Don’t blame the elite – that’s the politics of nihilism and envy | Ryan Shorthouse

The increased scapegoating of institutions needs to stop. This notion that everyone but the establishment is losing out is fantastical

Some say: it's the economy, stupid. People have finally had enough after years of little or no growth in their real incomes. And, especially after the global financial crisis, the elite that purportedly caused it seems to have sailed on while everybody else has suffered. Others look to unwanted cultural changes, specifically unprecedented levels of immigration.

But ideas and narratives influence and inspire people, too. A common and winning one is anti-establishmentarianism: the scapegoating of senior and successful people - especially politicians, financiers and journalists - for coming together and pulling strings that cause social ills.

Continue reading...