f the collective result (the negative or positive reality of behavior in society as a whole, though in this case the focus is the negative) this approach should offer insight for further analysis of Elshtains concerns.Applying an Individual/Environmental Synthesis Approach. It is now important to review the concerns originally expressed by Elshtain: (1) the growth of cynicism and the atrophy of civil society; (2) too much acquisitive individualism that translates wants into rights; (3) an increase in disrespect of, even contempt for, the rule-governed practices that make democracy work; (4) a politics of displacement that disdains any distinction between public and private and aims to open up all aspects of life to the harsh glare of publicity; (5) the neglect of practical politics in favor of proclamations of ones unassailable and exclusive identity as a member of a group defined by race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual preference; (6) and a waning of our ability to transmit democratic dispositions and dreams to succeeding generations through education (Elshtain, 1995: 117-118). To address these concerns in a more holistic manner according to underlying needs they are condensed into three broad theme categories as follows: (1) Growth of cynicism and atrophy of civil society; (2) translating wants into rights; and, (3) disrespect for rule-governed practices of Democracy. Each of these is analyzed individually below, followed by a summary analysis of the results.The Growth of Cynicism and the Atrophy of Civil Society. Elshtain (1995: 24-25) notes, American politics is a miasma.growing cynicism about politics promotes a spiral of delegitimation.Over time, the culture of mistrust grows, aided by public scandals; by an ever more litigious and suspicious society; by a determination to get mine no matter what may happen to the other guy; and by salacious snooping into the private lives of public figures, which further fuels cynicism about ho...
