How America Got Mean

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the decline of moral education in American society and its consequences, including the rise of sadness, loneliness, and meanness among the population. It explores the historical importance of moral formation in American institutions and the shift towards a more individualistic, self-referential culture in the post-WWII era. The article also examines how the lack of moral education has contributed to political polarization, tribalism, and a general crisis of democracy in the country.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Decline of Moral Education

1. What are the key reasons behind the decline of moral education in American society?

• The article cites several factors that contributed to the decline of moral education, including:
  • The rise of humanistic psychology and the focus on individual self-actualization over communal moral formation
  • The shift in education away from character development and towards academic achievement and college admissions
  • The decline of various moral-formation institutions like churches, community organizations, and workplace associations
  • The privatization of morality and the view that moral reasoning is not relevant

2. What are the consequences of this decline in moral education?

• The article outlines several consequences, including:
  • Generations growing up in a "morally inarticulate, self-referential world" without a moral vocabulary or skills
  • Increased sadness, loneliness, and self-harm among young adults
  • Rising levels of meanness, hostility, and antisocial behavior in society
  • The rise of political tribalism and the use of politics to fill the moral vacuum

3. How did the historical approach to moral education in America differ from the current approach?

• Historically, America had a strong emphasis on moral education, with various institutions like schools, churches, and community organizations playing a key role in shaping moral character and behavior.
• This approach was based on the premise that human beings are flawed and need training to restrain their selfishness and develop social and ethical skills.
• In contrast, the current approach focuses more on individual self-actualization and personal authenticity, with less emphasis on communal moral formation.

[02] Rebuilding Moral Institutions

1. What are the key elements the article suggests for rebuilding moral institutions in the 21st century?

• The article proposes several ideas, including:
  • Developing a modern vision of character-building that emphasizes moral attention and consideration for others
  • Implementing mandatory social-skills courses in schools to teach practical skills for interpersonal interaction
  • Establishing a new core curriculum in colleges and universities focused on the "big questions" of life and moral traditions
  • Implementing intergenerational service programs to foster a sense of community and other-centered values
  • Encouraging organizations to be explicit about both their moral and instrumental goals

2. How does the article view the role of politics in moral renewal?

• The article argues for a "philosophy of moral realism" in politics, where leaders and citizens defend and modernize the rules and standards that nurture cooperation, trust, and human dignity.
• It contrasts this with the "amoral realism" of authoritarian leaders who view morality as a luxury and prioritize power and self-interest over ethical behavior.
• The article suggests that healthy moral ecologies require people who think and act in moral terms, modeling and inculcating moral behavior in the public sphere.