American Stew

Name: American Stew
Price: $23.95 USD
Author: Stephen James
ISBN: 9781504929141

Hope in a Toxic Culture

by Stephen James

Formats

Softcover

$23.95

Hardcover

$31.99

E-Book

$3.99

Softcover

$23.95

Book Details

Language : English

Publication Date : 11/25/2015

Format : Softcover

Dimensions : 6x9

Page Count : 348

ISBN : 9781504929141

Format : Hardcover

Dimensions : 6x9

Page Count : 348

ISBN : 9781504933285

Format : E-Book

Dimensions : 6x9

Page Count : 348

ISBN : 9781504929134

About the Book

America is in desperate need of new ideas. In the richest, most powerful nation in history, Americans are profoundly troubled. The level of fear, anger, and dissatisfaction with life in 21st century America is reflected in our many social ills and questionable national behavior, exacerbated by the general lack of insight to explain what is wrong. Where will the new ideas come from? Cultural critic Stephen James offers a fresh perspective on the problems that plague America, as well as much-needed solutions. By applying modern social science and interdisciplinary thought to contemporary American issues, James offers a sweeping and relevant analysis of a culture that has become toxic for its members. James proposes that our drive to become the most powerful nation on earth can be understood in terms of the theories of Ernest Becker. Becker writes that all human beings dread death, and all cultures have developed measures to deny death and create opportunities for immortality. Unfortunately, our culture offers an inadequate antidote to death anxiety, pushing us to success as a nation, while leaving us anxious, driven, and unhappy. Our own culture has evolved to oppress and exploit us. It is, in a word, toxic.

About the Author

Stephen James is a communications media expert who draws on 30 years of writing and research experience. He has followed the American culture from many vantage points, and has written for the United Nations, public television, and various corporations. James brings a fresh perspective of independent scholarship to the thorniest national issues and intractable discourse. Cover and author photographs by Kevin McDevitt

Editorial Reviews

THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
25th Jan, 2016
Star Rating: 4.5
A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

CATCHY QUOTE

'A fascinating, often uncomfortable look at the 'toxic' problems inherent in North American culture. Highly recommended.'

REVIEW

Let me begin by saying I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating look at North American contemporary life and the author's proposals to alter it. Well written and highly accessible, it looks critically at a number of important cultural problems including many Americans' obsession with 'bigger - everything'. But, thankfully, the author also has the courage not only to critically analysis but also to offer solutions to what he feels is a culture that has evolved to 'oppress and exploit'.

Acknowledging how effective the American way of life is to 'propelling humanity forward' he confronts the negative effects of such a mechanism and how it results in pushing the populace to 'their psychological limits, leaving them exposed to rising levels of anxiety'. He also looks at how Americans disconnect from this reality, relying on an outdate American image of 'freedom and opportunity for all'.

I would think, a day after putting this book down, that many Americans would find this cultural analysis uncomfortable reading. It is not a 'pat on the back' read and it is not a 'put it down and forget it' sort of read. It is a thoughtfully and well-argued look at 'toxic culture' and a suggested method of countering it.

Can I recommend this book? Yes. I think students of psychology and economics would find it interesting and eye-opening as it offers a very different problem/answer to many cultural ills. But, I think, many everyday Americans would also find it helpful. With so many being affected by stress, alcohol and drugs, this book might help them to understand how 'American life' is the root of many such problems. As the author shows us from USA TODAY' ... a 16-hour day means you don't have to deal with the messiness of life'.

------------------

asiryu
********
Small Press Bookwatch: February 2016
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575
http://www.midwestbookreview.com

Synopsis: America is in desperate need of new ideas. In the richest, most powerful nation in history, Americans are profoundly troubled. The level of fear, anger, and dissatisfaction with life in 21st century America is reflected in our many social ills and questionable national behavior, exacerbated by the general lack of insight to explain what is wrong. Where will the new ideas come from? In "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture", cultural critic Stephen James draws upon his more than thirty years of experience, observation, and experience to offer a fresh perspective on the problems that plague America, as well as much-needed solutions. By applying modern social science and interdisciplinary thought to contemporary American issues, "American Stew" offers a sweeping and relevant analysis of a culture that has become toxic for its members by proposing that our drive to become the most powerful nation on earth can be understood in terms of the theories of the late Ernest Becker (September 27, 1924 - March 6, 1974). A Jewish-American cultural anthropologist, Becker wrote that all human beings dread death, and all cultures have developed measures to deny death and create opportunities for immortality. Unfortunately, our culture offers an inadequate antidote to death anxiety, pushing us to success as a nation, while leaving us anxious, driven, and unhappy. Our own culture has evolved to oppress and exploit us. It is, in a word, toxic. In the pages of "American Stew", Stephen James suggests unique opportunities for hope, as well as new forms of heroism, new values, and fresh approaches to life that counter death anxiety and promote satisfaction on a deeper human level. "American Stew" synthesizes ideas from a multitude of disciplines to help us better understand the complexities of culture and human motivation.

Critique: As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, Stephen James' "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is a landmark work of observationally based insight that is truly impressive in scope and dimension. An inherently absorbing and challenging read from beginning to end, "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is very highly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary Social Issues reference collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be noted for members of academia and non-specialist general readers that "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is also available in a paperback edition (9781504929141, $23.95) and in a Kindle format ($3.99).

*********

asiryu
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
25th Jan, 2016
Star Rating: 4.5
A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

CATCHY QUOTE

'A fascinating, often uncomfortable look at the 'toxic' problems inherent in North American culture. Highly recommended.'

REVIEW

Let me begin by saying I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating look at North American contemporary life and the author's proposals to alter it. Well written and highly accessible, it looks critically at a number of important cultural problems including many Americans' obsession with 'bigger - everything'. But, thankfully, the author also has the courage not only to critically analysis but also to offer solutions to what he feels is a culture that has evolved to 'oppress and exploit'.

Acknowledging how effective the American way of life is to 'propelling humanity forward' he confronts the negative effects of such a mechanism and how it results in pushing the populace to 'their psychological limits, leaving them exposed to rising levels of anxiety'. He also looks at how Americans disconnect from this reality, relying on an outdate American image of 'freedom and opportunity for all'.

I would think, a day after putting this book down, that many Americans would find this cultural analysis uncomfortable reading. It is not a 'pat on the back' read and it is not a 'put it down and forget it' sort of read. It is a thoughtfully and well-argued look at 'toxic culture' and a suggested method of countering it.

Can I recommend this book? Yes. I think students of psychology and economics would find it interesting and eye-opening as it offers a very different problem/answer to many cultural ills. But, I think, many everyday Americans would also find it helpful. With so many being affected by stress, alcohol and drugs, this book might help them to understand how 'American life' is the root of many such problems. As the author shows us from USA TODAY' ...a 16-hour day means you don't have to deal with the messiness of life'.

------------------

asiryu
********
Small Press Bookwatch: February 2016
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575
http://www.midwestbookreview.com

Synopsis: America is in desperate need of new ideas. In the richest, most powerful nation in history, Americans are profoundly troubled. The level of fear, anger, and dissatisfaction with life in 21st century America is reflected in our many social ills and questionable national behavior, exacerbated by the general lack of insight to explain what is wrong. Where will the new ideas come from? In "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture", cultural critic Stephen James draws upon his more than thirty years of experience, observation, and experience to offer a fresh perspective on the problems that plague America, as well as much-needed solutions. By applying modern social science and interdisciplinary thought to contemporary American issues, "American Stew" offers a sweeping and relevant analysis of a culture that has become toxic for its members by proposing that our drive to become the most powerful nation on earth can be understood in terms of the theories of the late Ernest Becker (September 27, 1924 - March 6, 1974). A Jewish-American cultural anthropologist, Becker wrote that all human beings dread death, and all cultures have developed measures to deny death and create opportunities for immortality. Unfortunately, our culture offers an inadequate antidote to death anxiety, pushing us to success as a nation, while leaving us anxious, driven, and unhappy. Our own culture has evolved to oppress and exploit us. It is, in a word, toxic. In the pages of "American Stew", Stephen James suggests unique opportunities for hope, as well as new forms of heroism, new values, and fresh approaches to life that counter death anxiety and promote satisfaction on a deeper human level. "American Stew" synthesizes ideas from a multitude of disciplines to help us better understand the complexities of culture and human motivation.

Critique: As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, Stephen James' "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is a landmark work of observationally based insight that is truly impressive in scope and dimension. An inherently absorbing and challenging read from beginning to end, "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is very highly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary Social Issues reference collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be noted for members of academia and non-specialist general readers that "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is also available in a paperback edition (9781504929141, $23.95) and in a Kindle format ($3.99).

*********

asiryu
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
25th Jan, 2016
Star Rating: 4.5
A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

CATCHY QUOTE

'A fascinating, often uncomfortable look at the 'toxic' problems inherent in North American culture. Highly recommended.'

REVIEW

Let me begin by saying I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating look at North American contemporary life and the author's proposals to alter it. Well written and highly accessible, it looks critically at a number of important cultural problems including many Americans' obsession with 'bigger - everything'. But, thankfully, the author also has the courage not only to critically analysis but also to offer solutions to what he feels is a culture that has evolved to 'oppress and exploit'.

Acknowledging how effective the American way of life is to 'propelling humanity forward' he confronts the negative effects of such a mechanism and how it results in pushing the populace to 'their psychological limits, leaving them exposed to rising levels of anxiety'. He also looks at how Americans disconnect from this reality, relying on an outdate American image of 'freedom and opportunity for all'.

I would think, a day after putting this book down, that many Americans would find this cultural analysis uncomfortable reading. It is not a 'pat on the back' read and it is not a 'put it down and forget it' sort of read. It is a thoughtfully and well-argued look at 'toxic culture' and a suggested method of countering it.

Can I recommend this book? Yes. I think students of psychology and economics would find it interesting and eye-opening as it offers a very different problem/answer to many cultural ills. But, I think, many everyday Americans would also find it helpful. With so many being affected by stress, alcohol and drugs, this book might help them to understand how 'American life' is the root of many such problems. As the author shows us from USA TODAY '...a 16-hour day means you don't have to deal with the messiness of life'.

------------------

asiryu
**********

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Small Press Bookwatch: February 2016
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575
http://www.midwestbookreview.com

Synopsis: America is in desperate need of new ideas. In the richest, most powerful nation in history, Americans are profoundly troubled. The level of fear, anger, and dissatisfaction with life in 21st century America is reflected in our many social ills and questionable national behavior, exacerbated by the general lack of insight to explain what is wrong. Where will the new ideas come from? In "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture", cultural critic Stephen James draws upon his more than thirty years of experience, observation, and experience to offer a fresh perspective on the problems that plague America, as well as much-needed solutions. By applying modern social science and interdisciplinary thought to contemporary American issues, "American Stew" offers a sweeping and relevant analysis of a culture that has become toxic for its members by proposing that our drive to become the most powerful nation on earth can be understood in terms of the theories of the late Ernest Becker (September 27, 1924 - March 6, 1974). A Jewish-American cultural anthropologist, Becker wrote that all human beings dread death, and all cultures have developed measures to deny death and create opportunities for immortality. Unfortunately, our culture offers an inadequate antidote to death anxiety, pushing us to success as a nation, while leaving us anxious, driven, and unhappy. Our own culture has evolved to oppress and exploit us. It is, in a word, toxic. In the pages of "American Stew", Stephen James suggests unique opportunities for hope, as well as new forms of heroism, new values, and fresh approaches to life that counter death anxiety and promote satisfaction on a deeper human level. "American Stew" synthesizes ideas from a multitude of disciplines to help us better understand the complexities of culture and human motivation.

Critique: As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, Stephen James' "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is a landmark work of observationally based insight that is truly impressive in scope and dimension. An inherently absorbing and challenging read from beginning to end, "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is very highly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary Social Issues reference collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be noted for members of academia and non-specialist general readers that "American Stew: Hope in a Toxic Culture" is also available in a paperback edition (9781504929141, $23.95) and in a Kindle format ($3.99).

*********

asiryu

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