Originally posted by Zahlanzi
I hate threads that just give youtubes. i apologize for starting one.
Following is a scene from the show Newsroom, which i never watched but i am planing to because of this particular scene. it is a summary of what is believed to be wrong with it.
The conclusion is "America is not the greatest country in the world, but it used to be"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPHSXUS0_1c
I've never understood criticism of this dramatic scene.
Even if you disagree with the criticisms that the character levels at the U.S., I still find it hard to believe you couldn't agree with the character's tone at the end:
"We sure used to be. We stood up for what was right. We fought for moral reasons, we passed laws, struck down laws for moral reasons. We waged wars on poverty, not poor people. We sacrificed, we cared about our neighbors, we put our money where our mouths were, and we never beat our chest. We built great big things, made ungodly technological advances, explored the universe, cured diseases, and we cultivated the world's greatest artists and the world's greatest economy. We reached for the stars, acted like men. We aspired to intelligence; we didn't belittle it; it didn't make us feel inferior. We didn't identify ourselves by who we voted for in the last election, and we didn't scare so easy. We were able to be all these things and do all these things because we were informed. By great men, men who were revered. The first step in solving any problem is recognizing there is one. America is not the greatest country in the world anymore."
What's so terrible about this sentiment? It sure says a lot about the United States' potential. It's something to aspire to, itself.