how america got mean pdf

The Rise of Meanness in America

David Brooks’s article “How America Got Mean” explores a disturbing trend in American culture⁚ a pervasive sense of meanness. Brooks argues that this meanness isn’t simply a product of individual behavior but a systemic issue rooted in a culture devoid of moral education.

The Argument⁚ A Culture Devoid of Moral Education

Brooks’s central thesis is that America’s growing meanness stems from a lack of moral education. He argues that generations are growing up in a morally inarticulate, self-referential world, lacking the tools and understanding necessary to navigate complex moral dilemmas. This deficit, Brooks contends, is not a sudden phenomenon but a gradual erosion of moral instruction that has been unfolding for decades. He points to the decline of traditional moral education in schools, the rise of individualism, and the increasing emphasis on personal achievement over collective responsibility as contributing factors.

Brooks highlights the historical significance of moral education in shaping American character. He cites the establishment of America’s National Institute for Moral Instruction in 1911 and the publication of a Childrens Morality Code, with 10 rules for right living. This historical context underscores the shift from a society that actively prioritized moral instruction to one that has largely abandoned it. He argues that this cultural shift has left a void, creating a generation unfamiliar with the language and principles of moral reasoning;

Brooks suggests that without a grounding in moral principles, individuals struggle to develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of shared responsibility. This lack of moral grounding, he argues, contributes to the rising tide of incivility, rudeness, and cruelty that pervades American society. He paints a picture of a culture where individuals are increasingly disconnected from shared values and principles, making it easier to resort to meanness as a means of navigating social interactions and resolving conflicts.

The Role of “Bobos”

Brooks identifies a specific group he terms “Bobos” as significantly contributing to the rise of meanness in America. This neologism, coined by Brooks, refers to the “bourgeois bohemians” – an upper class that combines the values of capitalist enterprise with the countercultural ideals of the bohemian lifestyle. These individuals, according to Brooks, often inhabit urban metropolitan areas and hold positions of influence in academia, media, and politics.

Brooks critiques the Bobos’ tendency to prioritize their own values and experiences over those of the broader society. He argues that their focus on individual self-expression and achievement, coupled with a detachment from traditional moral frameworks, has created a culture of moral relativism. This, he contends, has weakened the sense of shared responsibility and empathy that is essential for a cohesive and compassionate society.

Brooks points to the Bobos’ emphasis on personal fulfillment and self-actualization as a contributing factor to the decline of moral education. He suggests that their focus on individual success has overshadowed the importance of developing character, fostering a sense of community, and contributing to the common good. This focus on individual achievement, Brooks argues, has created a culture where individuals are increasingly isolated and disconnected from the broader social fabric, making it easier to disregard the needs and perspectives of others.

The Decline of Bildung

Brooks argues that a key factor in the rise of meanness in America is the decline of “Bildung.” This German word, often translated as “formation” or “self-cultivation,” describes a process of lifelong learning and personal development that emphasizes moral responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and emotional maturity. It encompasses a commitment to understanding and engaging with the world, embracing new perspectives, and contributing to the betterment of society.

Brooks laments the decline of Bildung in modern American society. He suggests that the focus on specialization, technological advancement, and economic productivity has overshadowed the importance of developing a well-rounded and morally informed citizenry. In a culture increasingly dominated by immediate gratification and self-interest, the pursuit of Bildung, with its emphasis on long-term personal growth and social responsibility, has been relegated to the periphery.

Brooks contends that the decline of Bildung has contributed to a sense of moral inarticulateness and a lack of empathy for others. He suggests that without a strong foundation in moral philosophy, individuals are less equipped to engage with complex social issues, understand the consequences of their actions, or appreciate the perspectives of those different from themselves. This, he argues, has created a climate of moral ambiguity and a susceptibility to manipulation and divisive rhetoric;

The Weaponization of Social Media

Brooks explores the role of social media in exacerbating the rise of meanness in America. He argues that the platform’s design, with its emphasis on short-form content, instant gratification, and viral spread, has created a breeding ground for negativity, polarization, and outrage. Social media, he suggests, has become a tool for amplifying anger, spreading misinformation, and fostering a culture of fear and distrust.

The algorithms that govern social media platforms, designed to maximize engagement and keep users hooked, often prioritize sensational and divisive content. This creates a feedback loop where users are constantly bombarded with content that confirms their existing biases and reinforces negative emotions. This, Brooks argues, has created a climate where people are more likely to demonize those who hold different views and engage in hostile online behavior.

Brooks also points to the anonymity afforded by social media, which allows users to engage in behaviors they wouldn’t dare in real life. This anonymity, he contends, has emboldened individuals to express hateful and hurtful opinions, fostering a climate of intolerance and disrespect; This, in turn, has eroded the sense of social responsibility and civility that is essential for a healthy democracy.

The Impact of Economic Inequality

Brooks delves into the complex relationship between economic inequality and the rise of meanness in America. He argues that the widening gap between the rich and the poor has created a sense of resentment and frustration among those who feel left behind, fueling a culture of anger and distrust. This economic insecurity, he suggests, has contributed to a decline in social cohesion and a rise in self-interest.

The economic anxieties experienced by many Americans, particularly those struggling to make ends meet, have led to a heightened sense of vulnerability and a fear of losing what little they have. This fear, Brooks argues, has made people more likely to lash out at others, blaming them for their own misfortunes and fostering a climate of blame and resentment.

Brooks also highlights the role of economic inequality in creating a sense of unfairness and injustice. When people perceive the system as rigged against them, they are more likely to lose faith in institutions and become cynical about the possibility of achieving a better life. This sense of hopelessness, he contends, can lead to a decline in civic engagement and a willingness to accept a society where meanness and hostility prevail.

The Influence of Demographic Shifts

Brooks explores how demographic shifts, specifically the changing racial and ethnic makeup of the United States, have contributed to the rise of meanness. He argues that the increasing diversity of the American population has created a sense of anxiety and insecurity among some white Americans, leading to a backlash against multiculturalism and a resurgence of white nationalism.

This anxiety, fueled by fears of losing cultural dominance and economic opportunities, has manifested in a rise of hate crimes, racial profiling, and political rhetoric that demonizes immigrants and minorities. Brooks suggests that this fear-based response to demographic change has eroded the social fabric, fostering a climate of division and mistrust.

Furthermore, the rise of social media and online platforms has amplified these anxieties, providing a space for extremist voices to spread their message and radicalize individuals. The echo chambers created by social media algorithms have made it easier for people to live in their own bubbles, surrounded by information that confirms their biases and reinforces their fears, further exacerbating the sense of division and animosity.

The Importance of Moral Instruction

Brooks argues that the decline of moral education in American society is a crucial factor in the rise of meanness. He points to the absence of explicit moral instruction in schools and the broader cultural shift away from traditional values as contributing to a generation that is ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of ethical decision-making.

Brooks suggests that without a shared framework for understanding right and wrong, individuals are left to navigate the world based on their own subjective interpretations, leading to a fragmentation of moral values and a decline in empathy and compassion. He emphasizes the need for a renewed focus on moral instruction, not as a means of imposing a rigid set of beliefs, but as a way to develop critical thinking skills and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards others.

Brooks advocates for a moral education that goes beyond simply memorizing rules and focuses on fostering a deeper understanding of ethical principles, developing empathy, and cultivating a sense of civic duty. He argues that such an education is essential for creating a society that is both just and humane, and for mitigating the harmful effects of meanness and division.

The Need for a Meaningful Philosophy of Life

Brooks highlights a concerning trend⁚ a decline in the number of young people seeking a meaningful philosophy of life. He cites a study showing that in 1967, 85% of college students expressed a strong motivation to develop such a philosophy, but by 2015, that number had significantly decreased. This decline, Brooks argues, contributes to a sense of moral apathy and a lack of direction in life.

Brooks contends that without a guiding philosophy, individuals are more likely to be susceptible to external pressures, societal trends, and fleeting desires, ultimately leading to a superficial and unfulfilling existence. He emphasizes the importance of developing a personal philosophy that provides a sense of purpose, values, and meaning, grounding individuals in a framework for navigating life’s challenges and making choices aligned with their core beliefs.

He suggests that cultivating a meaningful philosophy of life involves engaging with big questions about existence, purpose, and values, fostering a sense of responsibility towards oneself and others, and developing a commitment to living a life of integrity and purpose. This, Brooks believes, is essential for fostering a more compassionate and fulfilling society, countering the spread of meanness and fostering a culture of meaning and purpose.

The Call for Active Citizenship

Brooks emphasizes the crucial role of active citizenship in combating the rise of meanness in America. He argues that a decline in civic engagement and a sense of shared responsibility has contributed to a fragmented society, where individuals are increasingly isolated and disconnected from their communities. This isolation, he believes, fosters a sense of apathy and indifference, making it easier for individuals to engage in harmful or divisive behaviors.

Brooks calls for a renewed commitment to active citizenship, urging individuals to engage in their communities, participate in civic discourse, and contribute to the common good. This, he argues, requires a shift in mindset from self-interest to shared responsibility, a willingness to collaborate with others, and a commitment to working towards a more just and equitable society.

He suggests that active citizenship can take many forms, from volunteering in local organizations to advocating for policy changes that benefit the community. It can also involve engaging in respectful dialogue with those who hold different views, fostering understanding and building bridges across divides. Through active citizenship, Brooks believes, individuals can contribute to a more cohesive and compassionate society, countering the forces of meanness and fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.

A Lament for the Moral Ecology of the American Elites

Brooks’s conclusion in “How America Got Mean” takes a decidedly critical turn, lamenting the moral shortcomings of the American elite. He argues that this group, often characterized by their affluence and education, has failed to provide moral leadership, instead contributing to the erosion of civic values and the rise of meanness in society. Brooks criticizes the elite’s focus on material success and personal advancement at the expense of broader societal concerns, creating a culture of self-interest that has undermined the common good.

He points to the elite’s embrace of a “Bobo” lifestyle, a blend of bourgeois and bohemian values, as evidence of their moral disconnect. This lifestyle, characterized by its focus on consumption, self-expression, and cultural exclusivity, has fostered a sense of detachment from the concerns of ordinary Americans, further widening the gap between the elite and the rest of society.

Brooks’s critique is not simply a lament for a bygone era of moral clarity; it is a call to action for the American elite to reclaim their moral responsibility. He argues that true leadership requires a commitment to serving others, promoting civic virtue, and fostering a culture of compassion and empathy. The American elite, he suggests, must move beyond their self-absorption and embrace a more inclusive vision of society, one that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens, not just their own.