Every other massive world power/Empire that came before the US has exhibited far more brutality and disregard for basic human rights. Of course, the advent of the World Media, the UN, several huge scale wars and nuclear weaponry may have a lot to do with this.

All this considered, it does not make various issues in recent American history any more humane or just. Also, history has shown that ruthlessness is needed to retain the power be it economic, military or political. But I do agree with you. America could have done many things in a lot more heavy-handed and brutal manner over the last century, the fact that America is on top still is probably partly due to that.