Alienated America

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Respected conservative journalist Timothy P. Carney offers a hard-hitting analysis of the decline of the American dream, arguing that it stems not just from economic factors, as often claimed, but from the collapse of key institutions like marriage, church, and civic life. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald J. Trump's assertion that “the American dream is dead” resonated widely, prompting questions about why so many feel the dream is unattainable. Issues such as growing inequality, immobility, rising addiction rates, and increased political strife threaten ordinary Americans today. While traditional narratives focus on economic woes, Carney identifies a cultural collapse as the root cause. Unlike the educated elite, who maintain strong communities, many blue-collar Americans lack the institutions that foster connection. The decline of religion, in particular, has fractured the social fabric. Carney explores various American locales, from country bars in Pennsylvania to Mormon wards in Salt Lake City, using data and research to illustrate how social connections have become a significant divide. He argues that Trump’s victory reflects this deeper issue and provides a framework for navigating the challenges of modern isolation, emphasizing the need to rebuild our most cherished institutions to restore a sense of worth and opportunity.