When I try to engage other Americans on this topic, they all seem to be infected with a somewhat unique American brainworm that "everything will work out in the end". They'll say things like "OK sure prices will go way up and the economy will collapse without dollar hegemony... but that's just in the short term. We're Americans, we'll get it all sorted out". If they're conservative they'll add something about how less regulations or whatever and unfettered capitalism will allow us to recover quickly.
IMO, this idea that "everything will work out OK in the end" is caused by the unique situation that materially, for white Americans, everything sorta has worked out in their favor for the last 400 years. And American media heavily reinforces this idea. Try to imagine an American show or movie where things don't work out for the protagonists eventually. This isn't even a conspiracy or anything, just your regular ol' base informing the superstructure.
IMO, this idea that “everything will work out OK in the end” is caused by the unique situation that materially, for white Americans, everything sorta has worked out in their favor for the last 400 years.
There are deep roots to this in American protestantism. I can not tell you how many times I have had constructive conversations shut down because "Well if I'm dying and going to heaven does that really matter?" It's a similar sentiment. It's not just a saccharin optimism, it's an optimism that comes from perceiving yourself as/being part of The Elect (see: Prosperity Gospel here as well.)
When I try to engage other Americans on this topic, they all seem to be infected with a somewhat unique American brainworm that "everything will work out in the end". They'll say things like "OK sure prices will go way up and the economy will collapse without dollar hegemony... but that's just in the short term. We're Americans, we'll get it all sorted out". If they're conservative they'll add something about how less regulations or whatever and unfettered capitalism will allow us to recover quickly.
IMO, this idea that "everything will work out OK in the end" is caused by the unique situation that materially, for white Americans, everything sorta has worked out in their favor for the last 400 years. And American media heavily reinforces this idea. Try to imagine an American show or movie where things don't work out for the protagonists eventually. This isn't even a conspiracy or anything, just your regular ol' base informing the superstructure.
There are deep roots to this in American protestantism. I can not tell you how many times I have had constructive conversations shut down because "Well if I'm dying and going to heaven does that really matter?" It's a similar sentiment. It's not just a saccharin optimism, it's an optimism that comes from perceiving yourself as/being part of The Elect (see: Prosperity Gospel here as well.)
Great point.
Is this why western test audiences get really annoyed at movies with tragic or even just ambiguous endings?
Yes