America's values are in upheaval, triggered by the advance of technology, prolonged pessimism, and a loss of confidence in major social, political, economic, and religious institutions, according to a poll of more than 2,000 Americans commissioned by The Atlantic and the Aspen Institute for the Aspen Ideas Festival. (See full results here.)
The poll was conducted by Penn Schoen Berland between May 25 and June 6. While Americans have become far more socially tolerant of different lifestyles, they have become far more cynical about Wall Street, the ability to succeed on one's own merits, the future of their children, and even the existence of God, according to the poll. The United States is in many ways unhappy with itself and the pop culture it has become. |