Contemporary populist sentiment in North America is not a simple thread but a Gordian Knot, a complex entanglement of historical threads of anti-elitism, moralism, economic anxiety, and powerful national myths. These currents, born from religious revivals, frontier experiences, and Enlightenment ideals, are now colliding head-on with the reality of our technological dependence. This “Great Collision” exposes a profound tension between the cherished myth of the independent, self-reliant frontiersman – often carrying a gun – and the inescapable technological dependence and interconnectedness of our digital lives, which profoundly shapes our political discourse, social interactions, and the foundation of our communities today.
The seeds of anti-elitism were sown early on during the period of British rule over the American colonies (1607-1776). Colonial grievances stemming from mercantilist policies and a perceived lack of representation fostered resentment towards distant and unaccountable authority. This distrust intensified during the American Revolution (1775-1783), where the rhetoric of liberty, equality, and self-determination fueled a powerful anti-authoritarian sentiment that became a central tenet of American populism.
