The Shocking Realities of America’s Similarities with Former ‘Communism’

There's a widely held stereotype that America is the most developed country in the world. A traveler from the past, I visited the United States in 1980 and was amazed by its opulence, only to return in 1988 and discover striking similarities that perplexed and perhaps even shocked me. This article delves into those surprising realizations.

Similarities with Communist Russia

Upon my return to America in 1988, I was stunned by the similarities between the United States and the USSR during the era of communism. Both countries exhibited striking poverty, pervasive propaganda, and restrictive social norms. Even in wealthy areas like Santa Barbara, I observed homeless individuals rummaging through garbage, a stark contrast to the clear opulence of the wealthier neighborhoods. To witness such poverty in a supposed superpower was a profound and disconcerting experience.

The Media Landscape and Partisan Slant

The media landscape in America had already shifted towards a more partisan tone by the early 1980s. The 'fairness doctrine,' which guaranteed balanced coverage, had been abolished the year prior, 1987, and the media landscape became increasingly slanted towards domestic political discourse. Even major news outlets prioritized sports stories over critical global issues, such as devastating earthquakes in Pakistan. This partisan approach to news left a lasting impression on me.

The 2018 Mid-Terms and Corporate Decisions

The 2018 mid-terms in America provided another instance of the country’s insular attitudes. A visit to Florida highlighted the politicization of everyday life, as a major convenience store, 7-Eleven, decided to withdraw Israeli goods from its shelves due to Israel's treatment of Palestinians. This decision sparked controversy, with some groups threatening prosecution over what they perceived as a political move rather than a simple commercial decision.

Misunderstanding and Misinformation in US Media

During many visits, I have observed a persistent misinformed public, particularly in the realm of world affairs. From outlets like Breitbart to Raw Story, and from social media postings, it is clear that many Americans remain woefully misinformed about the world outside their borders. On a diving trip, a young man thought England and New England were the same place, and when informed that I knew the Queen, he assumed we had a more intimate relationship. A misunderstanding that runs deep.

Technological Backwardness and Economic Policies

Technologically, the United States has fallen behind other developed nations in various aspects. The adoption of standards and interoperability is an area where the US lags behind, with mobile phone systems being a prime example. The United States still clings to its own version of imperial measurements and the Fahrenheit temperature scale, despite the rest of the world moving towards metric standards. These issues reflect a broader insularity and reluctance to adopt widely accepted global standards.

Conclusion: The Insular ‘America First’ Attitude

While America's vast economy and natural resources allow it to compete with many other industrialized nations, its insular attitude and 'America First' policy are detrimental to both the country and the world. Despite its immense resources, America's failure to embrace globalization and its focus on domestic issues at the expense of global cooperation is a sad reality. The world once looked to America for leadership, but those days are long gone, replaced by a nation that frequently fails to understand the complexities of the world beyond its borders.