The idea of "American individualism" is a false memory for most. We see these myths on tv, in movies, books, the internet, in our homes etc. Take a look at the tall tales by Laura Ingralls Wilder who told us fictionalized stories of the wonders of her harsh childhood. She swore her stories were completely true but no, they were highly embellished and omitted important facts like the government help her family did receive. All in all, her stories and others like them, are little more than vehicles to deliver blame anywhere but on themselves. Let's go back to the way it used to be. Like it never was.
Greg, it may well be false, or at least over promised. but it remains bed-rock certainty for many. By calling sometihing a fundamental belief, I simply stress that for many there doesn't seem any other way of thinking. And obviously there are consequences. One long term result has been that many who have lost in what are really rather cruel sweepstakes,, blame themselves and lose confidence and faith in their own abilities rather than question the structural settings. And, as you say, the "winners" are quick to claim how far they have come and how much "virtue" that implies. I am not saying that the myth is true. I believe in large part it is not. But I see little change in how people believe in it, depend upon it, and become its victim.
I'm not quite willing to accept that people generally blame themselves and leave it at that. I think a lot of people blame others and, especially with social media today, target the objects of their blame using projection. Self acceptance and self forgiveness is a better way for which we should all strive.
We live in a world where "first past the post" - the two party system - satisfies no-one and is not exactly democratic. The power of tactics overtakes the intellectual pursuit of strategy and ensures mediocrity when opportunities for greater success are scotched.
I see some chances of reform, but doubt that any change in a societies electoral system is likely to solve root problems in the economic system and its legal coding. I plan to write more about this.
The idea of "American individualism" is a false memory for most. We see these myths on tv, in movies, books, the internet, in our homes etc. Take a look at the tall tales by Laura Ingralls Wilder who told us fictionalized stories of the wonders of her harsh childhood. She swore her stories were completely true but no, they were highly embellished and omitted important facts like the government help her family did receive. All in all, her stories and others like them, are little more than vehicles to deliver blame anywhere but on themselves. Let's go back to the way it used to be. Like it never was.
Greg, it may well be false, or at least over promised. but it remains bed-rock certainty for many. By calling sometihing a fundamental belief, I simply stress that for many there doesn't seem any other way of thinking. And obviously there are consequences. One long term result has been that many who have lost in what are really rather cruel sweepstakes,, blame themselves and lose confidence and faith in their own abilities rather than question the structural settings. And, as you say, the "winners" are quick to claim how far they have come and how much "virtue" that implies. I am not saying that the myth is true. I believe in large part it is not. But I see little change in how people believe in it, depend upon it, and become its victim.
I'm not quite willing to accept that people generally blame themselves and leave it at that. I think a lot of people blame others and, especially with social media today, target the objects of their blame using projection. Self acceptance and self forgiveness is a better way for which we should all strive.
We live in a world where "first past the post" - the two party system - satisfies no-one and is not exactly democratic. The power of tactics overtakes the intellectual pursuit of strategy and ensures mediocrity when opportunities for greater success are scotched.
I see some chances of reform, but doubt that any change in a societies electoral system is likely to solve root problems in the economic system and its legal coding. I plan to write more about this.