Happiness in America has undergone a significant shift over the years, with conservatives and liberals holding different views on the topic. In the past, conservatives like William F. Buckley, Pat Buchanan, and Phyllis Schlafly embraced the idea of being 'happy warriors,' while the Left often expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the country. The 1980s, in particular, saw the rise of the popular song 'Don't Worry, Be Happy,' reflecting a cultural emphasis on happiness. However, since the 1960s, punitive liberalism has gained traction, leading to a decline in happiness and a shift in the national psyche. [86198216]
Punitive liberalism, as described by James Piereson in his book 'Camelot and the Cultural Revolution: How the Assassination of John F. Kennedy Shattered American Liberalism,' blames America for various societal problems. This ideology replaced the older form of liberalism and contributed to a culture of unhappiness. The 1980s represented a period of pushback against punitive liberalism, which many people now nostalgically remember as a time of greater happiness. Today, America is characterized by a colorless, secular monoculture, with a diminished emphasis on joy and an increased focus on self-imposed limitations. [86198216]
G.K. Chesterton's perspective on modern society sheds light on this shift. He argued that people have grown weary of joy and have turned to worshiping idols instead of God. This idolization of nature and sex has led to unnatural behaviors and a perversion of values. The decline of happiness in America can be attributed, in part, to this shift away from celebrating what is good and embracing punitive ideologies. [86198216]