New Ways Forward? Conclusion

The last lecture in A Cultural History of the United States. This lecture explores the how the influence of American culture has created patterns of thought and living throughout the world and how we might begin responding.

[@ksvbvssf394]

Hi Jeremy and Wes. Wes, I asked a question about your views on Cormac McCarthy quote in the first Q&A of this series. Considering this conclusion mentions McCarthy and underlines the American cultrual narratvies of individual and community, I thought I'd give you a fact about McCarthy's life that you may find heartwarming. Despite his subject matter and the values it espouses, McCarthy lived forty five years of his life writing at the Santa Fe Institute, where he was known as a sociable guy who talked to the students and the faculty about whatever the interest of the day was. I say this not to call the man a hypocrite or that you were misled by his writing, but only to point out that McCarthy himself valued community and the exchange of ideas amongst peers. From what I gather hemactively sought out a community in which he could socially and intellectually flourish and by no means lived in isolation, although he did guard his public image and privacy. It's good to know that even a man who was brilliant enough to write an 'isolated individual nightmare' masterpiece such as Blood Meridian sought out a very different life for himself than the lives of which he wrote. Looking forward to whatever you talk about next! K

[@Loenthall88]

Hi, Wes. Thank you so much for your lectures. I enjoy them very much. The volume for many of your talks is kind of low. Just letting you know in case someone might be able to assist you with any technical adjustments on that matter.

[@hellenestorian]

I could’ve never thought that you also attended Fresno state too. I love your lectures, and to think you’ve went to the college I’m currently going too! Just wow

[@jessieadore]

Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop and even Friends were all exported from the Black community. I’d be interested in hearing your take on African Americans as a Culture Factory.

[@WallaceRoseVincent]

Could you have a philosophical discussion with Gemini (Google's AI) and then do a video on philosophical ramifications of whatever AI is?

[@ConifirOtt]

I think it’s critical to restate that the patterns you mention in this video coincided with the transition of a production economy to a consumption economy in the US. The old models of obtaining a career do not match up with the economic model where the money being made is on the creation and maintenance of archetypes of the “american ideal”. That is why it has become compulsory and why Baudrillard considers it a simulacra.

[@Bronxguyanese]

The individual, the community and the collective. One thing I notice about American culture is the individual, and the community. Americans dislike collectivism especially broad collectivism which can cause problems when such collective themes shows it's head. Intresting enough americans also dislike extreme individualism such as liberatians and even extreme community groups like cults David Korech.

[@roberth9814]

"Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité"

[@elinope4745]

In ancient Greece, it was always an option to leave the city and live outside of it in a state of anarchy. This option is what differentiates lawful citizens from slaves. Slaves and not free men had no right to leave or make their own choices.

[@ashtangaxashtangapranayama8526]

What?

[@elinope4745]

@@ashtangaxashtangapranayama8526 it was often reserved as a punishment, someone could be exiled from the city. But all free men had the right to leave of their own accord and attempt to survive outside on their own terms. Only slaves were prevented from leaving. This is a major part of the agreement in social contract. It's slavery if there is no opt out option.

[@ashtangaxashtangapranayama8526]

​@@elinope4745 there is no opt out anyway, citizenship outside the country isnt easy to get, and survival in the wilderness is idiotic, basically pointless, and nearly impossible on multiple obvious levels.

[@elinope4745]

@@ashtangaxashtangapranayama8526 it was essentially a death sentence even then. There is a reason to choose death over enslavement. But in order for a government to be of free people, it must offer the option to opt out. Otherwise, it is a nation of slaves and it is a certainty that they will eventually revolt.

[@obrotherwhereartliam]

Look out further, do you see lawfulness everywhere- do you really think there’s a lack of anarchy?

[@Vitlaus]

Describes usury . . . blames Calvinism.

[@woverniox]

yep and he is right