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.
The Rise of American Pessimism and Competitive Comparisons
American society has experienced a shift towards pessimism, with a decline in beliefs about the future and social mobility. Traditional optimism has waned, replaced by a competitive mindset where scarcity of resources and zero-sum comparisons prevail. Social media and changes in traditional media have exacerbated this pessimism and grievance culture, with sensationalism and opinion-driven journalism intensifying divisive discourse.
Remedies for Overcoming Grievance and Fostering Unity
Despite the challenges posed by grievance culture, there are remedies to bridge divides and cultivate unity. Political reforms such as open primaries and ranked choice voting can mitigate extremism and enhance voter participation. Civic planning that encourages diversity and interactions among different groups can reduce tribalism. Embracing humility and recognizing the common good are crucial in shifting societal dynamics towards cooperation and understanding.
Longtime New York Times columnist Frank Bruni says fervent hostility has eroded the civility, common ground, and compromise necessary for our democracy to survive. His new book is "The Age of Grievance."
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