America in Crisis: Navigating Chaos, Despair, and a Fading Dream.

Frans Vandenbosch 方腾波 15.12.2024

The American people

This essay focuses on the United States, the country located in North America. However, it is not about the common people of the United States, for whom I hold a deep sense of sympathy. The citizens of this nation are subjected to manipulation and exploitation by the media and political systems, which I find troubling and unjust.

All kinds of troubles in the USA

As the United States navigates the complexities of the 21st century, it finds itself embroiled in a web of interconnected challenges spanning political, social, technical, and international spheres. These troubles, though multifaceted, converge to shape the nation’s trajectory in profound ways.

Politically, the U.S. faces unprecedented polarization, not only between the two political parties, but especially between the media and the population. The greatest divisions in American society are no longer between left and right, between conservatives and libertarians, but between the haves and the don’t-haves, between those who hold the power and those who have to endure it all.

Socially, the country grapples with systemic inequalities and social justice issues. Tensions, exacerbated by incidents of police brutality and inequities in the criminal justice system, continue to spark protests and demand for reforms. Economic disparities persist, widening the gap between the wealthy elite and the struggling middle and working classes. Access to healthcare, education, and affordable housing remains uneven, further dividing society along socioeconomic lines.

Technologically, it faces challenges such as increasing competition from China and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Privacy concerns, data breaches, government censorship of social media platforms and the use of almost all media for government propaganda pose significant risks to democratic processes.

Internationally, the U.S. contends with a shifting global landscape. Strategic rivalries with powers like China and Russia intensify, shaping policies on trade, defence, and diplomacy. Climate change emerges as a pressing global concern, requiring coordinated international efforts that strain diplomatic relations and resource allocation.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S. healthcare system and highlighted disparities in access to healthcare services. It exacerbated economic inequalities, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected by job losses and health impacts.

Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens. Initiatives to enact equitable reforms, invest in sustainable technologies, and strengthen international alliances are essential for fostering resilience and ensuring a prosperous future.

While the United States faces formidable challenges across political, social, technical, and international domains, it also possesses the capacity for renewal and adaptation. By confronting these issues head-on with innovation, empathy, and collective action, the nation can forge a path forward that upholds its democratic ideals and advances the welfare of its people within an interconnected global community.

Let’s delve deeper into some of these important points:

1. Political Corruption: Corruption in politics is a significant concern globally, especially in the United States. Issues such as lobbying, political campaign financing, and the influence of special interest groups, including wealthy donors and corporations, are often critiqued for distorting democratic processes and policy outcomes.
2. Military Interventions and “Forever War” Mentality: The United States is almost continuously involved in military interventions and conflicts worldwide, which has drawn criticism for perpetuating a “forever war” mentality. Concerns include the impact on civilian populations, the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, and questions about the efficacy of military interventions in achieving long-term stability and peace.
3. Color Revolutions and Foreign Policy: The U.S. is involved in supporting various movements and political transitions in other countries, referred to as “color revolutions.” These interventions are controversial, with debates about the motives, methods, and consequences of such interventions on local political dynamics and international relations.
4. Influence of Oligarchs, Military Complex, and Pharmaceutical Industry: Critics rightly argue that powerful interest groups, such as oligarchs, the military-industrial complex, and the pharmaceutical industry, exert undue influence on U.S. politics. This influence is shaping  policy decisions related to defence spending, healthcare reforms, regulatory frameworks, and economic policies.

These issues reflect complex global dynamics where the actions and policies of the United States have far-reaching implications beyond its borders. Criticism and scrutiny of these aspects are essential for understanding how U.S. decisions impact international relations, global stability, and the socio-economic well-being of nations worldwide.

Addressing these challenges requires transparency, accountability, and international cooperation to navigate complex geopolitical realities and promote inclusive and equitable global governance. By fostering dialogue, promoting democratic principles, and respecting international norms, the United States could play a constructive role in addressing global challenges.

Falling Behind: The Decline of America’s Infrastructure

The deteriorating infrastructure in the United States is starkly evident when compared to China’s rapidly expanding highways, rail lines, ports and other advanced systems. As Dr. T.P. Wilkinson ¹n[i] noted, while traveling through the USA,  he observed that much of the region’s infrastructure seems to be deliberately neglected or destroyed, with outdated systems left to deteriorate. In contrast, even China’s lowest-grade transportation infrastructure is better than what’s available in the US or EU, providing more efficient services at a fraction of the cost.

This glaring difference should serve as a point of reflection for those who uncritically praise Western systems or criticize China, as it exposes the neglect of American infrastructure. Unfortunately, there seems to be no sense of shame in the West about this growing disparity, which continues to hinder progress and development.

American Exceptionalism: The Chosen People and the Legacy of “This Land is Your Land”

American exceptionalism is the idea that the United States is inherently different from other nations, often seen as uniquely positioned to lead the world due to its history, political institutions, and democratic ideals. This concept is rooted in the early Puritan settlers’ belief that they were “the chosen people,” destined to create a “city upon a hill” that would illuminate the path of freedom and virtue for the rest of the world.

The idea of American exceptionalism has manifested throughout U.S. history. The notion of the United States as a beacon of liberty and democracy underpinned the doctrine of manifest destiny in the 19th century, which justified the country’s territorial expansion across North America. This expansion was seen not just as a right but as a divine mandate to spread American values and systems.

Woody Guthrie’s iconic song “This Land is Your Land,” written in 1940, embodies a different, more inclusive vision of American exceptionalism. Guthrie wrote the song as a counterpoint to Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” which he felt was overly complacent and didn’t address the struggles of ordinary Americans. In “This Land is Your Land,” Guthrie proclaims, “This land is your land, this land is my land / From California to the New York Island,” emphasising that America’s vast resources and opportunities are meant for all its people, not just the privileged elite.

Guthrie’s song highlights a populist version of exceptionalism that centres on equality and shared ownership of the nation’s wealth and land. This view contrasts with the more traditional interpretation of being “the chosen people,” which can imply a sense of superiority and exclusivity. Instead, Guthrie’s vision is one of inclusivity, asserting that the promise of America belongs to everyone, regardless of their social or economic status.

Despite its noble ideals, American exceptionalism has faced significant criticism. Critics argue that the belief in America’s unique mission can lead to arrogance and unilateralism in foreign policy. This sense of exceptionalism has sometimes justified actions that other nations view as imperialistic, from the Vietnam War to the invasion of Iraq. Moreover, the idea that Americans are uniquely virtuous can obscure the country’s own flaws, such as racial inequality and economic disparity.

American exceptionalism is a multifaceted concept that has profoundly influenced the United States’ national identity and policies. From the Puritans’ vision of a divinely ordained mission to Woody Guthrie’s inclusive anthem celebrating shared national heritage, the idea continues to shape America’s self-perception and its role on the global stage. While it inspires a sense of purpose and unity, it also necessitates a critical examination of its implications and the responsibilities it entails.
Unfortunately, the US or Americans are no longer exceptional, neither economically, nor politically, nor morally.

The discordant society

In the United States, there is a disturbing lack of genuine effort towards building a peaceful, stable, and harmonious society. Political polarization, social unrest, and a focus on individualism often overshadow collective well-being, hindering true societal unity. Moreover, the culture of consumerism and competition tends to prioritize personal gain over genuine care for others, leaving many marginalized or ignored. While there are surface-level gestures of empathy, the deep, sustained commitment to caring for one another, regardless of background or status, is sorely lacking in American society.

The US customary units

The metric system is widely adopted across the world, with nearly every country using it as the standard system of measurement. Only the United States and Myanmar are the two notable exceptions in this regard. They’re the last two countries using inches, gallons, miles, degrees F  and other uncommon units. U.S. companies that predominantly use these uncommon units may face challenges when engaging in international trade, manufacturing partnerships, and compliance with global standards that require metric measurements. These challenges are causing  additional costs, operational inefficiencies, barriers to market access, and ultimately a loss of competitiveness compared to counterparts, using the metric system. The american date system is another example of such a specific way to confuse potential customers outside the USA.

Shackled by Silence: How Taboos Divide America

Taboos in American society have become a significant source of division and stagnation, often hindering progress in important areas such as social justice, mental health, and open dialogue. Issues that should be discussed openly, such as IQ, race, religion, politics, income, etc. are still surrounded by a veil of discomfort and silence, leading to a lack of understanding and empathy. The fear of violating these taboos can prevent people from having honest conversations, thus perpetuating stereotypes and misinformation. These unspoken rules can also discourage individuals from seeking help for mental health issues, as stigma still surrounds therapy and emotional vulnerability. Moreover, political correctness, though often intended to protect marginalized groups, has turned into a form of censorship that stifles free expression and constructive debate. Ultimately, the pervasive nature of taboos in American culture keeps people from addressing the root causes of societal challenges and limits the potential for meaningful change.

Breaking the Bubble: The Need for Global Perspective in America

Americans often possess a narrow view of the world, largely due to the insular nature of their media and discourse. As Kishore Mahbubani recently stated, “The insularity of the American discourse is actually frightening… There is an incestuous self-referential discourse among these journalists,” highlighting the limited scope of American perspectives. He further remarked that “the era of Western domination of world history was a 200-year aberration. It is coming to an end,” signalling a shift in global power dynamics.

Mark Twain similarly critiqued Americans’ lack of global exposure, writing, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” Twain argued that “broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime,” urging Americans to broaden their horizons through travel. These observations underscore the danger of remaining disconnected from the world and the importance of seeking diverse perspectives.

The Illusion of Choice: Why United States Elections Are Political Theatre

Elections in the United States are less an exercise in democracy and more a carefully staged performance intended for public consumption. They represent an elaborate spectacle for the masses—“the sheeple”—designed to maintain the illusion of choice within a system where genuine power resides far from the ballot box. Irrespective of who occupies the White House, the course of American politics is dictated by a small cadre of ultra-wealthy individuals who shape policies to protect their own interests.

Donald Trump will neither dismantle America’s already superficial and performative democracy nor govern as an authoritarian dictator. Nor would he emerge as a populist hero overthrowing the so-called Deep State. Instead, his presidency will likely replicate his first term: a continuation of the status quo governance within the deeply entrenched norms of United States politics.

Like his predecessors, Trump’s administration will persist in fuelling war machinery, imposing sanctions that exacerbate global suffering, and orchestrating covert operations and proxy conflicts. These actions serve only to uphold imperial dominance. Meanwhile, policies on both domestic and international fronts will perpetuate the exploitation of resources, intensify inequality, and hasten environmental destruction. His presidency will exemplify the same ecocidal and oppressive system upheld by nearly all preceding administrations, regardless of political party.²

This cyclical pattern underscores a stark reality: the American political system is not structured to serve its citizens or promote global welfare. Rather, it exists to preserve an empire governed by a privileged elite.

Breaking Free from the American Influence

As Europeans, we should critically examine how deeply American culture has shaped our lives. Do we find ourselves using Apple products like iPhones or MacBooks, or relying on systems like Windows and Google without considering alternatives? Are we unknowingly influenced by American standards, such as the date format, where the day follows the month, or expressing monetary values in USD? Do we often default to American units of measurement like inches, feet, and miles in international communication? Moreover, have we come to favour American English over Standard English, or are we captivated by American pop, rock, jazz, or disco music? These cultural patterns highlight the pervasive influence of America on our daily lives. However, it’s important to remember that there is a rich, diverse world beyond this American cocoon. Exploring other cultures and systems can offer a refreshing and more balanced perspective.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Renewal

The United States stands at a critical juncture, burdened by political corruption, social divisions, economic inequalities, and the deteriorating state of its infrastructure. While the ideal of American exceptionalism has long been a guiding narrative, its reality has become increasingly fraught with contradictions and failings. The challenges discussed—from political theatre and military overreach to the influence of oligarchs and a waning global perspective—underscore the urgent need for transformation, both domestically and in its engagement with the world.

To move forward, the United States must embrace introspection, shedding the illusions that have masked its deeper issues. Rebuilding trust within its borders, fostering inclusivity, and redefining its role on the global stage will require humility, innovation, and a collective commitment to progress. Only by confronting its shortcomings can America hope to fulfil its democratic ideals and reclaim a position of genuine leadership in a rapidly changing world.

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1. _{Dr T P Wilkinson in an email on 10/08/2024} ↩︎
2. _{Catlin Johnstone  US Presidential Races Hide The Criminality Of The US Empire 26/07/2024   https://caitlinjohnstone.com.au/2024/07/26/us-presidential-races-hide-the-criminality-of-the-us-empire/} ↩︎