Crime, Corruption, Ignorance and Innumeracy – “Idiocracy” and “The Godfather” top the list.
intercst
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Sad that there’s so much negativity in this list.
Too bad “Hester Street” didn’t make the list.
Wendy
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You need to be in the Top 1% or 2% to have any optimism about America. Crony capitalism only works for the wealthy and well-connected.
What’s “sad” is that 90% of NY Times subscribers are college-educated and skew towards an upper middle-class income. If America as its currently organized isn’t working out for these relatively privileged folks, how do you think it’s working out for the balance of the population?
intercst
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Your view (pessimistic) is coloring your data acquisition skills. In a survey this year, Pew finds that “About as many Americans say they are optimistic (48%) as say they are pessimistic (51%) about the future of the country as a whole.”
DB2
3 Likes
Optimism and personal happiness seem to be deeply intertwined. The survey data for those that are optimistic or happy indicates it has little to do with income or wealth. At least, it doesn’t seem to be a dominant factor. It could be more the ideological view of the most NYT’s subscriber and or whether they are agnostic/atheistic in their spiritual views?
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I didn’t view the list as negative, but rather reflective of how we can improve.
There are lots of things in my life that I’m proud of. There are other things I’m ashamed of. I’m human. I try to reflect on the things I’m ashamed of to become a better person. I expect the same of my children…and my country.
The faux gold plating of our history will not make us better.
It could also be that liberals have a more expanded view of “self”, that includes others experiencing injustice throughout the world. Collectivism vs. individualistic conservatism.
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There is no doubt that how one views “self” plays a part. The focus on broader systemic and global problems can cause increased stress and anxiety for the more outwardly thinking liberal.
Conservatism does emphasize more individualism but with it meritocracy And personal agency. I think that causes one to think locally first, starting with one’s self. There is then a feeling that things are more within one’s control.
For whatever reason, The result is better social integration and stronger emphasis on family relationships. Those that practice religion and attend church also tend to have stronger networks to rely on.
The more troubling and more recent survey data is the larger and larger rates at which younger liberals are unwilling to ‘maintain family, professional, or personal relationships with those that do not share their world view.
The common thread across almost all societies that see high rates of longevity and satisfaction with their lives seems to be strong personal relationships. So, if this trend continues, an increased tilt towards isolation doesn’t bode well.
Part of the issue is the well documented perception gap between how liberals and conservatives view each other. If liberals are increasingly isolating themselves ideologically, it probably becomes more difficult to bridge that gap.
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Social Media and narcissistic sociopaths that work there way into positions of political leadership would like you to think so. But, it’s not reality but manufactured for effect. Again, your part of it by posting silly little meaningless pictures.
A thought comes to mind that extremist periods might be characterized by large groups holding such views. Do you think this is characteristic of how large portions of the population think based on the behavior of a few morons? If so, explain to me how and why this is coming to forefront 50 years after the civil rights movement and the election of a black president to two terms. In addition, explain to me why there are more black members in congress than in anytime in history and represent districts where the populations are disproportionately white. Seriously, it is such a ridiculous characterization and completely counter to the broadly held views on race in this country. It’s people like you that desperately try to keep these narratives on life support.
It deeply miserable way to view the US and your fellow citizens. Worst of all, it’s not true. But again, it is a tired tactic of painting an opposing view as extreme to attack it. maybe your handle should be El Engano instead.
El engañado por 45 - you forgot the tilde. Irony…again!
I’ll admit, it’s a bit frustrating to see my post about a photo get yoinked. Agree or disagree, with many calling it a definitive photo that captures current life in America, it seems like it fits better with this thread topic than your political rantings. Maybe my photo got pulled because it’s a photo and not a film? Probably not.
Yeah, I do. I’m not alone. Large portions of the population think this is characteristic of how large portions of the population think.
Based on your extremely abrasive tone toward the many you don’t agree with on this board, statements like this demonstrate zero self-awareness.
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I would say I am direct and to the point but the intent is not to be abrasive. I do have a low tolerance for those using the board as way to push a particular ideology, so I don’t mind pushing back. I engage with those in a tone and manner that seems appropriate for how they engage. The pattern is the same with you and others and how you interact with those you disagree. It quickly shifts to a discussion about personal shortcomings, narrow-mindedness and lack of intellect rather than the issue itself.
It’s a projection. We could have a very intelligent discussion about investing, which is the purpose of this site. You and a few others rarely seem to go there, for whatever the reasons.
By the way, I think it’s ridiculous that your posts were pulled along with mine. Despite are disagreement, I am in full support of your right to express it, so that I might as well. It’s another key tenet of conservatism.