A more profound question about America

[Charmin One]

To be successful in America, do you have to be increasingly cold, unfeeling, and ruthless?

[Otto_Harper]

1. That's called Narcissistic Sociopathy

There is a sub-group of these "things" out there that appear human, and can mimic human behavior sufficiently well to blend in. They can exploit the feelings of normal humans, especially the ones who do not understand that they are unfeeling exploiters of any and all around them.

[misanthrope]

2. It certainly helps

Studies on this were first done decades ago. Psychopaths and sociopaths are particularly suited for success in the corporate and political realms.

[The Wandering Harper]

3. I do believe that

somehow this reminded me that I've noticed new automobiles are looking increasingly aggressive and murderous

[canetoad]

4. I don't think it's just America

There seems to be a world wide trend in thinking that it's OK to scam, cheat and deceive because 'smart' folks wouldn't be taken in by the scams. A bit like 'buyer beware'.

I think it's extremely sad and an indictment of many human beings that they find this the right and honourable way to operate in their daily lives; take what you can because it's clever to fool people.

[Amishman]

5. it's another symptom rooted in the erosion of economic mobility and the crumbling of the middle class

Decades ago, you could get ahead by being a hard worker and team player.

Today, that's not enough - to excel you have to either be truly gifted, extremely lucky, or a total bastard. More mouths fighting over the same crumbs.