Trump's next term might need big-government approach to fix culture wars
Cultural changes in America need more than just cutting government departments. A professor suggests that fixing todays social issues requires careful reform of existing institutions‚ not their removal
In late-2024‚ as Donald Trump seeks return to power‚ questions arise about his ability to shift Americas cultural direction. The so-called woke movement (which makes sacred certain minority groups) has gained ground‚ specially in younger generations attitudes
The divide between age-groups shows clear patterns: about 66% of people under-25 support Googles firing of a programmer for his views on gender differences; meanwhile older folks dont share such views. Young Americans are split on topics like J.K. Rowlingʼs publishing deals and teaching about US racial history - positions that most over-50s reject
- Culture shapes politics through media schools and universities
- Politics affects culture via laws and regulations
- Government funding links to institutional policies
- State-level legislative actions
- National curriculum changes needed
Chris Caldwell and Richard Hanania think its all about the 64 Civil Rights Act - which created rules that pushed organizations toward certain policies. But cutting government isnt the answer: when power moves to states or private groups‚ it becomes harder to control. School choice dont fix things (just look at how un-balanced universities are)
Instead of slashing departments‚ the key is putting new people in charge and making clear rules. When Biden removed Trumps previous orders about critical race theory - it became a voting issue. Reform needs careful work: changing who gets hired fixing old policies and making sure government workers follow elected leaders wishes
The solution isnt quick cuts but steady reform - making institutions serve voters not the other way round. Public oversight helps create step-by-step improvements that last longer than simple budget cuts would
