We shouldn’t romanticize or whitewash any aspect of American history, but I can tell you that when I was growing up there was a sense that America was *supposed* to be good. 1/4
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When and where we weren’t (racial injustice, Vietnam etc), there was a sense of healthy shame among enough of us that at least you could feel it. And it turned into political force (civil rights movement, anti-war movement, etc.) 2/4

Dec 11, 2023 · 11:42 AM UTC

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What is disturbing now is how the most egregious behavior has been normalized and how complacent so many have become in the face of it. People have been worn down, conscience numbed, our sense of moral outrage diminished. 3/4
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That is probably our greatest danger: the willingness of far too many people to accept things are okay that upon sober reflection are seen to be absolutely not okay. Americans are in a trance from which for the sake of our future we had best awaken. 4/4
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Replying to @marwilliamson
Marianne, that all changed when Obama won in 2008. While "whites" were not thrilled with 1960s Civil Rights, they were making money because of it. "Coloreds" with jobs became "Paying Customers." Service couldn't be refused, either. With more Paying Customers, more money made.
Replying to @marwilliamson
People are programmed not to feel "shame" for their country. That's what Nationalism is all about. "Shame" is now just something a person's socio-economic tribe use to keep individuals ideologically 'correct'.
Replying to @marwilliamson
@XochitlGalvez