When nice is a vice

Without the proper foundation, niceness can conflict with virtues | Gene Edward Veith

Americans, by and large, are nice. And even when we are not, we seem to value niceness, sometimes above all else.

Sociologists studying our contemporary culture report that Americans do have strong moral beliefs, but ranking highest among them is the ethical imperative to be nonjudgmental, tolerant, and affirming of other people no matter what. That is to say, to be nice.

Niceness, of course, also includes generosity, friendliness, and kindness—qualities that Americans exhibit to an astonishing degree, even when we are fighting a war.

After the 9/11 attacks, the White House code-named the anti-terrorism crusade "Infinite Justice." But soon after, that title and the word crusade were deemed offensive to Muslims, so they were changed and apologized for. One wonders at what point other countries need to become sensitive lest they offend us.

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