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Scott Greer’s essay, FanDuel Americans, spotlights a growing demographic of young, non-woke Americans who, despite the prevailing pessimism among many conservatives, remain optimistic about the future. While some right-wing commentators focus on cultural decline, these individuals prioritize personal enjoyment and financial success. As Greer explains, an even larger group of Americans is more concerned with entertainment and distractions than with ideology or political engagement.
These “FanDuel Americans” prioritize personal entertainment and financial opportunities over any kind of counter-revolution or longing for a traditional America. They represent a cultural shift towards an America where individual choice reigns supreme. Whether it’s placing bets on sports, consuming endless media, or partaking in the many get-rich-quick schemes available, FanDuel Americans enjoy a society that allows them to tune out politics and focus on their desires. As Greer writes, “they want fewer annoyances and more access to distractions.”
Unlike traditional conservatives, FanDuel Americans aren’t interested in returning to a lost Golden Age or being politically active. They don’t care about eroding societal norms or demographic changes. They embrace diversity as long as it enhances their distractions, like their favorite sports teams. What they oppose is anything, particularly wokeness, that interferes with their fun.
While they may support conservative causes like the free market, standing for the National Anthem, and opposing pronouns, their primary concern is maintaining a lifestyle focused on pleasure and amusement. They may like Trump, but they aren’t necessarily motivated to vote. As Greer notes, they’re more likely to “focus on themselves and their amusements” than get involved in politics.
Ultimately, Greer highlights the optimism of this demographic, noting that America will continue to offer them exactly what they want—distraction without disruption. They may not be woke, but they are not traditional conservatives either.
This post originally appeared at https://www.phyllisschlafly.com/liberalism-and-conservatism/fanduel-americans-priorities/
