I'm ever the cynic so my perspective is that this ideological emphasis on "rugged individualism" was tactically redefined and reframed in the collective consciousness of the average right-leaning American with the intent of neutering any potential collective action toward political goals. Where I think this perspective is most insidiousl…
I'm ever the cynic so my perspective is that this ideological emphasis on "rugged individualism" was tactically redefined and reframed in the collective consciousness of the average right-leaning American with the intent of neutering any potential collective action toward political goals. Where I think this perspective is most insidiously manifested is in the average working class conservative's worship of "free market" exploitative capitalism and the tolerance of libertine ideals on the basis of muh individual rights. The other side of that individualist coin that works against the powers that be is on things like gun rights and school choice. It's definitely a mixed bag of good and bad but I think it's obvious that on the most important issues this "every man is an island" idea has played directly into the hands of the people that actually understand power dynamics.
I'm ever the cynic so my perspective is that this ideological emphasis on "rugged individualism" was tactically redefined and reframed in the collective consciousness of the average right-leaning American with the intent of neutering any potential collective action toward political goals. Where I think this perspective is most insidiously manifested is in the average working class conservative's worship of "free market" exploitative capitalism and the tolerance of libertine ideals on the basis of muh individual rights. The other side of that individualist coin that works against the powers that be is on things like gun rights and school choice. It's definitely a mixed bag of good and bad but I think it's obvious that on the most important issues this "every man is an island" idea has played directly into the hands of the people that actually understand power dynamics.
I don't want to admit you're right, but that is a damn good point.