Subject: How America Got Mean
“A culture invested in shaping character helped make people resilient by giving them ideals to cling to when times got hard. In some ways, the old approach to moral formation was, at least theoretically, egalitarian: If your status in the community was based on character and reputation, then a farmer could earn dignity as readily as a banker. This ethos came down hard on self-centeredness and narcissistic display. It offered practical guidance on how to be a good neighbor, a good friend.”

This ethos came down hard on self-centeredness and narcissistic display.

I've marveled at this transformation of American values. My parents generation (so called Greatest Generation) placed great emphasis on honesty and integrity. Humility was a virtue. Patriotism meant sacrifice, not bragging about dodging the draft. Loud mouthed braggarts and liars were SHUNNED. A man like Trump would never have gained popularity; he would have been SHUNNED and SHAMED.

Strange times.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ma...