I said nothing about failure of morality - America's ideal is well considered & most hold it in high regard. Western civilization, unfortunately, does not link knowledge and morality but rather, it connects knowledge and power and makes them equivalent. As far as aspiration goes, it seems increasingly in danger of becoming the preserve of the wealthy.
I wasn't making an argument, I was stating a reality that every Empire-building culture has realised throughout human history. The USA is only the latest Nation to fool themselves by brushing over that behavioural canon with platitudes & token gestures. Have a good, hard look at how cultures have enforced dominance & ideology on other cultures throughout recorded time - that pattern hasn't changed. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
When you consider that the origin story of America was built on theft, repression & thuggery, this is sad & disturbing, but not out of character.
“That's why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.”
― George Carlin
Just have a good hard look at humanity's historical track record. Don't think reactively - You'll get it.
I said nothing about failure of morality - America's ideal is well considered & most hold it in high regard. Western civilization, unfortunately, does not link knowledge and morality but rather, it connects knowledge and power and makes them equivalent. As far as aspiration goes, it seems increasingly in danger of becoming the preserve of the wealthy.
I wasn't making an argument, I was stating a reality that every Empire-building culture has realised throughout human history. The USA is only the latest Nation to fool themselves by brushing over that behavioural canon with platitudes & token gestures. Have a good, hard look at how cultures have enforced dominance & ideology on other cultures throughout recorded time - that pattern hasn't changed. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
"Only if you assume that humans are incapable of progress." Technical & scientific progress, highly capable. Behavioural & emotional - barely.
When you consider that the origin story of America was built on theft, repression & thuggery, this is sad & disturbing, but not out of character. “That's why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.” ― George Carlin
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” ― George Carlin