Paul VanderKlay's Podcast Is Alienation an Advantage in the Breakdown of the Post-War Consensus?
Jul 7, 2025
Aaron Renn, a writer and consultant on urban policy, dives deep into the nuances of alienation in contemporary society. He examines how figures like Paul Kingsnorth and Rod Dreher are seeking meaning outside mainstream culture. The discussion highlights the decline of WASP leadership and the shifting dynamics of America's elite amidst demographic changes. Renn also reflects on historical legacies that have shaped current societal norms, exploring the tension between progressivism and the disillusionment faced by different generations.
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Alienation Fuels Religious Orthodoxy
- Alienation drives many toward religious orthodoxy as they seek solid ground amid modern cultural upheaval.
- This alienation reflects a sense that Western modernity and America have failed to provide cultural stability.
Examples of Alienated Orthodoxy Seekers
- Paul Kingsnorth exemplifies alienation by expatriating, adopting foreign faith, and rejecting industrial society.
- Rod Dreher also left his home and church after crisis and disillusionment, seeking solidity in orthodoxy.
Baltzell’s Unique WASP Analysis
- E. Digby Baltzell's work uniquely analyzes American WASP elites, highlighting their leadership decline.
- Unlike most critics, Baltzell wrote as an insider, offering a nuanced view of the WASP establishment's flaws.