by economic interests rather than the promotion of democracy and human rights. Sirvent and Haiphong provide examples from the Cold War to the War on Terror, showing how military interventions have often led to destabilization and suffering in the targeted regions.

~ 7. Economic Inequality:
Economic inequality is another major theme, with the authors examining how the narrative of the American Dream obscures the reality of economic disparity. They argue that the myth of meritocracy perpetuates a system where the wealthy have disproportionate power and the poor are blamed for their circumstances.

~ 8. Criminal Justice System:
The book highlights the injustices within the American criminal justice system, particularly its impact on marginalized communities. Sirvent and Haiphong argue that the system is designed to control and disenfranchise rather than rehabilitate, perpetuating cycles of poverty and incarceration.

~ 9. Climate Change & Environmental Degradation:
The authors also address the U.S. role in climate change and environmental degradation, criticizing how American exceptionalism has led to environmental policies that prioritize economic growth over sustainability. They call for a reevaluation of these policies to address the global environmental crisis.

~ 10. Resistance & Activism:
Despite the bleak critique, Sirvent and Haiphong also highlight the importance of resistance and activism. They celebrate movements and individuals who have challenged the dominant narratives and fought for justice, emphasizing that change is possible through collective action.

~ 11. Reimagining American Identity:
The final point is a call to reimagine American identity in a way that acknowledges historical wrongs and embraces a more inclusive and just future. The authors argue that dismantling the myths of exceptionalism and innocence is essential for building a society that values truth, equity, and global solidarity.

~ Conclusion
“American Exceptionalism & American Innocence" offers a compelling critique of the narratives that have shaped American identity and policy. By examining the myths of exceptionalism and innocence, Sirvent and Haiphong provide a framework for understanding the country's history and its impact on both domestic and international affairs. The book encourages readers to critically engage with these narratives and work towards a more just and equitable world. 

𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 & 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 :- https://amzn.to/3ynOGrI

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 :- https://amzn.to/4bLMWWN

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