Several factors explain the movement of the American society away from the quintessential nature. Such factors as industrialization, changing views of the family and technology have influenced the changes (Kilborn 1). Thus, the American culture, as reflected in the middle class is taking a negative direction.
The spread of global industry has played a significant role in altering the family set-up. Industry has different aspects. Traffic, an industry aspect, contributes to the inability of people to move around. Ms. Link who claims that choking in traffic does not ease things regarding movement reflects this in the assertion.
Job requirements have forced people to adjust their lives. The rookie “relo” asserts that she moved to Alpharetta in order to help her husband get his career on track. Jobs force people to move from one place to another. Consequently, buying permanent homes is unnecessary.
This contributes to rootlessness as people do not find the need to establish close ties with their neighbors. Moving around leaves one vulnerable in regards to the lifestyle. This view holds since one needs to adjust his/her lifestyle in order to fit in the place he/she moves to when transferring from one workstation to another. As the article establishes, people from the upper middle class are trooping across the country away from the working class. Ms. Link and her husband, Jim, belong to this category (Kilborn 1-7).
The “relos” enjoy economic freedom, as their midcareer salaries are reasonably high. As such, most of these people find the jobs rewarding although they complain about anomie and stress.
This emerges based on the idea that they trade homes for jobs anywhere. In addition, “relo” families face various anxieties such as unknown future movements as they cannot establish any meaningful ties with their neighbors. This is contrasting to traditional societies where family relations were held highly. In this case, the place of roots seems to be at cross roads.
The worst thing that relates to work, as the family of Jim reflects, lies in the absence of family members from home. The young ones go to school while parents go to work. Running such a difficult itinerary implies that there is inadequate time to socialize and establish close family ties (Kilborn 2).
Industry has also led to the segregation of the society. This is achieved through the grouping of workers based on salaries earned. The high-income and low-income earners belong to different classes. The fact that only the upper class lives the normal American life leads to a disturbing realization that the American dream is dead.
The view held by Mr. Martineau reflects how industry forces the society to discard societal values. Mr. Martineau seems content that he owns property and a luxurious car. Apparently, the car and other property are status symbols. Classes have two main elements, inclusiveness and exclusiveness.
While the latter is a positive attribute, it is evident that exclusivity is undesirable as it alienates some people. Finally, the idea of demolishing village cobblestone streets and erecting sterile superblocks shows how the American society denies the poor people the opportunity to lead normal family lives (Powell 1).
Based on this essay, it is clear that the American society is drifting away from the elements of a quintessential society. Although various factors account for this occurrence, it is discernable that the American society is headed in the wrong direction. This view is held in regards to the statement that the emerging nature of society does not allow for family closeness.
Works Cited
Kilborn, Peter T. ”The Five Bedroom, Six Figure Rootless Life”. The New York Times, 13 Sept. 2005. Web.
Powell, Michael. ”A Contrarian’s Lament in a Blitz of Gentrification”. The New York Times, 20 May 2010. Web.