
Ramaswamy's NYT bestseller challenges America's victimhood culture, sparing neither left nor right while blending Western philosophy with Eastern theology. This "upper-level course on Modern Society" examines how we've shifted from celebrating underdogs to embracing victimhood. What excellence have we sacrificed along the way?
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What happens when a nation of underdogs transforms into a nation of victims? In "Nation of Victims," Vivek Ramaswamy explores how America's defining narrative has shifted from overcoming adversity to weaponizing it. This cultural transformation threatens the very foundation of American identity and excellence. The contrast is stark: while underdogs struggle and overcome challenges through their own efforts, victims demand that others solve their problems. This shift isn't merely semantic-it represents a fundamental change in how Americans view themselves and their relationship with society. Consider the difference between the Williams sisters and Jussie Smollett. Venus and Serena embody the American underdog spirit, rising from Compton's public courts to tennis greatness through relentless work. Smollett, conversely, staged a hate crime for attention and sympathy. When Serena faced genuine hostility at Indian Wells in 2001, she played through the boos and won. Years later, Naomi Osaka would withdraw from tournaments over press conferences and cry when a single fan yelled criticism. What changed in our culture to make victimhood more attractive than resilience?
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