Scott Alexander

But even this doesn't work for America.

Our vibe session doesn't correspond to a period of unusually low growth.

Machine Spirit writes, quote, It's interesting to compare it to Europe as the control group.

Unlike the US, whose economy muddled through just fine during the last decade, we're currently experiencing a massive economic decline that could soon turn into a full-blown collapse.

And yet, outside of debates about immigration or foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine, you don't really hear the same level of rancour about things being bad in the local media.

End quote.

Scott writes, I'm surprised to hear this.

I hear many economic complaints from Europeans, but I suppose this passes through my own American filter bubble which is incentivised to talk about economic hardship for its own economic reasons.

Golden Feather writes, The much older population makes the internet less relevant for public sentiment.

Even in the few years where they were at the opposition, they're mostly focused on immigration and crime to rile up popular sentiment.

I guess because the population is older, they're voters even more so, so they care more about that than the economy.

The absolutely massive and unsustainable intergenerational transfers keep everyone somehow sedated.

Maybe your wage is terrible, especially after taxes.

Maybe you're unemployed and it's hard to find a job, but grandma will be happy to help out her only grandchild.

Most don't realize they're just getting their money back.

This is bound to collapse soon, but see the point above.

The media really don't want you to think about it.

It's a lot easier to feel like you're providing opportunities for your kids.

The stereotypical rich kid private uni is, even as a proportion of median income, still a lot cheaper than an Ivy, and probably even an unremarkable liberal arts school.

Unless you want to study business or law, there just aren't private unis.