3/5 Stars (%55/100)
The book explores various critiques of America, including its hostility towards foreigners, lack of national literature or art, corruption, materialistic mode of life, and absence of dissent. Despite these criticisms, America is often idealized as a land of freedom and opportunity. However, the emphasis on materialism and scale in American society overshadows qualities such as quality or artistic value. The text argues that America lacks a true intellectual elite due to historical factors and societal norms that prioritize mediocrity over excellence in culture and intellect. Additionally, the book examines America's historical development and the factors that have hindered the establishment of a cultural elite. Ultimately, the conclusion paints a bleak picture of America (by using the metaphor of "black skies") as a culturally deficient nation dominated by conformity and patriotism, with a lack of dissent and critical thinking. It was an informative but quite long and boring book for me. Still, it was good to see America from a European's perspective.
