Book 2 - Blog 2

        What does it take for one to achieve happiness? Is it daily meditation? Is it going on self-improvement retreats? Or is it spending an obscene amount of money on self-help books? Ruth Whippman says bulls**t to all those methods in her book, America the Anxious. In this book, she examines the culture around the pursuit of happiness in America and its link to anxiety. From parenting, religion, to company cultures, Whippman dives into the various systems in place for Americans to find happiness, and questions whether they are actually on the pathway towards contentment.

        Her cynical tone permeates throughout the entirety of the book as she dictates in a chronological order her own journey in exploring different avenues that proclaim to help individuals find happiness. She would often attend workshops, retreats, and even toured companies that claim to maximize their spaces to ensure employee’s happiness. As I read through her experiences going to these self-improvement workshops and retreats, I can’t help but feel a sense of dystopianism. She mentions these courses’ philosophies revolve around “taking personal responsibility” and help comes from within. It makes me think, why would anyone ever fork up hundreds of dollars just for a pseudo happiness expert to tell them that they’re just a sh*t person who needs a life reevaluation? I personally agree with the author and do not see how self-criticism is the pathway towards me becoming happy. If anything, I’ll only feel more unhappy. At the same time, I find nothing surprising of the sort. America is consumerism at its finest. To the point where we are literally buying our way into happiness (or at least trying to).

        In another chapter of her book, Whippman tours different tech company spaces that all claim to focus on making employees feel valued and happy by offering free perks and immersive working spaces. Contrary to the company’s argument, Whippman sees these corporate tactics as ways to blur the line between work and personal life. By offering high quality amenities at work, workers would be more incentivized to stay and work longer, instead of clocking a normal 9-5. The author brought in a compelling perspective to awaken those who believe these corporations have their employees at heart by offering self-care stipends and state-of-the-art gym facilities on corporate campuses. Her research shows that “many companies shouting the loudest about happiness and empowerment often have some of the worst records when it comes to genuinely looking after their workforce.”

        Overall, Ruth Whippman wrote a daunting piece challenging the happiness industry in America by diving into the various avenues that people use to seek happiness in their lives. With a humorous yet cynical voice, she blends research with her personal lived experiences finding happiness in America through different means. Her claim of needing collective effort to create a society that values social connections, community, and equality is something that has remained in my mind and I believe her book is a refreshing point of view for those who are trying to find happiness in their own lives.