The Gray Area with Sean Illing Is America getting meaner?
55 snips
Oct 2, 2023 
In this riveting discussion, David Brooks, a New York Times columnist and author, unpacks the recent essay, "How America Got Mean." He explores the decline of kindness and community amidst political polarization and the rise of individualism. Brooks illustrates how capitalism has turned connections into transactions, impacting moral values and social bonds. He emphasizes the role of social media in fostering loneliness and advocates for rekindling empathy and moral education to navigate the fragmented landscape of modern America.
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Sadness and Meanness in America
- Americans are becoming increasingly sad and mean, marked by rising rates of depression, loneliness, and distrust.
- This societal shift is primarily a moral issue stemming from a decline in moral formation and a lack of emphasis on teaching kindness and consideration.
Shifting Focus of Education
- America's founders prioritized moral education through various institutions, recognizing the importance of character development for a functioning democracy.
- This emphasis shifted post-World War II with the rise of positive psychology, which focused on self-actualization rather than moral formation.
The Unheard and Unseen
- Psychologist Dan McAdams's research reveals that many people feel unheard and unseen, as evidenced by their emotional responses to finally sharing their life stories.
- Many individuals have never been asked about their experiences, highlighting a societal lack of genuine curiosity and deep listening.
