The thing American people fear about corporations is that they might achieve too much power. We have an antipathy to power even as we admire it.
The American public holds a complex view of corporations, characterized by both admiration and suspicion. While people recognize the efficiency and innovation that come with powerful corporations, there is also a deep-seated fear regarding the potential for these entities to wield excessive influence over society. This fear stems from a historical mistrust of concentrated power, leading to concerns about how it may impact democracy and common welfare.
This ambivalence reflects a broader cultural attitude towards power within America. On one hand, Americans celebrate individualism and entrepreneurial success; on the other hand, they acknowledge the risks associated with that success, especially when it leads to monopolistic behavior or undermines community values. Annie Proulx's observation highlights this dichotomy, revealing the tension between admiration for success and the desire to limit power's reach.