The American Proletariat
It was John Steinbeck who allegedly wrote, “Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat, but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.” Even today, this is quite an apt statement. Political apathy and economic depression may have jaded the American Dream, but its optimism lives on, thriving in the hearts of those who have been working the 21st century’s techno-industrial accelerando.
The American Proletariat, it seems, still marches to a culturally-ingrained individualism, a unique form of bravado based upon independent, reward-driven endeavors. He is a rat in a cage, pressing a button in return for another pellet of food. His life is narrowed by a definitive system of incentives and payments, personal action for personal benefit.
When we expand the allegory of the rat beyond economics and social class, beyond any debate concerning the efficacy of capitalism, we see a creature which has been utterly blinded by its own aspirations. “Careerism” may be another term for this lifestyle of self-promotion. And in this we observe a citizen with an inability to extend compassion for its own sake, an inability to comprehend the larger whole, and an inability to question the status quo. The American Proletariat is eager to play the game, but unable to change the rules.
I would be remiss in calling any Exonian a proletariat in its socio-economic sense. I believe, though, that Exeter should maintain a strong stance against careerism and all its allures. At the risk of sounding elitist, Exeter, as a crucible that will forge tomorrow’s leaders, has an obligation to teach them a compassion beyond their own interests. This is difficult, given how self-progression is intrinsic to our current models of education. There will always be those who take each opportunity as a stepping stone to the next. In itself, this is not a bad thing. Ambition has always been the impetus behind human advancement. When it becomes systematized, however, when it becomes a mindlessly addictive phenomenon, we foster a culture tantamount to that of cubicled rats. A nation of such individuals is incapable of self-awareness. The “American Proletariat” applies to not just a social class, but an entire populace which has become delusioned by its own self-centric optimism. It is a dogma that resides in the politician who can think of nothing but reelection, in the businessman who conducts crony capitalism and the blue-collar worker who clings to the singular hope that his future will get better. In their haste to elevate their own trajectories, these parties sacrifice social harmony, as well as their ability to consider a world beyond themselves.
It is imperative that Exeter combats this trend in two ways. First, it must continue providing a high level of education. Critical-thinking and self-reflection are products of a good curriculum and prevent the youth from becoming enslaved by this zeitgeist of careerism. Intellect and curiosity protect against narrow-mindedness. Second, Exeter must continue to preach non sibi. This motto may occasionally seem like a casually-uttered buzzword, but it remains a rallying cry against self-exaltation. The communitarianism it teaches must remain a tenet of the Exeter graduate. Collectively, we who pass through this institution should learn to look beyond our individual stakes and be collaborative participants in the political, social and economic drama that is civilization.