Passive Americans?

Question

I've been hearing a lot of complaining that almost all Americans are passive about government and politics. While this may be true to an extent, shouldn't we look at how long we have lasted? We've been able to stay under the Constitution for over 200 years and are the longest lasting democracy ever. What do you think keeps it like this? Are Americans really passive?

Answer 1

Most are passive, they are afraid to stand up for themselves

Answer 2

Obviously there are basic factors that sustain American democracy:

a) geographic location (natural oceanic and friendly borders)
b) technological and military prowess
c) economic and educational excellence (yes, our students are bright!)
d) Fair and reasonable expectations of security and prosperity amongst the populace (no massive race/job riots)
e) Nationalism

We are passive. We should poll high school males who are sophomores, juniors or seniors, or college-age males, and ask what their thoughts, preparations and willingness to be drafted are.

We should look to parents, to see what their thoughts are on the prospect of their sons and maybe daughters being drafted to protect our borders and constitution.

We should poll all adults on their time allocation to community service, political activism, and self-indulging entertainment and recreation. I figure it's a 1%/1%/98% breakdown or close to it.

Americans are not only passive now, but the only voices heard are polarized. I don't know what's worse. Hating one man is not political activism. Deposing a sitting President without a qualified plan of government and adequate leadership to replace him is not political activism. Chastizing the Christian and Conservative traditions and foundations of our nation is not productive and is political suicide. God isn't the problem here, but perhaps lack of faith and morals is.

We may not be so passive the next time we are attacked. I think if/when the US is again attacked on our soil, the passive or anti-American rhetoric within our borders would subside. Some say that's just what this administration is trying to manipulate into reality. Some say it's bound to happen, and we're defenseless against it, and it's so much more fun not to worry about it but be blissfully ignorant.

I think America has lost its way, in terms of what it took and where we've been, in order to get to where we are today.

Remote control jockeys and iPod fanatics will not and cannot defend us in the face of a determined and violently anti-American terrorist attack. The liberalized voice suggests isolation may solve the problem (when Pat Buchanan was soundly criticized for the same notion during the Clinton years). The conservative voice suggests we take some draconian measures to ensure our borders and our integrity as a viable nation.

I would suggest that the past holds beautiful and succinct examples of America coming together in patriotism and intelligent discourse. However, I do not see anyone looking to those examples to form consensus. Leadership has failed America, because leadership is always Left or Right, while most of America isn't.

I hope our passivity is not fatal. I hope our passivity is replaced by sound judgment and engagement. I hope our nation learns the lesson of complacency and misplaced zealotry and realizes that AMERICA (not the left, not the right) comes first. I hope it's not too late.

Answer 3

America will fall like the Roman Empire and the extent of how we are handling the economy and foreign affairs, I don't think we will last even close to the Romans rule. I think maybe a reason why Americans are passive is they don't want to concern themselves with government and politics because right now it really holds a lot of negative things.

Answer 4

I do not think they are passive, as an outsider,I would say they are just manipulated. Special interest groups own the media and they use the people for their own agenda. America should become a neutral country just like Sweden and Switzerland. Being neutral is not hurting them. Infact Finland is the world's no. one economy then its USA.
Mel do you not think American government is fanatical too. If God tells u to go fight and boil detainees and rape their wives and most of them are later found innocent. Is this not fanatic or is it just evil.

Answer 5

Americans are not passive. Look back in history. While we may seem to be at times in times of trouble we really stand out.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, it is the younger generations that are more passive about government & politics. . .this isn't good for the future of our democracy. Young people (and all people, actually) should be discussing topics. . . and not yelling past each other. Dialogue is key & it is very empowering.

Answer 7

Yeah. The swiss have the longest lasting single Western national identity, since the fall of the Roman Empire.

Answer 8

Wow, that is the first time I have ever heard of anyone referring to Americans as passive. We have been called, rude, in your face, loud, proud, boisterous, rambunctious, and direct........but can't say as I've ever heard us referred to as passive.
We have a good government and when it gets out of control we let them know. Our system keeps us pretty quiet, but our votes scream volumes.

Answer 9

You make some good points here, but the U.S. government has gotten way too big and powerful. It has turned against the common citizens, and is out to pound us into submission, creating a fascist police state dictatorship. Our only hope, if we truly have any at all, is an all out bloody revolution, and soon.

Answer 10

yes, most americans have become passive.in the past if a president had lied us into war and congress did nothing about a million people would be rioting.now we turn on tv x-box and hope for the best.

Answer 11

Americans are passive!? Since when..?