Commentary: U.S. must work to avoid the failures of ‘Brexit’

Observers in cooler and more prosperous nations often look down on warmer and less-prosperous nations having trouble managing their affairs (the famous North-South divide) and ask, “Is X country ungovernable?” It’s always asked with a sort of sniff, as if to say, “What’s wrong with those people?”

Well, now, with Brexit, the question comes up about Britain, that “other Eden,” that “demi-paradise,” that “happy breed of men,” as Shakespeare put it.

They had a prime minister, but he announced he would step down. They had another candidate, but now he doesn’t want the job. They don’t want to be a part of Europe, but they really do. They knew what Brexit meant when they voted, but now they’re not sure.

Is Britain ungovernable? What happened?

Here’s a scary thought. There’s been a cultural shift in Britain, and they’ve shot themselves in the foot, because they don’t believe in themselves anymore. How did they get to the point where they don’t believe in themselves?

Satire. Humor is supposed to be healthy. But maybe it has limits. How strong can a government be if it is constantly ridiculed?

Post-structuralism. This is a popular philosophy that says, basically, nothing is true. How can you make a decision if none of them is right?

Deconstruction. This is another popular philosophy which, well, tears things down.

Anti-authoritarianism. How can anyone rule if everyone is defiant?

Aggressive conflict. Yes, there’s a certain value to frankly airing differences. There is also a certain value to respect and courtesy.

Those marvelous Brits, in an unnoticed series of stages, seem to have ended up with a culture in which chaos and conflict are the norm, ridicule is chic, defiance is the attitude du jour and sensible, cooperative functioning is passé.

I certainly hope Americans don’t make that same mistake.

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Dr. STEVE DAVIDSON is a clinical psychologist in Newport Beach.