What is the greatest civilization in history?
Americans often say, "America, because of our freedom, prosperity, science and technology". Liberals then sneer and say, "Sure, if you judge America by America's own standards, then America wins. But who says that America's standards are good and right? Other cultures have different standards. True greatness is recognizing cultural diversity, tolerance, and open-mindedness."
Okay, fair enough. So if the standard is, "what culture in history has shown the greatest tolerance, open-mindedness, and diversity?", then the greatest civiliation in history is ... America. What other culture has shown greater tolerance? Surely you would not suggest that Muslim cultures are more tolerant of other religions, or that Asian cultures are more tolerant of other races? The US is the only majority white nation to elect a black president. Etc.
To which liberals reply, Wait, no, that's not what we meant. What we meant was ... umm ... uh ... something else.
© 2026 by Jay Johansen
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