Our Culture of Pandering

As we broaden our views, embrace our differences, foster advancements in science and technology, and collaboratively strengthen the political, social, and educational underpinnings from which we build informed and productive lives, we have much to be proud of as a nation and as a people. But we are tempted—particularly during times of political unrest and unbridled patriotism—to ignore the far-reaching repercussions of a society that caters to money and power. In Our Culture of Pandering, former U.S. Senator Paul Simon interrogates the arenas of politics, media, religion, and education to decry the disturbing practices that confuse public service with profit-making ventures or popularity contests, that compromise the best interests of the broader population to appease a powerful few. Boldly and eloquently contributing to a cumulative understanding of how we can build a sturdier, more ethical foundation for the future, Simon suggests proactive, long-term solutions to the problems that threaten our country’s moral, financial, and intellectual well-being—problems that are increasingly exacerbated by our culture of pandering. Lest we grow complacent and our nation static, Simon urges us to demand more from the political candidates who chase dollar signs and cater to polls, to raise our expectations of local and national media outlets that recycle gossip and peddle scandals while foreign policy and international news receive back-page treatment or no treatment at all. He asks us to consider the implications of churches that spend more money remodeling their buildings than helping those in need within their own communities and throughout the world, and he presses us to acknowledge the staggering, long-term consequences of schools that drop their academic standards to sustain their reputations and maintain funding. Our Culture of Pandering is a stalwart and earnest call to action from a steadfast and trusted advocate of progressive public policy. Leavened with altruism and rich with compassion for citizens of America and beyond, present and future, this important and cautioning treatise advocates genuine leadership in the realms of politics, media, religion, and education. In his trademark lucid and synoptic style, Simon supplements up-to-date examples of pandering in our society from a breadth of sources with commentary and interpretive wisdom garnered from a lifetime of public service. "In Our Culture of Pandering, former U.S. Senator Paul Simon interrogates the arenas of politics, media, religion, and education to decry the compromising practices that confuse public service with profit making and popularity as he calls needed attention to leadership failures that undercut the best interests of the nation to appease a powerful elite.". "Lest we grow complacent and our nation static, Simon urges us to demand more from the political candidates who chase dollars and cater to polls, to raise our expectations of media outlets that peddle gossip and scandals while policy issues and international news receive little or no treatment at all. He asks us to consider the implications of churches that spend more remodeling their buildings than providing charity within their own communities and throughout the world, and he presses us to acknowledge the staggering, long-term consequences of academic institutions that lower their standards to sustain their reputations and funding."--BOOK JACKET. While the American nation has much to be proud of, former senator Paul Simon argues that there is danger in the temptation to ignore the far-reaching repercussions of a society that caters to money and power. He advocates genuine leadership in politics, media, religion and education. Examines the American practice of forsaking the right course for convenience's sake, and suggests the kind of leadership that will be required to change this culture.