Readers respond to John Harris’s article about the hopelessness taking hold of our society and politics
John Harris must have been reading my mind (Britain is used to crises now. But this widespread hopelessness is new – and frightening, 25 June). I (and probably many others) have come to a similar conclusion. There is just too much going on that negatively affects a big tranche of households across the country. How can we thrive and grow as individuals and communities when our external environment continuously threatens our livelihoods and lifestyles?
Failing businesses often enter an irreversible and self-reinforcing downward spiral. Things are bad, this causes worker attitudes or finances to deteriorate, and the result is that things get worse still – and down we go. Until we hit rock bottom and are forced to face our reality. Perhaps countries do the same too. At that point we have to confront what is wrong in society, but never had the courage or opportunity to embrace. Vested interests and sacred cows are laid bare, and we can rebuild, focused on what is genuinely important. The inanities of culture wars and other superficial diversions will become clear for all to see.
