Part 2/11:
This characterization extends to America's internal policies and societal structure, which appear to be crumbling under the weight of economic disparity and political division. The Trump administration, often viewed as tumultuous, is described here as merely a symptom of deeper, systemic issues within the American fabric.
The Erosion of the American Dream
A stark example of internal decline is the shrinking middle class. In 1961, 61% of Americans identified as middle class; recent studies show that this number has plummeted to approximately 40%. This decline reflects a broader economic trend where the vast majority of Americans have seen their incomes fall and their economic stability eroded.