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THE AMERICANS
WHO ARE THEY, AND HOW DID THEY GET THIS WAY?
By Gene Griessman ©2003
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American Chauvinism
By Gene Griessman ©2002Let us above all be on guard against blind chauvinism of any kind. Albert Einstein
Chauvinism is patriotism in overdrive. We get the word from Nicolas Chauvin, a French soldier who was passionately devoted to Napoleon. Basically chauvinism is extreme devotion to, and glorification of, one’s own nation or group. Today, the word is usually used in a derogatory manner, as in “chauvinist pig.”
I have often heard Canadians make disparaging remarks about their own country. In fact, it has been alleged that Canada’s national bird is the grouse. Robert Fulford has written, “My generation of Canadians grew up believing that, if we were very good or very smart, or both, we should some day graduate from Canada.”
Americans do not think this way at all. At least, not many Americans do. Most Americans believe they already live in the country where they want to be.
If you are French or British or Russian or Chinese, in fact, if you are anybody else, you may be surprised to hear that a great many Americans feel superior to you. Many non-Americans feel that it is just the opposite. They believe that their cultures are older, deeper, and more sophisticated. It is well known that for centuries the British and French have looked upon Americans as inferior. In the 18th century Edmund Burke spoke of America as a place of “strange men and uncouth manners.” The view expressed by Burke has not changed all that much in 300 years. And Americans sense it.
George W. Bush has upset a lot of people around the world because of his ill-concealed arrogance toward other societies. Bush fits the pattern of cultural insulation that lends itself to chauvinism and national arrogance. He did not travel extensively outside the United States prior to his inauguration, and he has revealed little intellectual curiosity in understanding other cultures.
Americans feel that they had to rescue England and France, not once, but twice during the 20th century. Many Americans think that if the British and the French are so goshalmighty great, why couldn't they save themselves?
Americans feel superior to Russians. They regarded Russians as very dangerous prior to the collapse of the Soviet Empire, and they are still wary, fearing that the bear might return to its old ways. But they think of Russia as backward, not very free, and poor. Little do they know that Russians regard Americans as crass money-grabbers who are basically ignorant of history, poetry, and great music.
Many Americans are surprised to learn that the Chinese are deeply chauvinistic, and that they regard Westerners, and Americans in particular, as barbarians. How could the Chinese be superior, Americans think, when millions of Chinese work for $2 a day and live in abject poverty?
Americans are ambivalent when they consider specific places, and not people or cultures. Americans who have traveled to the great cities of the world--to Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna, Zurich, Geneva, Rome, Rio, Hong Kong, the Riviera—hmmm, they’re not so sure about how superior America is. But, what they heck, who else has a New York City, and what city on earth can compare with the Big Apple?
Americans are chauvinistic about all nations south of the American border. About the only time South America gets into most American newspapers is when there's an earthquake or a strike that affects American gas prices. They also feel superior to Canada, to any of the nations of Africa, the Middle East, the subcontinent, or Asia. If that leaves anybody out, it is not intentional. Americans feel that as a nation, their society is superior to all other societies of the world. Period.
American chauvinism generally focuses on nations and societies, not on individuals. Individuals from other nations are often regarded with great respect, admiration, and affection. It's their societies that aren't quite up to the American standard.
Part of American chauvinism is based on ignorance. Many Americans simply don't know very much about world geography or history. America is such a vast country that Americans tend to do their traveling at home, with only an occasional cruise or a trip to Mexico, Canada, or Europe.
Several years ago, I overheard a conversation between two university students, one from Mexico and the other from the United States. I could barely suppress my laughter when the American asked the Mexican student if Mexico City (a city of some 9 million inhabitants) had movie theaters. The American was serious and courteous, so the Mexican student replied graciously that yes, there were a few.
Many Americans are shocked to see photographs of the skylines of great African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. Their image of sub-Sahara Africa is still shaped by old Tarzan movies.
As a result of terrorist attacks and America’s military adventures abroad, some Americans are doing crash courses on Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. They are attending seminars on Islam, enrolling in Arabic courses, doing Internet searches and purchasing books on the subject. The Los Angeles Times reported that a woman walked into a Santa Monica bookstore wanting to purchase a book: “What is their book...the one like the Bible?” she asked. The bookstore owner replied,” “The Koran,” and then apologized that she had sold out. It is encouraging that there was a brisk trade in writings from other cultures, but it also reveals how little most Americans know about other cultures.
American chauvinism is based on ignorance, but it is also supported by America's size and power. America is a very big, very rich, very powerful nation. This brings opportunities and temptations. Historically, what rich and powerful nation has not been chauvinistic? Were not the the Greeks, the Romans, the British, the Spanish, the Dutch, the Portuguese, the Russians, the Chinese, the Japanese, and the French chauvinistic at the height of their power? The Americans are no exception.
Every year Gene Griessman does scores of seminars and keynotes for business groups and associations. If you'd like to know more about his seminars on doing business with Americans, American society, social trends, the future, or strategic planning, click here. He also does executive coaching and seminars for business people who want to understand Americans better. He resides in Los Angeles, but does coaching and seminars internationally. For information, call 310-822-1864 or send an email to gene@achievementdigest.com
If you would like permission to reprint the above article or to be notified when Gene Griessman's next book is published, please send us an email at gene@achievementdigest.com.
Index to all pages
Time Management: How To Create A Time-Effective Organization
29 of Gene Griessman's Favorite Time-Saving Tips
Abraham Lincoln: quotes
More About Abraham Lincoln: Resources For Further Study
Is George W. Bush the next Abraham Lincoln? Lincoln-Bush compared
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt quotes and commentary on leadership style
The Lincoln-Roosevelt Connection
War quotes
Ronald Reagan quotes; exclusive interview: his big break
"The Diversity Creed"; Why I Wrote "The Diversity Creed"
Remarkable Similarities Between President Abraham Lincoln And Benjamin Franklin
Civil War Quotes: U.S. Grant's Leadership Style
How To Do Business With Americans: Forgive Their BlundersBookmark this site and visit us often because we'll be adding information each week that you can use. This is the home of The Achievement Digest®
Books and Videos By Gene Griessman
The Inspirational Lincoln Quote Book
THE WORDS LINCOLN LIVED BY. CLICK HERE TO ORDER
Gene Griessman's Lincoln performance before an audience of over 20,000 at the Georgia Dome. CLICK HERE TO ORDER
Over 200 time-saving tips from very successful people
Time Tactics Of Very Successful People.
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"One of the very best videos/DVDs ever made. It's a classic like 'Gone With the Wind.'"
--Brad McRea THE SEVEN STRATEGIES OF MASTER PRESENTERS
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