Yes. The US as a nation is in its early adolescence.
Unfortunately, they're like our psycho older brother. Bart Simpson to the Canadians' Lisa. We have a really messed up relationship with them...erm... kinda like Stockholm Syndrome, I guess. :&
But what can I say? It works.
I had a realization the other week...not a profound one, but I did see things in a different light from it.
Watching television has become so ingrained in our culture that a person will say "I don't watch TV," to negate what is generally assumed. I do not think it possible to process something and not be affected by it...so in the case of television, its memes (in the traditional sense of that word) become embedded and regurgitated.
But what is the common denominator for most television programs? Marketability. Television is inherently a capitalist enterprise with few exceptions to that. What do people want? Generally, they want to feel good. And so via television we have what I would consider a "feel good" culture; perhaps you see things the same way as you say: "The desire for escapism continues to climb."
I believe television is the most powerful tool for affecting culture. And I find it interesting that what has the most profound effect on culture is also meant to provide a cheery disposition for the cause of profit.
First, there came the printing press. For quite awhile, mass-produced written material was the virus of social ecology. I believe there have been some that accuse the printing press for being responsible for mass-produced linear thinking. It's where "the public" showed up to put a term on those in-the-know in culture. I really couldn't say if radio had any more impact than print. What about phones? Nah...at least not around early times. Going from paper to wire to wireless (radio), at which point television starts to shove its way into the lives of everyone at home and across the world. In comparing the chronology of these different communication's progress -- the technology -- the gap between invention to ubiquitous consumption might be a good yard stick to measure it. The shorter times in between can rate the phase to come. Go ask Ray Kurzweil about exponential progress...
In any case, to dub television as the most powerful tool... You've heard of the internet right? I mentioned phones before, but guess what! Phones were enfolded into the internet now. The internet also, in a way, has taken over that job of television. And so much more, of course. What could possibly be more influential than that? What could be next? Perhaps the true "internet of things."
People's tendency is to spend more time on the internet than in front of the tv. You get more choices on the internet, regarding what you like.
Edit:
Systematic: With the number of civilians owning firearms completely outnumbering military personnel, I'd say the 2nd amendment successfully deters our government from going against its people, directly anyhow
Did you really just type that with a straight face, dude? You think that's what's stopping the government from "turning against its people?" Fucking hell, this is as unlikely as an alien invasion. If this happened, what do you think the reaction of the rest of the countries would be? And I get you people have a lot of guns, but do have enough bullets haha...