TotalBrownout [none/use name]
I wouldn’t say your guesses are wrong, but the core of the conservative political project is the dismantling of the regulatory state as a check against the power of private capital. If, in service of this goal, an incipient theocratic ethno state also benefits, that’s a happy coincidence…
Are you encountering these Americans in the US or in another country? If it’s the latter, I would say you are engaging with wealthy Americans who are high on their own bullshit and used to getting their ass kissed regardless of how they behave because they have money. If it’s the former, I’d probably say the same thing . The whole “what is your job?” thing is pretty ubiquitous in the US though. American culture dictates that one’s employment defines them as an individual and is a both a class marker and a reflection that vocational training constitutes the vast majority of education here. It’s entirely possible that someone might not have much to contribute to any conversation that isn’t at least tangentially related to their career, regardless of how “educated” they perceive themselves to be. This also explains the very distorted and superficial comments you’ve observed regarding politics, history, anthropology, etc. The humanities are very maligned and chastised as being “useless” in the US. Pretty gross and sad… I consciously avoid talking about my occupation with anyone unless there is a very specific reason to do so and relish the opportunity to engage in a decent conversation that doesn’t devolve into the slop you posted about.
HOT TAKE: Go ahead, idiots… I’m sure a few trillion more on DoD welfare will make all the difference, lol. Just borrow the money from… China? The more heavily the US becomes indebted, the greater the chance it will eventually be kicked out of the global capitalist system. It took Russia over 25 years to pay off a measly $70 billion in foreign debts accrued by the USSR… all for the privilege of being part of the capitalist financial system.
Ngl, it gives off Bentham’s panopticon vibes…