There is nothing subtle going on. Most Americans feel a deep insecurity, and are focused on their own problems. Employers simply aren't sharing the wealth as generously as they used to.
American workers are now in direct competition with workers in Bangladesh, Chile, and Mexico.
Even the pensions that exist have been badly undercut by a series of Congressional actions during the past decade. The 41 million workers with traditional company-financed pension plans are in for a rude awakening when they try to collect in the next century because Congress has whittled away at their benefits. Social Security and Medicare are now on the Congressional chopping block. Meanwhile, people are taking second and third jobs to make ends meet and hoping they don't get sick. As a result of all this, many people don't have what it takes to devote energy and time to civic issues.