Our Nation's Myths

Most of us have difficulty seeing ourselves as others see us. Often we believe myths: that we are more honest, consistent, industrious, humorous, competent or courteous than we really are. Perhaps a little such inflation bolsters our self-worth and enables us to strive for those ideals.

Likewise, nations and cultural groups develop myths about themselves that boost their pride (read what they say about themselves in their history books!) . However, when these myths are far from reality, nations -- like individuals -- are apt to act inappropriately in response to challenges.

A few American myths, based on partial truths:

1) "We are a peace-loving nation." The military-related allotment exceeds 50% of the Congressional discretionary budget, higher than the combined military budgets of all our potential opponents. The US has intervened more than 75 times in Latin America, without declarations of war. US military conflicts since WW 11 include Korea, Vietnam, Santo Domingo, Grenada, Cuba, Libya, Cambodia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, among others. Our history is violent concerning African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants. Our schools are being militarized by JROTC. We have demonized our "enemies" like Ortega, Castro, Saddam Hussein, North Korea, Iran, Chavez, among others. Virtually every day since WWI, our military has been in other countries.

2) "We wish to spread and strengthen democracy around the world." We confuse voting for democracy. Balance of powers is often missing. Though the country may have a "president," "Congress," and "judiciary," a free press, diverse views, free speech and the rights to organize, demonstrate and campaign, often are missing. We have selected and supported dictators: the Shah (Iran), Marcos (Philippines), Noriega (Panama), Kim/Chung/Park (South Korea), Suharto (Indonesia), and collaborated with military juntas (Uruguay and Argentina), among others. We undermine and overthrow governments: Allende (Chile), Arbenz (Guatemala), Lamumba (Congo), Mossadegh (Iran) , Ortega (Nicaragua), Castro (Cuba), Noriega (Panama), Saddam Hussein (Iraq).

3) "We believe in foreign aid and 'development' for other societies." We provide much less aid than a number of Scandinavian and other countries, per capita. Our aid usually has "strings" attached. Our dominance of the IMF, NAFTA, World Bank and WTO is to benefit "first world" banks and corporations that set the terms for the poorer, weaker nations. Recipients become more dependent NOT more self-sufficient. There are no protections for labor rights or environments.

4) "We are a law-abiding nation." We frequently ignore or violate international law: 40 year embargo on Cuba, numerous bombings and invasions (see above), overthrow of governments (above), ignoring decisions of the World Court (Nicaragua), continued maintenance of Puerto Rico as a colony, Japanese-American incarceration during WW II, and ignoring treaty conditions with Native Americans. We resist ratifying numerous international treaties: the International Criminal Court, Comprehensive Test Ban, Rights of the Child, Rio environmental agreements, Law of the Sea, Land Mine Ban, Kyotot Treaty, International Criminal Court, and others. In war we bomb civilian targets and use chemical weapons (Agent Orange, Vietnam; liquid phosphorous, Iraq).

We need to see ourselves as others see us if we are to get past our myths. Perhaps then we will reduce our arrogance and insensitivity and not be seen as a bully using muscle to get our way. Our arrogant attitudes toward "opponent" countries, unilateralism, double standards, and attitude of exceptionalism aggravate even nations we see as "friends."

Previously published in the North Country Peace Builder, Minnesota Fellowship of Reconciliation, Vol. 51, No. 1, March 2000