Aukeman quotes Norman Mailer:"No wonder then that these have been the years of conformity and depression. A stench of fear has come out of every pore of American life and we suffer from a collective failure or nerve. The only courage, with rare exceptions, that we have been witness to, has been the isolated courage of isolated people." Welcome to Painterland {2016} Chapter 4, p.108
Aukeman references Norman Mailer's insightful observation on the prevailing atmosphere of conformity and fear in American society. He highlights a collective sense of paralysis and unease, suggesting that the years have fostered a bleak outlook marked by compliance and despondency. This sentiment suggests that individuals have struggled to find courage, resulting in a lack of collective bravery to confront societal pressures.
The quote underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the...