Thanks for that extensive response. Yes, I am aware that throughout history and across national boundaries, people have feared dilution of traditional culture--and civil disruption. These fears I never dismiss because, of course, there is a basis in reality. Even with complete assimilation, national culture is inevitably affected when it comes into contact with "others". These are not easy matters and certainly I don't have easy answers. I'm referring to something different.
In the U.S. there is a strong fundamentalist religious tradition. Dissenters who fled England in the 17th century established some of the earliest colonies (some of my ancestors were among these). I don't know how or when the belief in and desire for Armageddon became entrenched in that fundamentalism--the rise of apocalyptic Evangelicalism (this would actually be interesting to trace,historically)-- but it comprises a solid core of the Republican base in the U. S. The Republican Party can no longer win a national election without its Evangelical base. Secretary of State Pompeo is a devout Evangelical, as is Vice President Pence.
Although, as I say, a fundamentalist streak runs strong in the US, we still have Las Vegas, Hollywood and New York. You can see where it would be hard to reconcile these polar values: Armageddon-oriented fundamentalism with secularism. Ideas about what is 'good' conflict dramatically. Most of us here aren't looking forward to Armageddon :)
(This Guardian article --which I couldn't read because they kept threatening to put cookies on my computer--touches on apocalyptic Evangelicalism in the U. S.)
As I say, I don't talk politics here, and I hope this isn't seen as political. And I never, ever argue. I have fun on the platform. Just thought I'd explain a bit about the socio-political dynamic that at least partly drives modern U. S. politics.
Have a great day!
Again I've been totally unaware of any literal apocalyptic dialogue republicans pander to their audience with so it can't be that big a deal.
googles
Hmm nothing from my keywords, although Americans are somewhat obsessed with the idea of an apocalypse, with many believing in it, but not desiring it.
It would be interesting if true though. One of my fears of visiting the US is being bombarded with religious propaganda, billboards everywhere and the like but at the same time find myself curiously drawn towards it to experience the madness of it all!
I'm unlike you it seems, I love a heated debate or two. Anything that gets me on Google learning something new is good to me!
I'll keep an eye out for these weird folk anyway, cheers!