Harvard Professor Robert Putnam pointed to early warning signs of grudges and grievances silencing talk among Americans in his 2000 book, “
Bowling Alone.” He noted declining participation in group activities such as going to church, bowling leagues and scouting. Not every American man has to serve in the military.
As a result, Americans today have fewer shared experiences — across generations, races and social classes. The lack of people getting together is the main driver of our political dysfunction.