In a recent discussion, three New York Times writers explored the pervasive sense of nihilism and helplessness gripping many Americans, particularly young people. The conversation, moderated by an opinion editor, included columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom and New York magazine writer Brock Colyar. They delved into the emotional toll of relentless political and social crises, from Supreme Court decisions to the rise of AI replacing jobs.
According to a Harvard Youth Poll, half of young Americans feel they have no say in government, reflecting a broader loss of perceived agency. Colyar noted a common feeling of numbness, contrasting it with the more visceral reactions during the first Trump administration. "I rarely react to anything with too much feeling," he said, though he recalled feeling alarmed when ICE operations came to Minneapolis, sensing a direct threat to his community.
Cottom observed a split in responses: highly educated, affluent friends often express the most anxiety, while people from broader class and racial backgrounds show more pragmatism. "The paralysis is about not knowing whether the future will be good or bad," she said. She suggested that those who focus on local politics and community organizing regain a sense of agency. "There is work that exhausts us, and work that refuels us," she added.
The piece makes a case for mourning the American dream, acknowledging that the past was not idyllic and that accepting uncertainty can be a first step toward action.