America's Shift from "We" to "Me"

Snaptshot: The exaltation of "self-reliance" has deviated from our original values as the byproduct of a hyper-capitalist and super-consumer economy.

The first twenty nine words of our United States Constitution include "we the people" calling for "a more perfect union" to "promote the general welfare" necessary to advance a strong democracy.

The shift in American values from a focus on the "general welfare" to an exaltation of self-reliance has been a complex and gradual process that has taken place over the last five decades, influenced by various historical, cultural, and economic factors. Here are some notable points in this evolution.

1. Colonial and Early Republic Periods: During the colonial period and the early years of the republic, there was a strong emphasis on community and mutual aid, influenced by European traditions and the realities of frontier life. The early American economy was largely agrarian, and communities often relied on collective efforts for survival and prosperity.
   

2. 19th Century: The 19th century saw significant changes with the advent of industrialization and westward expansion. The idea of the "self-made man" began to gain prominence, symbolized by figures like Benjamin Franklin and later Andrew Carnegie. The ethos of individualism and self-reliance became intertwined with the American Dream.
   

3. Progressive Era: At the turn of the 20th century, there was a renewed focus on social welfare with the Progressive Movement. Reformers sought to address the social ills brought about by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration. This period saw the introduction of various social reforms and the establishment of regulatory bodies to protect workers and consumers.
   

4. Great Depression and New Deal: The Great Depression of the 1930s brought about a significant shift towards collective welfare. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal introduced a range of social safety nets and public works programs aimed at providing economic security and improving the general welfare.
   

5. Post-World War II Era: The post-World War II era initially continued the focus on general welfare with the expansion of social programs and the growth of the middle class. However, the Cold War era also saw the rise of anti-communist sentiment, which sometimes framed social welfare programs as contrary to American values of freedom and individualism.
   

6. 1970s Onwards: The 1970s and 1980s marked a significant ideological shift with the penning of The Powell Memo, the rise of neoliberalism, and the policies of those correlating administrations. This era emphasized "free-market" capitalism, deregulation, tax cuts to the top percents, and a reduction in government intervention. The rhetoric of self-reliance, personal responsibility, and the reduction of welfare programs became more pronounced, as corporate interests masked their profit-driven agendas with palatable rhetoric.
   

7. Recent Trends: In recent decades, there has been an ongoing debate between advocates of self-reliance and those who call for a stronger social safety net. Issues such as healthcare, education, and economic inequality have highlighted the tensions between individualism and collective welfare.
   

Overall, while the exaltation of self-reliance has deep historical roots in American culture, its dominance has fluctuated over time, and its prevelance has become the byproduct of a hyper-capitalist and super-consumer economy. The balance between self-reliance and the general welfare continues to be a central theme in American public discourse, particularly as the destructive pull of "self" has undermined the founding principles of our country, and begun unravelling the fabric of a healthy democracy.