America’s Self-Doubt Crisis
Recently, there’s been a notable rise in our collective feelings of self-doubt about being American. Back in 2004, a remarkable 88% of Democrats felt “very” or “extremely” proud to be American, even amidst the divisive backdrop of the Iraq War. Fast forward to 2013, and that number dipped slightly to 85%. But by 2022, it plummeted to just 65%. This year’s figures show an even steeper decline, hitting a record low of 36%, raising eyebrows among pollsters about the accuracy of these results. Yet, the numbers reflect a deeper issue.
As more Americans lose faith in the essence of their country, this trend poses serious challenges for American power. If people lack confidence in their nation, how can they project strength on the global stage? Those who don’t feel proud of their country might start seeing other cultures or nations as superior, suggesting that perhaps it’s better to allow others to take on global responsibilities.
This sentiment is particularly pervasive among privileged groups, like left-leaning elites and upwardly mobile young progressives. Interestingly, only 24% of Gen Z Democrats report feeling very proud to be American.
That said, the U.S. is certainly not exempt from valid scrutiny regarding its historical interventions and disappointments. It’s vital to critique one’s own country to maintain a balanced perspective on patriotism—some would argue that honest self-reflection is crucial to prevent descending into jingoism and xenophobia.
Democracy, by its nature, fosters self-doubt. It creates a space for vigorous discussions, enabling society to confront its past without making excuses. However, something seems to have shifted. There was a time when acknowledging past mistakes could coexist with a strong sense of patriotism.
James Baldwin famously said, “I love America more than any other country in this world, and for this very reason I claim the right to criticize her constantly.” To him, his disappointment stemmed from his deep love for the country. Yet nowadays, the act of self-loving critique appears to be increasingly rare.
Most people are familiar with the term “xenophobia,” the fear of foreigners. However, many may not know “oikophobia,” which is the fear or disdain for one’s own society or family. Those influenced by oikophobia may idealize other cultures while devaluing their own. The result is a psychological pendulum swinging between disdain for “them” and “us,” neither of which fosters a healthy public discourse.
Oikophobia, a concept introduced by British philosopher Roger Scruton, is garnering more attention. Writer Benedikt Beckerd discusses how those experiencing it sometimes view Western civilization as uniquely evil while excusing other societies from similar scrutiny.
The inclination to view America’s founding through a lens of condemnation rather than celebration reflects this trend. But, history shows that many nations bear violent legacies; violence often plays a role in nation-building processes. As noted by sociologist Charles Tilly, “Wars created nations, and nations created wars.” While this doesn’t lessen the severity of American grievances, it complicates the notion of American exceptionalism.
This brings us back to the question of whether believing in “exceptionalism” can help us navigate both strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I think it’s vital that America holds on to a sense of exceptionalism. A country lacking belief in its mission risks becoming vulnerable to external challenges.
However, making claims of exceptionalism seems increasingly controversial. I’ve pondered whether terms like “dominance” might alienate readers, and perhaps that discomfort is part of a larger issue. Why does emphasizing American superiority provoke such strong negative responses?
Over the years, expressions of patriotism have often been seen as impolite, even offensive. I recall speaking with students in Washington, D.C. last summer and noticing an American flag in my rental. It struck me—I hadn’t seen such a display in years. It felt particularly notable since the students were children of immigrants participating in a Muslim internship program.
Why has the American flag become something to shy away from? Why does pride in America seem outdated among some Democrats and progressives? Whatever the reasons, self-doubt has become a entrenched part of the cultural narrative, especially in universities, media, and films.
Understanding how culture evolves like this is complicated. Conservative thinker Michael Brendan Doherty has noted that cultural changes can feel almost mystical, existing in the air we breathe, though hard to pin down.
For Democrats and liberals, confronting this self-doubt is more crucial than ever. A party that does not believe in the foundational tenets of its country will struggle to earn the people’s trust, complicating the path to electoral success. Beyond politics, it raises deeper existential questions about leading a nation seen as unworthy of leadership.
