In America, we no longer have public heroes. Politicians speak in platitudes and squabble. Corporate leaders downsize, then increase their own salaries. Journalist has become synonymous with cynic. Soldiers press buttons.
Athletes are mercenary.
Our biographers have invented a new genre called pathography, in which subjects are sliced and skewered. In a new biography, Albert Einstein's discoveries now belong to his first wife. Literary critics tell us to search texts for evidence of prejudice and sexism, rather than for moral lessons that can improve our lives. Historians tell us that America exploits, that the idea of progress is antiquated - and they mock the notion that events can be caused by historical heroes. Our movie makers are skilled, but only nihilists would celebrate serial killer Hannibal Lecter or find the sexual sadism of Basic Instinct chic.