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David DeSouza's avatar

Your hypothesis made me wonder about the impact of the modern middle class in India. India has experienced the steep rise of lucrative white collar work side-by-side with the social forces of individualism. in it's big cities......yes, even in India, yes things are different in the big cities now than TN in the 90s :). So now, India has both drivers of corruption reinforcing each other....yikes. Anyway, I don't want to divert from the main point of the hypothesis. Interesting to think of extremist ideologies as fuel on the fire of corruption. Lots to unpack here !

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Cindy Liberman's avatar

I really enjoyed this thoughtful piece and agree with the insight that modern society is breaking down into niches, similar to tribalism, fueled by algorithms, lifestyles and so on...leading to people only engaging in politics to back 'their guy'. The line about America 'knows better' was particularly striking. I appreciate this piece as a marketer and a citizen.

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H. M.'s avatar

You always write some of the best stuff on substack. Just pure education instead of another nonsense trendy internet-vomit hot take.

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James F. Richardson's avatar

thank you!!

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Sharon Cortelyou's avatar

Oh my gosh, I was just reading an article about cynicism and corruption before I read your piece. Suddenly a bright light bulb switched on. What great insight!!!

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