The Next Big Idea Daily
Frank Bruni Examines Our Age of Grievance
May 9, 2024
Frank Bruni, longtime New York Times columnist, discusses the erosion of civility and compromise in our democracy in 'The Age of Grievance.' Topics include the fixation on victimhood, blame in American society, negative partisanship, decline in American optimism, and fostering unity amidst grievances.
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Quick takeaways
- Frank Bruni highlights the erosion of civility and compromise in American democracy due to fervent hostility.
- American society's shift towards pessimism, exacerbated by a culture of grievance and scarcity mindset.
Deep dives
The Culture of Grievance in American Society
Many Americans have embraced a culture of grievance, where they perceive themselves as victims and focus on past wrongs, real or imagined. The blame game and victimhood mentality have permeated society, fueling divisions and hindering collaboration. This mindset has been exploited in politics, leading to negative partisanship and polarization, with voters often voting against candidates rather than for policies. Grievance has become a barrier to progress and common ground, engendering a society where recrimination eclipses aspiration.
