Exceptionalism

Exceptionalism had always known he was the best. He had heard it from the day he was born, and few dared question the claim. Those that did were summarily bullied into submission by Exceptionalism and his friends, Extremism, Ignorance and Xenophobia. No one could question the narrative, everyone had to follow Exceptionalism’s ways of thinking. When he lost in the little league finals he was still awarded the trophy, threatening to beat up anyone who dared question his right to it. Ignorance was his number one hype man, constantly hollering as he walked through the halls at school about how Exceptionalism was the best, the smartest, the most successful in the school. Of course Exceptionalism won all of the senior awards, best athlete, most community service, valedictorian. Some were deserved, others were not; it was a good thing only Exceptionalism and his friends could vote. For some reason, Extremism had always hated soccer. Its very existence seemed an affront to him; ties were allowed, games went by where no one scored, not being able to use your hands!? Xenophobia would whisper in Exceptionalism’s ear how soccer may have been the rest of the world’s game, but here it would never take root. It was impossible for something so out of touch with Exceptionalism’s views, his wholesome values, to catch on. But as time passed, cracks appeared in Exceptionalism’s facade. There were subtle signs that despite his whole life telling him so, perhaps he was not the best. He lost in the football state championship, and got caught cheating on his economics exam. College admissions officers saw that he was one among many, with varying strengths and weaknesses evaluated in their holistic approach. He was forced to attend his third choice college, while his friends dropped out or moved down south. It was in college that he met Curiosity, Globalization and Multiculturalism. He knew that his old friends would have hated them, yet he began to see that in fact they were great people. And he opened his mind to the world. He realized that he loved sushi, and found an interest in African dance. As time passed he distanced himself from his past persona, as he grew into a productive member of society who reveled in cinco de mayo, and welcomed his immigrant neighbors into his home. After a time he realized that he was no longer the man he used to be, and he changed his name to Humanity.