What’s Wrong with Us, America?

By Mark Hayes

America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, has long been a beacon of hope, a nation built on the ideals of liberty, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, as we stand in 2025, a shadow of doubt looms over the nation’s soul. What happened to America’s free-thinking ways? Is democracy still the best way of life, or are we drifting toward an autocratic lifestyle that betrays our founding principles? Is this America today? These questions demand introspection, not just from policymakers or pundits but from every citizen who calls this nation home. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the erosion of free thought, the challenges facing our democracy, the allure of autocracy, and what this means for America’s future.

The Erosion of Free Thinking

America was founded on the radical idea that individuals could think for themselves, free from the shackles of tyranny or dogma. From the Enlightenment-inspired writings of Thomas Paine to the fierce debates of the Constitutional Convention, free thought was the bedrock of the nation’s identity. But today, that spirit seems to be fading. Why?

One culprit is the rise of ideological silos. The internet, once heralded as a tool for democratizing knowledge, has instead fragmented us into echo chambers. Social media platforms, driven by algorithms that prioritize engagement over truth, feed us content that reinforces our existing beliefs. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 62% of Americans primarily consume news from sources that align with their political views, a trend that’s only worsened with time. This creates a feedback loop where dissenting ideas are dismissed as “fake news” or “propaganda,” stifling the robust debate that once defined America.

Education, too, has played a role. While schools should foster critical thinking, many have become battlegrounds for ideological warfare. On one side, some argue for “safe spaces” that shield students from uncomfortable ideas; on the other, there’s a push to sanitize history or ban books that challenge traditional narratives. Both approaches undermine the ability to grapple with complex ideas. A 2024 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that only 13% of eighth graders could analyze primary sources effectively—a skill essential for free thought. When we fail to teach young people how to question, we risk raising generations that conform rather than create.

Then there’s the chilling effect of cancel culture. Whether it’s a celebrity losing a job over a tweet or an average citizen facing public shaming for an unpopular opinion, the fear of social ostracism has made many hesitant to speak freely. A 2022 Cato Institute survey revealed that 65% of Americans feel they must self-censor to avoid backlash. This isn’t the America of old, where bold ideas—right or wrong—could be aired without fear of ruin. Free thinking thrives in an environment of open dialogue, not one where conformity is enforced through social punishment.

Democracy: Still the Best Way of Life?

Democracy, with all its messiness, has long been America’s pride. It’s the system that allows for self-governance, where the will of the people—however imperfectly expressed—shapes the nation’s course. But is it still the best way of life, or are cracks in the foundation exposing its vulnerabilities?

One challenge is the growing disillusionment with democratic institutions. Trust in government has plummeted over decades. A 2024 Gallup poll found that only 26% of Americans have confidence in Congress, while the Supreme Court and presidency fare only slightly better. This distrust stems from real issues: partisan gridlock, gerrymandering, and the influence of money in politics. When citizens feel their voices don’t matter, they disengage. Voter turnout in the 2022 midterms was just 46%, a stark reminder that many Americans see democracy as a spectator sport rather than a participatory one.

Polarization exacerbates this. The political divide isn’t just about policy anymore; it’s about identity. Republicans and Democrats increasingly view each other not as opponents but as enemies. A 2023 study from the American National Election Studies found that 38% of Americans would be upset if their child married someone from the opposing political party. This tribalism undermines the compromise essential to democracy. When winning becomes more important than governing, the system grinds to a halt.

External threats also loom. Disinformation campaigns, often amplified by foreign actors, exploit our divisions. The 2020 election saw a flood of false narratives about voter fraud, culminating in the January 6th Capitol riot. While the event was a flashpoint, the underlying issue persists: a significant portion of the population—polls suggest around 30%—believes the electoral system is rigged. This erosion of faith in the democratic process is a slow poison, weakening the system from within.

Yet, democracy’s strength lies in its adaptability. It’s not perfect, but it’s designed to evolve. The expansion of voting rights, from the 19th Amendment to the Voting Rights Act, shows democracy’s capacity to correct its flaws. The question is whether we have the will to address today’s challenges—reforming campaign finance, combating disinformation, and bridging divides—before disillusionment gives way to something darker.

The Allure of Autocracy

If democracy is faltering, what’s filling the void? For some, the answer is autocracy—a system that promises stability, decisiveness, and order in a chaotic world. The appeal is understandable. In an era of rapid change—globalization, technological disruption, cultural shifts—many feel left behind. Autocrats offer simple solutions: strong leadership, clear enemies, and a return to “better days.” But does America want this?

The signs are troubling. Political scientists have noted a global rise in “democratic backsliding,” where elected leaders undermine democratic norms to consolidate power. America isn’t immune. Recent years have seen attacks on independent institutions—the press, the judiciary, election officials—often framed as necessary to “drain the swamp” or “fight the establishment.” A 2024 Freedom House report downgraded the U.S. on its democracy index, citing threats to electoral integrity and judicial independence. This isn’t autocracy outright, but it’s a step closer than we’ve ever been.

Public sentiment reflects this shift. A 2023 YouGov poll found that 22% of Americans would support a “strong leader” who doesn’t have to bother with Congress or elections, up from 15% a decade ago. Among younger generations, the numbers are even higher, with 29% of Millennials and Gen Z expressing openness to authoritarian rule. This isn’t a wholesale rejection of democracy but a sign of frustration with its dysfunction. When people feel the system isn’t working, they’re more willing to trade liberty for efficiency.

The cultural embrace of strongman figures also plays a role. From reality TV to social media, we’ve elevated personalities who project unwavering confidence, even when their claims are dubious. This glorification of decisiveness over deliberation mirrors the autocratic mindset. When nuance is mocked and compromise is seen as weakness, the ground is fertile for authoritarianism to take root.

But autocracy comes at a cost. History shows that concentrated power leads to corruption, oppression, and stagnation. Look at nations like Russia or China, where dissent is crushed, and innovation is stifled outside state control. America’s strength has always been its diversity of thought and its ability to self-correct. An autocratic America would sacrifice that for the illusion of stability—a poor trade for a nation built on freedom.

Is This America Today?

So, is this America today? A nation where free thinking is stifled, democracy is on shaky ground, and autocracy looms as a tempting alternative? The answer is complex. America is at a crossroads, grappling with forces that threaten its core ideals but also showing glimmers of resilience.

On one hand, the challenges are undeniable. Polarization has turned neighbors into adversaries. Disinformation spreads faster than truth—studies show false stories travel six times quicker on social media. Institutions, from the media to the courts, are under strain, with 41% of Americans in a 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer survey saying they trust no major institution. And the allure of strongman leadership is growing, fueled by frustration with a system that seems broken.

Yet, there’s hope. Grassroots movements—whether for voting rights, climate action, or social justice—show that Americans still believe in collective action. Independent media and fact-checking organizations, while imperfect, are pushing back against disinformation. And despite low voter turnout, those who do vote are fiercely engaged, with 2020 seeing the highest presidential election turnout in over a century at 66%. These are signs that the American spirit, though battered, isn’t broken.

The question is what we do next. Reclaiming free thinking means breaking out of echo chambers, engaging with ideas we disagree with, and teaching our children to question rather than conform. Strengthening democracy requires practical reforms—ending gerrymandering, protecting election integrity, and reducing the influence of dark money. And resisting autocracy demands vigilance, calling out attacks on institutions and rejecting the siren song of simple solutions.

A Call to Action

America’s greatness has never been about perfection but about striving toward it. From the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement, we’ve faced moments of crisis before and emerged stronger. Today’s challenges—division, disillusionment, the specter of autocracy—are no less daunting, but they’re not insurmountable.

It starts with us. Every citizen has a role, whether it’s voting, speaking out, or simply listening to someone with a different view. We must rediscover the courage to think freely, the patience to govern democratically, and the resolve to reject authoritarianism. This isn’t just about preserving America’s past; it’s about securing its future.

What’s wrong with us, America? Nothing that we can’t fix, if we choose to. The question isn’t whether democracy is the best way of life—it’s whether we’re willing to fight for it. Let’s prove that the land of the free still has the heart to think, debate, and dream as boldly as it did at its founding. The world is watching, and so are our children. Let’s not let them down.