In addition, exceptionalism itself implies an underlying meritocracy —which only magnifies its bullshit existence, exacerbating its effects.

American exceptionalism is, first and foremost, a domestic product. It’s what props up the whole circus tent. Without it, patriotism rings hollow and churchiness isn’t as effective, either.

And I agree that when everyone is exceptional, no one is —and all y’all are.

In the words of King Missile, “I wanna be different —just like all the different people I wanna be like.”