The Gilded Age: An Overstory for Today

I asked a question: Using Malcolm Gladwell's concept of overstory in his book, The Revenge of the Tipping Point what would be the overstory regarding the US as a plutocracy today?

The Overstory of American Plutocracy: A Tale of Two Americas

Malcolm Gladwell's concept of the "overstory" provides a powerful lens through which to examine the complex societal issues of our time. When applied to the growing plutocratic tendencies in the United States, a stark narrative emerges.

The Overstory:

The overstory of modern American plutocracy is a tale of two Americas: one of immense wealth and privilege, and the other of economic hardship and social inequality. This growing divide has profound implications for American democracy, social justice, and economic opportunity.

Key Themes of the Overstory:

1. The Concentration of Wealth and Power: A small elite has amassed extraordinary wealth and influence, shaping policy and politics to their advantage. This concentration of wealth has led to a decline in economic mobility and a widening gap between the rich and the poor.
2. The Decline of Democratic Institutions: The influence of money in politics has eroded the integrity of democratic institutions. Super PACs, dark money, and gerrymandering have allowed wealthy individuals and corporations to exert undue influence on elections and legislation.
3. The Erosion of Social Mobility: The American Dream, the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, is increasingly out of reach for many. The decline of unions, the rise of low-wage jobs, and the increasing cost of education have made it harder for people to move up the economic ladder.
4. The Rise of Populism and Extremism: The growing economic and social inequality has fueled political polarization and the rise of populist and extremist movements. These movements often exploit the anxieties and frustrations of those who feel left behind by the economic and social changes of recent decades.

The Implications of the Overstory:

The overstory of American plutocracy has far-reaching implications for the future of the country. If left unchecked, it could lead to a further erosion of democratic norms, increased social unrest, and a decline in the quality of life for many Americans.

To address this challenge, it is essential to implement policies that promote economic equality, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This may involve increasing taxes on the wealthy, strengthening labor unions, investing in education and infrastructure, and reforming campaign finance laws.

By understanding the overstory of American plutocracy, we can work to create a more just and equitable society for all.

The Overstory of Modern Plutocracy: A Gilded Age Redux

The "overstory" in The Revenge of the Tipping Point involves identifying the underlying narrative or theme that connects seemingly disparate events. Again applying this concept to modern politics, particularly the rise of plutocracy, we can draw parallels to the Gilded Age.

The Gilded Age Overstory:

• Wealth Concentration and Political Influence: A small, wealthy elite amassed enormous fortunes and used their economic power to exert significant influence over government policies.
• Corruption and Scandal: Political corruption was rampant, with politicians often beholden to wealthy donors.
• Social Inequality: The gap between the rich and the poor widened dramatically, leading to social unrest and labor strife.

The Modern Overstory:

• The Return of the Robber Barons: A new generation of billionaires has emerged, amassing wealth through technology, finance, and other industries.
• Money in Politics: The influence of money in politics has reached unprecedented levels, with wealthy donors shaping elections and legislation.
• The Decline of the Middle Class: Economic inequality has soared, leading to a decline in the middle class and a rise in poverty.
• The Rise of Populism and Extremism: The growing divide between the rich and the poor has fueled political polarization and the rise of populist and extremist movements.

Key Parallels:

• The Power of the Few: In both eras, a small group of wealthy individuals has disproportionate power over political and economic systems.
• The Illusion of Choice: While elections are held, the choices presented to voters are often limited by the influence of wealthy donors.
• The Corrosion of Democracy: The increasing influence of money in politics undermines the principles of democracy and equality.

By recognizing the overstory, we can better understand the underlying forces shaping our political landscape. It allows us to see the connections between seemingly disparate events and to identify the systemic issues that need to be addressed.

The Gilded Age was a period of gross materialism and blatant political corruption in U.S. history during the 1870s that gave rise to important novels of social and political criticism. The period takes its name from the earliest of these, The Gilded Age (1873), written by Mark Twain in collaboration with Charles Dudley Warner. The novel gives a vivid and accurate description of Washington, D.C., and is peopled with caricatures of many leading figures of the day, including greedy industrialists and corrupt politicians.

Potential Questions for Further Exploration:

• How can we limit the influence of money in politics and restore the power of the people?
• What are the long-term consequences of rising inequality and the decline of the middle class?
• How can we create a more equitable and just society for all?

By confronting these questions, is it possible that we can work towards a future where the overstory is one of progress, equality, and opportunity for all.

In Peter Turchin's "End Times," the metaphor of a boulder rolling down a valley and then hitting a plain is used to illustrate the potential trajectories of a society in crisis. When the boulder hits the plain, it can diverge in various directions, both positive and negative.

Positive Directions:

1. Reform and Renewal: The society may undergo significant reforms, addressing the underlying issues that led to the crisis. This could involve political, economic, or social changes.
2. Technological Breakthrough: A major technological innovation could emerge, providing new opportunities and solutions to societal problems.
3. Cultural Renaissance: A period of cultural and intellectual flourishing could occur, leading to new ideas, art, and philosophy.
4. Unification and Solidarity: The crisis may bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
5. Peaceful Transition of Power: A peaceful and orderly transition of power could occur, ensuring stability and continuity.

Negative Directions:

1. Civil War or Violent Conflict: The society may descend into civil war or other forms of violent conflict, leading to widespread destruction and suffering.
2. Authoritarian Rule: A strongman or authoritarian regime may seize power, suppressing dissent and limiting individual freedoms.
3. Economic Collapse: The economy may collapse, leading to widespread poverty and hardship.
4. Environmental Catastrophe: The society may face environmental degradation or a natural disaster, exacerbating the crisis.
5. Social Breakdown: Social institutions may break down, leading to increased crime, violence, and chaos.

The ultimate direction the boulder takes will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crisis, the resilience of the society, and the actions of key individuals and groups.

Pogo said: We have met the enemy and it is us.. I would rather say: I thought I met the enemy but once I got to know them, I realized they were another American just like me making life decisions.

?Some further readings:

OxfamAmerica

?? How are billionaire and corporate power intensifying global inequality?

Dark Money

https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2024/03/unprecedented-surge-in-dark-money-floods-2024-elections/

Gilded Age Explained

https://www.investopedia.com/gilded-age-7692919#:~:text=The%20Gilded%20Age%20saw%20rapid,between%20workers%20and%20business%20owners.

Gap between rich and poor has increased more quickly in the US than in Europe by Laura Singleton 25 January 2023

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/242756/gap-between-rich-poor-increased-more/

The Homestead Strike https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/the-homestead-strike

Written by: Stephanie Hinnershitz, Cleveland State University. It explains the socioeconomic continuities and changes associated with the growth of industrial capitalism from 1865 to 1898

The Asian 21st Century ?2022. Open Access. One of five Open Access books on China and Globalization.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-981-16-6811-1.pdf

Two essays in the book ask: “Democracy or Plutocracy? America’s Existential Question”

and “Can America Escape Plutocracy?”