Exceptionalism, or Ethnocentrism?

President Obama has been taking a lot of heat for his comments, a good while ago, on the subject of American exceptionalism.  In an interview, he was asked if he subscribed to “the school of American exceptionalism that sees America as uniquely qualified to lead the world.” Even though he pointed to our democratic values, economy, and military might as exceptional, he acknowledged that other countries probably consider themselves exceptional as well. He also alluded to the fact that other countries can learn a great deal from America; but that we do not have all the answers; hence, we need to work collectively and even compromise at times.
Is the U.S. the greatest country on the face of the earth? Do we have the best educational, political, health care, and economic system? And is our way of life so superior that other nations should follow our lead? Exceptional means to be different, extraordinary, or unique. However, these questions are more about ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is the idea that my culture and way of doing things is superior and therefore, is the standard by which others should be judged.
President Obama’s views on exceptionalism reflect his cross-cultural background and his perspective as the first African-American president of the U.S. While he understands and appreciates the greatness that is America, his global perspective and life experiences help explain his ability to rise above American ethnocentrism, and see the value of other cultures and belief systems. Ethnocentrism may or may not accompany exceptionalism. Historically, healthy doses of ethnocentrism on a national level have led to isolationism, cultural encapsulation, and conflict. If America is exceptional, and I think it is in many ways, we need to clarify what we mean by this term, and understand how ethnocentrism can be a barrier to exceptionalism.