NationStates Jolt Archive


Just what is "mainstream America"?

Chodolo
26-10-2004, 05:53
This is a bit of a tangent from another thread in which MunkeBrain said his views represent those of mainstream America. I've been thinking a bit, how do we know what "mainstream America" is? Half the country doesn't even vote. Places like Massachusetts are a lot different from places like Idaho. We conveniently label people "left, center, and right". How do we know what center is? All we know for certain is how people compare. It's a known fact that on a scale, CBS is to the left of Fox News (and Fox News is to the right of CBS). But is Fox in the center, and CBS "left-wing"? Or is CBS in the center, and Fox is "right-wing"?

A lot of conservatives tell me "America is more to the right than you would think" (and liberals....you get the idea). How do they know?

Curious what you all think of America's mainstream ideology or whatever.
Kanabia
26-10-2004, 05:59
An external opinion: Mainstream America is not at all interested in politics, unless one of the parties is giving them a tax-cut. That's how it appears, anyway.
Chellis
26-10-2004, 06:17
Mainstream america is white, middle-class typical democrats. Duh.
Xvim
26-10-2004, 06:21
Just sheep of the herd lass/

Sheep of the herd.
Bright Shiny Things
26-10-2004, 06:27
Mainstream america is white, middle-class typical democrats. Duh.psst It's the other party that claims that term as their own. They're wrong too, but I just thought you'd like to know.
Preebles
26-10-2004, 06:34
Mainstream America is a construct that politicians use to win votes. For example, they claim to appeal to "mainstream America" i.e. the moral majority, "normal" people. Much like "an Aussie battler" or other such terms.

As for left and right? I think they may well only be useful in relative terms, I mean, calling Kerry a radical leftist because he's left of Bush is ridiculous...
The Class A Cows
26-10-2004, 06:37
"Mainstream America" is exactly the same as "Mainstream Europe," "Mainstream Africa," "Mainstream Music," or "Mainstream Porcupine Fashion."

That is, something to dismiss whenever you can. It really isnt worth anyones time to imitate those.
MissDefied
26-10-2004, 06:44
"Mainstream America" is akin to "Pinocchio" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves." It a fairy tale. It doesn't exist. This country makes a melting pot look like pure molten gold. Honestly, any time I hear a politician use those words, I wish I was a dictator and the offending party could be thrown in a pit for 50 years.
Big Jim P
26-10-2004, 07:06
I am rather happy to have been dismissed by the mainstream.
Lunatic Goofballs
26-10-2004, 07:45
Am I a mainstream wacko? Or am I some sort of extremist wacko?
Eli
26-10-2004, 10:15
those drowning in the river?
Planta Genestae
26-10-2004, 10:24
It's called the Mississippi (spelling?).

Thanks me heartie!
Legless Pirates
26-10-2004, 10:28
It's called the Mississipi (spelling?).
2 p's