In 1835 Alexis de Tocqueville published the first edition of his book De la démocratie en Amérique (Democracy in America). Here he made observations on the democracy being established in the United States, and the threats it could face. In this paper I will address and analyze the question: How are we less free and democratic in the United States today? I will use Tocqueville’s insights from Democracy in America and pull from a variety of other authors to back his claims. As well, I will build upon his threats using more contemporary theorists and thinkers.
In his book Tocqueville discussed two threats to democracy in America, tyranny of the majority, and soft despotism. The threat that is most interesting, in regards to this paper, is his idea of soft despotism. Tocqueville made sure to make the distinction between despotism and soft despotism. He described despotism as “[the] tyrannical, and absolute government of only one (or of only one power).” (Tocqueville 1245-261) What he was referring to however is very different; it would arise as a product of individualism and would establish itself …show more content…
He described this love for wellbeing as “tenacious, exclusive, universal passion…[it involves] making life easier and more comfortable…of avoiding discomfort and satisfying the slightest needs effortlessly…the soul becomes attached to them [material goods]; it think[s] about them every day and very closely.” (Tocqueville 935-38) This tenacious and exclusive passion is the second pillar of soft despotism. The soul becomes entranced in its own wellbeing, material wealth and goods provide for this wellbeing, but it is never enough, the soul is never satisfied. Today’s despotism is not by the rule of one man, or even by an overreaching government. Today’s despotism is a product of seeking happiness and pleasure in material wellbeing, provided by corporations and big
In his book Tocqueville discussed two threats to democracy in America, tyranny of the majority, and soft despotism. The threat that is most interesting, in regards to this paper, is his idea of soft despotism. Tocqueville made sure to make the distinction between despotism and soft despotism. He described despotism as “[the] tyrannical, and absolute government of only one (or of only one power).” (Tocqueville 1245-261) What he was referring to however is very different; it would arise as a product of individualism and would establish itself …show more content…
He described this love for wellbeing as “tenacious, exclusive, universal passion…[it involves] making life easier and more comfortable…of avoiding discomfort and satisfying the slightest needs effortlessly…the soul becomes attached to them [material goods]; it think[s] about them every day and very closely.” (Tocqueville 935-38) This tenacious and exclusive passion is the second pillar of soft despotism. The soul becomes entranced in its own wellbeing, material wealth and goods provide for this wellbeing, but it is never enough, the soul is never satisfied. Today’s despotism is not by the rule of one man, or even by an overreaching government. Today’s despotism is a product of seeking happiness and pleasure in material wellbeing, provided by corporations and big