Yoshino’s article discusses primarily about the Japanese ‘uniqueness’, the idea that Japan and the Japanese are somehow different from the rest of the world. It is widely held in Japan as an “objectified (or externalized)” form of national identity (Yoshino, 108). In class discussion regarding this article, we have touched upon the idea of “American Exceptionalism”. American exceptionalism, defined by Seymour M. Lipset, is a “theory that the United States is qualitatively different from other nations.” In his book American Exceptionalism: A Double-edged Sword, he points out the original idea of American exceptionalism, first presented by Tozueville and other foreign social scientists or writers, was to merely observe and describe the difference of non-feudal, revolutionized, and democratic system that the world has never seen before in the 18th century. Lipset argues this ‘exceptionalism’ is a “double-edged concept”. By exemplifying the differences from other societies, it becomes easier to extend this ‘qualitative difference’ into superiority and ignore the negative sides of the society. For that reason he argues that Americans are proud of their nation “regardless of evidence of corruption in high places and higher violent crime rates”, and “exhibit a greater sense of patriotism and of belief that their system is superior to all others.”

What are the ‘American’ qualitative differences? Lipset explains that American exceptionalism consists of the following traits;

1. Follows the individualistic essence of bourgeois liberalism, as well as emphasizing individualism and competition
2. Stresses individual opinions and quality over hierarchy
3. Continues to suspect the state.

These qualities are often portrayed in visual media, especially in films with stories of natural disasters. Because above ideals are difficult to put out as a narrative, they are presented through the plot and cast of the movies. Usually, these characteristics become the following;

1. One (usually Caucasian) young/genius/unique/socially awkward/under-recognized male character who everyone depends on his individual capability to deal with the situation somehow.
2. Respects are given to those tho make the ‘right’ decision, usually to the main character, regardless of his (sometimes her) social position (sometimes the lower-hierarchy main character is considered more important than a female character who is technically his boss).
3. Challenges the ‘irresponsible’ and ‘ruthless’ authority by being ‘reasonable’ and ‘humanitarian’.

Both Godzilla and 2012 exhibit emphasis on all three ‘qualitative differences’ – and in both cases, extends it to ‘qualitative difference as superiority’. In this essay, I will be presenting Godzilla (1998) and 2012 (2010). I will be focusing on how disaster movies present the extended characteristics American exceptionalism in both editions of a famous film.

Generally,superhero movies by American companies, such as Marvel or DC comics are more widely thought as ‘hero’ movies. However, in case of natural disaster movies, the super-powered, genetically engineered, and ridiculously powerful superheroes are replaced by (usually) physically incapable, socially awkward, young intellectual Caucasian male, who by default is under-recognized until the disaster actually happens. Both Godzilla movies have this one character who has the responsibility to provide ‘the new angle’ to the already-existing problem.

In Godzilla (1998), it is quite clear that from the beginning that there is one individual that the government, the whole world needs help from – a biologist reassigned to help the State Department in identifying the world-threatening monster. No one can identify this mysterious being except this one American scientist who studies the radioactive level of animals around the world. US Military, who are in charge of the investigation into this monster that they have identified as Godzilla, forcefully brings him to the state department and makes him research into this monster that is now in New York.

[Scientist Intro 1, 2]

When the military men are looking for Godzilla in buildings and ruins, the main character’s experience with earthworms conveniently comes to use, even when the tactic is clearly something that could have been reached by the military men – don’t chase it, but let them come to you.

[Lure 1,2]

He’s the problem solver – the hero does not need individual power to perform everything, but he has a power to lead those who do (the military).

He’s the only one that holds the vital information and is supported by the scientists.

Even after he is kicked out of the project due to his complicated love life, he is still sought by the French Secret Service (okay this is getting ridiculous now) for the help, he is the ‘only person’ who really cares about his discovery that could potentially turn NYC into a Godzilla feeding ground.

In 2012, on the other hand, the hero is not only just one person, it is the United States as a whole – the president, the scientist, the writer and his family, and the rest of the people. However, since the writer and his family-related group of people seems like the most likely group to empathize with in case of wide audience, I will focus on his journey through this disaster. He is just a normal worn-out writer who tries to pull his life together.

This is the compiled video of news reporting in 2012.

In case of Godzilla, the media does several things. One, the media leads the viewers to the ‘truth’. In Godzilla, the news reports the truth by criticizing the authority. In case of 2012, the media ensures the lies made by the government, but no one (especially the main character) believes it. This also helps the factor of challenging the government which will be explained later. Two, the media represents the ‘hardworking’ people who achieve their position through effort, not social rank. Three, if you have ability you will be recognized. These all fall to the characteristic of American exceptionalism that recognizes the nations’s core nature – as a country made by immigrants who had no inherent social hierarchy, the fact that the effort is recognized and rewarded comes forward as the most important characteristic. It is certainly exaggerated in the movies as if it is how it happens in every case.

As explained earlier, one of the most important characteristics of American exceptionalism is the negative portrayal of the government. In both movies, through various scenes and characters, the citizens challenge the government and its inability.

Especially in Godzilla, it is shown through a character – a political figure trying to run for the re-election for Mayor of New York (?).

Starting with his goofy appearance the Mayor and the rest of the police force frantically runs away as soon as Godzilla arrives in the middle of the city. He runs away to evacuate when other citizens are still trying to frantically leave the city  He cares more about his election and the money than dealing with the safety of citizens and the country, berates the military when it is trying to solve the problem . He is constantly the character who is in social hierarchy but incapable of being in charge.  Even though he’s the mayor, he constantly complains, and does no significant achievement throughout the movie, especially when he tries to explain the situation to the angry protesters who wants to be let into the city. He represents the government, the authority that cannot respond to the situation as soon as available.

In 2012, in the world council, the United States takes charge in informing the rest of the world as well as making the most important decisions of humanity. But it tries to cover up the information. Once the information is released, the ‘higher ups’ offer the price for survival, the important artifacts of humanity is replaced with replicas,

When the main character arrives in Yellowstone part and confront the military, he questions the situation, he does not receive direct answers , because it is “the government matter” which, apparently, is a laughable information.

However, not all opposition against the authority is taken positively. Especially the politician who takes the authority is hated because he takes the authority without justifiable reason. This is not a challenge, it is an unjustifiable revolution that is viewed negatively

The scientist takes charge when he believes that there is a justifiable reason – such as “humanity has to work together”

The American authority should be challenged and should take the logical course, but it should never be reverted. Such scenes uphold the ideal ‘justification by democracy’ rather than just forceful taking of power. These characteristics are not light – they are seen as the grand ‘good’, and anything else should be ‘evil’. 

Visual information provides the most stunning, the most lasting impression to the human brain. Especially when shown through the medium such a movies, the subtle information that could not have been passed on through other medium leaves a longer lasting impression. Mixed in with the characteristics of American Exceptionalism, the subtle messages that indicate that these values are of the norm and those who do not agree is the unbearably evil, it takes the dangerous stand of cultural superiority. Immigration, settlement to new world, and acceptance of ‘what is right’ – it makes America to sound like the most desirable place on earth.

by Jay Jang