Cultural Resilience in America’s Turbulent Age
As part of the August 2025 Made in America issue of Wallpaper*, we engaged three influential voices from design, fashion, and architecture—Murray Moss, Willy Chavarria, and Florencia Rodriguez—to provide their perspectives on creativity and community during these challenging times. In this article, Murray Moss discusses the alarming cultural shifts happening in the United States today and the threat of authoritarianism.
The Essence of Culture
Culture encompasses the collective beliefs, values, behaviors, and norms that unite people. It represents a complex web of learned and shared lifestyles, including attitudes towards literature, art, social structures, material goods, and politics. Moss emphasizes that culture can be manipulated by those with a cunning agenda. When a societal belief system gains enough momentum, even small groups can reshape it entirely.
Cultural Threats in the U.S.
Moss warns that the current political environment in the United States is adversarial to its cultural foundations. He highlights how the government aims to dismantle institutions that have historically defined American society, such as universities, the legal system, art, and diplomacy. This upheaval has fostered an atmosphere where allies are perceived as adversaries.
Key examples include:
- The chaotic establishment of tariffs.
- Trump’s assault on cultural creativity, especially in art and performance.
- Political maneuvers aimed at defunding public institutions like NPR and PBS.
Moss draws parallels to historical examples of cultural decay, specifically referencing Nazi Germany, which transformed Berlin from a beacon of tolerance into a hub of intolerance. Once celebrated as a refuge for LGBTQ individuals and a center for sexual science research, Berlin became marked by repression following the Nazis’ rise to power.
Echoes of History
The systematic dismantling of cultural progress in Germany serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when a regime gains control. The Nazi Party aimed to consolidate power and impose a monolithic cultural narrative, much like the tactics used by current political figures to shape public perception.
When asked about upholding the Constitution, Trump’s vague response, “I don’t know,” reflects a troubling disregard for democratic principles. He has made promises to expel immigrants he labels as criminals, perpetuating a climate of fear and division.
The Call for Action
So, what can be done to resist this cultural siege? Moss emphasizes the importance of rebellion, activism, and resilience as foundational to preserving the creative sector in America. Each individual can play a part in reversing the current tide:
- Protest: Mobilize at all levels, regardless of the scale.
- Visibility: Be seen in the streets and rally together against authoritarianism.
- Engage Politically: Hold representatives accountable and advocate for democratic values.
While it may feel daunting—nearly half of Americans supported Trump in the last election—the tide can turn, as evidenced by the rising grassroots movements. Media reports indicate a surge in protests that have intensified the pressure on Congress. Diverse liberal groups are uniting against a common adversary.
A New Cultural Movement
Today, the economic anxieties exacerbated by political instability can serve as a catalyst for change. Just as the Great Depression fueled a demand for transformation in Germany, the chaos instigated by trade wars can awaken dissent in the U.S. Rebellion and resilience are vital to safeguarding the values outlined by the founding fathers.
Moss urges readers to foster a new cultural movement—a robust swarm of creativity and resistance that can counter the forces threatening American democracy. Embracing new forms of activism can not only help reclaim the cultural narrative but also promote a more inclusive and vibrant society.
For further insights, explore how design plays a crucial role in shaping a resilient future through resources like Wallpaper*.
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