Summary:
The book examines the ways in which citizens in the United States deliberately avoid political discussions in everyday settings like schools, voluntary associations, and private conversations, arguing that this avoidance is a response to a social environment that discourages engagement. It explores the cultural patterns and institutional pressures that lead to a cycle of political disengagement and the production of apathy.
Key points:
1. Voluntary Cynicism: Eliasoph notes that some people actively choose to ignore politics, believing it's pointless and doesn't affect them, which leads to less political involvement.
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