Differences in Reactionary Thought

Abstract

In understanding how the United States reached its current political tribalism, multiple perspectives attempt to understand and convey their views. What was the critical juncture at which our society began to decay? Is the American situation better now than in the past? David Frum’s How We Got Here: The 70s, takes on a bleak yet well-rounded conservative approach in establishing the reasoning for the monumental changes that have occurred across society. Frum while negative of the direction of society and politics allows for some positive interpretations towards historical change. Christopher Caldwell’s The Age of Entitlement attempts to answer and evaluate some of the same questions which are presented by Frum. Caldwell, however, takes a much more negative view of the direction of social and political change in the United States since the 1960s. Their negative views regarding the modern historical trajectory of the United States align however, they disagree on which major point of change initiated the overall downfall.