self flagellation, n.Definitions

Self-flagellation (n.) is ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠the national myth; the national habit is outrage at enemy crimes and a remarkable ability not to see our own.

Self-flagellation (n.) is ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠the flattering myth that the West agonizes over its own crimes and overlooks the enemy's; the record runs the other way.