American Exceptionalism may be defined as the perception or belief that Americans live in a unique society that is exceptional, unusual, or extraordinary.

It usually carries a positive connotation that suggests the moral, ethical, intellectual, and economic superiority of America as a whole.

Obviously, we need a new definition if we are to consider the reaction of some Americans as well as other nations to our recent presidential election result. Two points to consider.

First, we need to reconsider the oft-repeated phrase “this is not who we are.” It depends on what you mean by “we.” If the “we” means “me” or, more probably, “us,” then that’s fine if the “us” is you and your like-minded cohorts.

But if “us” refers to the US, then maybe a rethink is in order. A majority of Americans just elected a convicted felon and adjudicated rapist to our highest office. That’s new and different. Some would say, exceptional.

Second, we should realize that, as a nation, we look like Rubes. A Rube is defined as “an awkward unsophisticated person or a naive or inexperienced person.” Short for Reuben, Rube refers to an uneducated and gullible country bumpkin. Rubes accept lies as fact and are even capable of concocting their own facts. You may not count yourself among them, but our overseas friends, enemies, and allies can and most certainly do.

As a people and as a society, America is exceptional. Just not the way we think it is. As a nation with 340 million viewpoints, this is exactly who we are.