America's Culture Problem

[AllentownJake]

Culture of Short Term Thinking

The United States has devolved into a culture where the long view of actions aren't considered. Results are expected immediately and unintended consequences of actions are not fully considered. Your value is measured quarter to quarter. It is kind of odd because our lifespans have gotten longer by 30 years in the past 100. You'd think with people living longer, they'd think more about the future. This culture has led to the day trading culture we have now. Companies managing results for their quarterly earnings. It has overall been destructive to the business entities and the overall economy.

For those who might jump on me concerning this administration, unintended consequences and short-term thinking are generally the focal point of my frustration.

Culture of Positive Thinking

Stating that something is wrong has almost become taboo in 21st century America. Actually trying to solve a problem has become even more taboo. The status quo is great. It is kind of ironic because every place I've ever worked has said their least favorite answer is that is the way we always do things, however in every organization actually trying to change way things were done becomes a bloody battle normally resulting in the status quo modified slightly. We have a lot of platitudes and corporate speak we like to toss around in both business and our everyday lives. Truth be told actually questioning the goodness of the system is frowned upon. It is the best it can be and everyone should be happy.

Essentially this boils down to spin. You have to create another alternative reality for whatever issue there is to worry about, so you don't worry about it anymore.

People want more from their lives. A guy won in 2008 screaming about change.


Culture of Mindless Entertainment

Probably a result of the TV age, but at least when it began, there were some really high quality series. Twilight Zone, I Love Lucy, Mash, All in the Family, Laugh In, etc had some sort of social commentary and their was generally a moral lesson to be told in their stories. I can't even watch most Network TV outside of Lost anymore. News has gotten even more disgusting. It's purpose is to entertain not inform. Bad propaganda. Music also sucks. Pop Culture bullshit. Movies still can produce a quality product every now and than, but the top grossing film is still Titanic.

The human brain is no different than any other computer Garbage in, Garbage out.

Culture of ignorance being a good thing

People are actually proud of being stupid and not knowing much or not paying attention. Don't need to expand too much on that.

Culture of cheating

We cheat in America, a lot. Honesty is not a value. Not getting caught is a value. I don't think I have to provide too many examples of this. This one is self evident by walking out your front door.

No Sacrifice

Whether it is the war, communities, religion institutions, etc. Sacrifices are great, as long as some other poor sap is making them. Doing something for the common good will get you a nod of approval, and a knife in the back.

Summary

Until we take a hard look in the mirror and see ourselves for what we are, we are heading in a dangerous direction as a culture/civilization. Elections will come and go, but our culture is more the problem than anything else. The problem is, some very skilled sociopaths are existing quite well in this culture, and they have no desire to change it or let people look in the mirror.