say reflexively that "America is the greatest country on earth".
It isn't a criticism to call the US normal. In fact, it ought to be a good thing to admit being much like everyone and everywhere else, pretty much. To share the same problems, experience similar conversations, to find it unnecessary to suggest one's own superiority, to be comfortable in one's own skin, to be proud without being comparative.
The "greatest country" thing is a bit like Trump's "greatest person" thing. It's the least appealing thing about both. In fact, Trump seems like a product of a rampant sense of superiority and to advertise its appeal as a slogan (or lack thereof).
Here's what other people hear when Americans say America is the greatest: "We are better than you." Nope. You ain't.
Here's the good news. Americans aren't worse than anyone else either. Even though the people of America gave a man as dreadful as Trump a victory in the last election. We forgave the Italians and the Germans also when they came to their senses.
Heck. America has many achievements to celebrate. It's done many good things. It's wonderful that it aspires to greatness.
But...
Homonoia.
All liberal, democratic, rule of law countries are the product of a heap of choices, freely made. Joy in variety.
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