Progressive Cultural Consumers Far From Socialists

On October 28, 1938 the first mass gathering of American Marxists was held in New York City. Glenn Beck seems set on marking the occasion. I'm referring to his flagrant use of the word "socialism" to describe the Obama administration's policies.

Whether it's the federal bail-out or health care reform, conservatives like Beck seem hell-bent on having Americans believe that the micro-brew drinking, Nobel Peace Prize winning, J. Crew-wearing Obamas are moving Americans toward a socialist ideology. New research proves that's just not the case.

A study I recently completed among cultural consumers found politically progressive people who actively consume cultural goods (books, film music, theatre) -- still adhere to a capitalist mindset. People who might otherwise be characterized as progressive -- shopping green, recycling, and engaging in creative pursuits -- overwhelmingly agree (98%) with the statement, "My success depends on me."

The 2,300 people from 26 markets who participated in the survey express a values system that correlates more with capitalism than socialism:

• nine out of ten people believe that individual hard work leads to success
• two-thirds do not believe that class and privilege predict success

Education, often considered the great equalizer, was overwhelming validated as being
important to the American way of life:

• 80% strongly agreed it's important to have a good education
• 73% consider education spending (K-12) a top priority

There were some detectable changes in the American mindset worth noting. Sadly, Americans believe we've lost our edge as a nation of problem solvers. Whether it's our ingenuity, pluck or technology, Americans have long seen themselves as a nation of fixers. Less than half agreed that's still the case.

All this insight is a reminder that Americans are growing up. Some pundits proclaim we're on the verge of a revolution in values. The reality is less dramatic. Our self-image is changing to reveal a blend of cynicism and hope. During this transformation, some core values will endure, others will be shed. For now, our capitalist ideology seems here to stay.

As we move forward in an age of unprecedented capacity for self-expression, the people in our study, especially the younger cohort, will be influential. They're creative. They assiduously build audiences for their ideas using social media to make their mark. This is hardly a proletariat exercise, since it's aimed at helping them stand out and get ahead.

Perhaps the young creatives in our study are more like poets than the pioneers who founded this country. Regardless, they still care about people being able to bootstrap their way to success. And it's a sentiment more inspired by Horatio Alger than Leon Trotsky.

A PDF summary of American Life and Culture Report can be downloaded here.

 

 

Follow Patricia Martin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PatriciaMartin

Comments

[Redleter]

I really don't get the fear that people have of socialism. For instance, even the right does not advocate getting rid of medical insurance all together, but insurance is, at it's core, a socialist principle... A bunch of people pay a certain amount into a fund... then that money is used to pay for the care of the people who get sick... it's not like you get your money back if you stay well. I guess if people really oppose socialism that much, they should just cancel all their health insurance and pay the bill in cash when they get sick instead of relying on 'society' to pay their bills.
Along those same lines, don't fall into that socialist trap by calling the police, fire department, ambulance, 911, etc... all those horrible socialist organizations.

[PatriciaMartin]

You're right to consider what these cries of "socialism" mean in a real world kind of way. I suppose that's the upside. The hub bub is forcing people to reconsider just what they value about American life.

[Keenan Jensen]

I like your response...and yes by saying it was a contradiction was an overstatement on my part.

[PatriciaMartin]

Keenan,
I take your point. The "isms" may be fusing. Another indication that the culture is maturing, refining itself? I agree, Capatalism is not dead, our research shows. It's alive and well as a mind-set, albeit one that's morphing a bit. Still, as a belief system, our research shows it's sticking. That's not a contradiction, just a fine point and I thank you for raising it.
Patricia Martin

[Keenan Jensen]

This article is contradictory. What it really is saying is that we as Americans have meshed Socialism and Capitalism to form a new ism. The author is confusing capitalism with Individualism and Socialism with Collectivism. Although they are related, they are not identical. Education is a public or social idea. Somebody saying they will spend for education doesn't mean they don't think the government should be paying their part. The article and attachment actually promote socialism, not the other way around. Their definition of socialism and capitalism are not in line with traditional definitions. Just because you value hard-work and appreciate education does not mean you are capitalist. The research seems like they are attempting to make their data fit their premises. This article should say Capitalism is not dead, it is merely evolving to create a new more social "ism".