The Decline of Kindness and Morality in America

Centrala begrepp

Americans are facing a crisis of sadness, loneliness, and meanness due to a lack of moral formation in society. The author argues that the decline in morally formative institutions has led to social dysfunction and political turmoil.

Sammanfattning

The article delves into the societal shift towards increased sadness, loneliness, and meanness among Americans. It highlights rising rates of depression, deaths of despair, social isolation, and abusive behaviors. The author questions why Americans have become so mean and explores various explanations such as social media impact, economic inequality, demographic changes, and lack of moral education. The decline in morally formative institutions is identified as a key reason for the current emotional crisis affecting individuals. Historical perspectives on moral education in America are contrasted with the modern emphasis on individualism over communal values. The narrative emphasizes the importance of character-building, social skills development, and a new core curriculum focused on ethical living to address the prevailing societal challenges.

Statistik

The percentage of people who say they don’t have close friends has increased fourfold since 1990.
A record-high 25 percent of 40-year-old Americans have never married.
Murder rates have been surging.
Suicide rates have increased by more than 30 percent since 2000.
In 1967, about 85 percent said they were strongly motivated to develop “a meaningful philosophy of life”; by 2000, only 42 percent said that.

Citat

"People grow more callous, defensive, distrustful, and hostile."
"A culture invested in shaping character helped make people resilient by giving them ideals to cling to when times got hard."
"The politics of recognition doesn’t give you community and connection."

Viktiga insikter från

How America Got Mean

by David Brooks på www.theatlantic.com 08-14-2023

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/09/us-culture-moral-education-formation/674765/

Djupare frågor

How can society rebuild morally formative institutions suitable for the modern era?

To rebuild morally formative institutions in the modern era, society needs to focus on a few key strategies. Firstly, there should be a modern vision of character-building that moves away from outdated gendered models and emphasizes continuous moral growth through everyday interactions. This approach, as described by Iris Murdoch in "The Sovereignty of Good," highlights the importance of paying attention to others with patience and love, fostering deeper connections and understanding among individuals.
Secondly, mandatory social-skills courses should be implemented in schools to teach essential skills like active listening, respectful disagreement, forgiveness, friendship cultivation, and empathy. These courses would equip students with the necessary tools to navigate social interactions effectively and build meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and consideration.
Lastly, introducing a new core curriculum at colleges and universities focused on existential questions about life's purpose and moral obligations can help shape individuals into responsible citizens. Courses like "Life Worth Living" or "God and the Good Life" expose students to diverse moral traditions and ethical philosophies while encouraging critical thinking about personal values and societal contributions. By engaging with these fundamental questions early on in their education, individuals can develop a strong foundation for ethical decision-making and compassionate behavior in their lives.

How can focusing on character-building rather than political tribalism help alleviate societal issues?

Focusing on character-building over political tribalism offers a more sustainable solution to alleviating societal issues by promoting individual growth rooted in empathy, respect, and integrity. When individuals prioritize developing virtues such as kindness, honesty, humility, and compassion through daily interactions with others—guided by principles of moral formation—they contribute positively to their communities without succumbing to divisive group identities or ideological conflicts.
By cultivating strong social skills like active listening,
respectful disagreement,
forgiveness,
friendship cultivation,
and empathy
individuals are better equipped
to engage constructively
with diverse perspectives
and bridge gaps between conflicting groups.
This emphasis on personal development fosters a culture of understanding,
cooperation,
and mutual support within society—essential elements for addressing complex challenges collectively.

Is there a way to balance individualism with communal values in today's society?

Balancing individualism with communal values is crucial for creating a harmonious society that respects both personal autonomy
and collective well-being.
One approach is through promoting an ethos of responsible freedom where individuals are encouraged
to pursue their unique goals
while also recognizing their interconnectedness
with others.
This perspective acknowledges that individual success
is intertwined with the prosperity
of the community at large
Educational initiatives emphasizing both self-development
and social responsibility play a vital role
in instilling this balanced mindset among future generations.
By teaching students how to cultivate their strengths
while also considering how their actions impact those around them,
schools can nurture individuals who value independence alongside cooperation
Additionally,
encouraging participation in community service activities,
supporting local organizations,
or engaging in collaborative projects helps reinforce the idea that one's actions have ripple effects throughout society
Ultimately,
finding ways to integrate individual aspirations
with shared goals
can lead
to greater harmony
and cohesion within today's diverse communities