Reply #60: I've thought about that a lot

[Jacobin]

There are several reasons, I think:

1. Suburbia, where many americans live is a lifeless plain, with neighbors who rarely know each other. Cities or towns with old neighborhoods where sidewalks and neighborhood gathering place build a sense of community and togetherness.

2. TV is what most people do when they go home from work. Its crass sensationalism smushed between marketing to make you think you aren't good or good enough unless you buy some new thing or another. You go out and buy the new thing and your still watching TV the next night with no interpersonal relationships that are meaningful.

3. Hectic pace of life is expected at work and play, with no time for reflection or meaningful relationships. Stress is thought to be normal and it takes its toll on the synapses. We are always in a fight or flight mode because of extremes of stress, which fucks up brain chemistry.

4. Spirituality/Reflection is basically either laughed at, ignored, or turned into some meaningless and stupid exercise as formalized religion which tends to be either dry and without substance, or some souped up whizzbang, going to hell unless you convert the world crazed madness.

5. We are encouraged to "live for the day" to get the latest toys and the latest car and vacation which is marketed as the means to "happiness" which it isn't.

Of course, many don't fall into the above traps and one is perfectly able to avoid many of those pitfalls and have a happy and meaningful live that is fulfilling and pleasant. However, all the roads to a happy life are filled with the above pitfalls in this country and you have to go out of your way, and against the mainstream to achieve some peace and happiness.

Madison Avenue is the major culprit. Education is the key to surviving in America.