Can someone tell me why Americans think that America is the best country in the world? Aside from the massive propaganda machine of course

Well, I could list a series of things that are great about the U.S. but I get your point.

The fact is that 'patriotism' has been highjacked by some of those in power and disseminated to their supporters as a means of distinction. You're either "with us or against us." If you question America's policies or point to other countries successes you're labeled unpatriotic. I think it's own of the most powerful tools going to get people to vote and act against what's in their personal best interest.

"Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country.”
Hermann Goering

Well I can offer a look at both sides since I was born and raised in America and I now live in Europe, where I raise my own family.
I am proud to be American because everyone should be proud about where they come from, that is only natural. At the same time, I am deeply ashamed though.
The USA is "supposed" to be the land of dreams, of opportunities, of success, etc. In reality, now that I have seen the living standards here in Europe, I can only truly feel bad for my fellow Americans.
They are being fed a big bag full of horse manure while they work their asses off for NOTHING.
I just have to look at what the government offers me here when I have a baby. Every woman can stay home with their child for TWO YEARS paid and an additional year at 80% pay, so for THREE YEARS they can stay home after their baby is born. In the USA, they get like 6 or 8 weeks right?
Dads can stay home for ONE MONTH paid here to help mommy. They just started that this year, which is nice.
That is on top of the 6 weeks paid vacation that is always offered.
Have you ever seen Michael Moore's "Where To Invade Next?" I know he can be an idiot sometimes, but what he is saying in that film is absolutely 100% true. There are no exaggerations.
I always thought that if Americans knew how we live here in Europe, they would be so outraged that there would be total chaos against the government. It seems their secret is very well kept because the vast majority of Americans still live in the dark and swallow that spoonfed bullshit that they are the greatest country on the earth.

Right because national patriotism is created, fostered and held solely by Americans.

I think because of the freedom that we have, a lot of other countries lack.

"Patriotism is, fundamentally, a conviction that a particular country is the best in the world because you were born in it." George Bernard Shaw ([i]The World[/i], 15 Nov 1893, according to https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/George_Bernard_Shaw)

And they're trying to lynch the one guy who wants to change that... Because logic

I'm an American and I love my country. Like many Americans, I know that our nation is far from perfect. We have a lot of soul searching and work to do.

Because we dominate the world militarily and culturally(this one tells me the rest of the world agrees)

america really likes to masturbate to its past accomplishments and its power. As if being powerful is the only thing that matters, but i suppose that would be expected from a country to claims to love freedom so much. Freedom for themselves as individuals anyways.

Because we are, in spite of the last 8 years of a moron trying to make it untrue, it's still true. But don't worry, when my generation is gone it won't be for long.

Cause its exciting ta live here

As of this moment we have freedom of speech, something the left wants to take away from us. It is a wonderful privilege.

Haha, well it used to be, now I hope it gets back!

I don't know. We don't even have free or universal healthcare. That in itself disqualifies this country from being called great. Republicans deem anything free as a handout. So that's why...