Open AccessThe Problems With American Exceptionalism
Author(s) -
Timothy Borjian
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
cornell international affairs review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2156-0536
pISSN - 2156-0528
DOI - 10.37513/ciar.v5i1.413
Subject(s) - german , criticism , political science , opposition (politics) , exceptionalism , patriotism , law , luck , history , philosophy , theology , politics , archaeology
In 2001, German President Johannes Rau made a statement that divided Germany. In an interview with a television station, Rau said that although he is “pleased and grateful” to be German, he cannot be “proud” of it––as “it is not an achievement to be German, [but] just a matter of luck.” This statement drew criticism from the opposition in Germany who claimed that without patriotism, it is not possible to adequately represent the interests of the country. Many politicians called for Rau’s resignation or, at the very least, a recant of his words––he did neither. The uproar died down shortly after, and Rau served as President for another three years.