AP-NORC Poll Reveals Decline in American Exceptionalism and Belief in the American Dream
A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates a significant shift in how Americans perceive their country's standing and identity. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, only about one-quarter of Americans believe the U.S. stands above all other countries, a decrease from previous years. The poll also highlights a growing skepticism about the American Dream, with only 22% of Americans under 30 believing it still holds true. Additionally, the survey reveals a decline in the perception of democracy as a crucial element of American identity, with only two-thirds of adults considering it highly important, down from 80% in 2021. The findings suggest a generational divide, as younger Americans are less likely to view the U.S. as exceptional or democracy as essential compared to older generations. 
