"It seems that American patriotism measures itself against an outcast group. The right Americans are the right Americans because they're not like the wrong Americans, who are not really Americans"

This quote by Eric Hobsbawm speaks to the idea of American patriotism being defined by exemption. It suggests that the concept of what it implies to be a "best American" is based on the concept of what it indicates to be a "incorrect American". This indicates that the concept of patriotism is based on the exclusion of particular groups, instead of the inclusion of all. This could be seen as a criticism of the concept of patriotism, as it suggests that patriotism is based upon exemption and prejudice, instead of on a shared sense of identity and belonging. It also suggests that patriotism is not always a favorable force, as it can be used to divide people and produce a sense of superiority.