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PERSPECTIVE - I am not a psychologist, but I pay close attention to the performance of government at all levels and to human patterns and apply critical thinking to understand behavior. Life has taught me not to jump at conclusions but to observe closely, think critically, and try to make sense of individual and collective behavior.
What I have concluded is that dysfunction—an impaired performance—is detrimental to our society. Our social norms, our institutions, and our political climate are accountable for this obvious disorder. Call it conflicts, or anxiety, or depression, these stresses are obvious among our citizens.
I sensed a warm partiality when I read professor, political commentator and author Richard B. Reich’s book, “Coming Up Short,” when he wrote about the extraordinary stress levels that have plagued the United States in recent years. “Maybe what people feel are valid descriptions of personal experiences rather than symptoms of mental health. Maybe we need to stop thinking about anxiety and depression as ‘disorders’ and start regarding them as rational responses to a society that’s become even more disordered.”
What brought us to this point where society has become dysfunctional and cast its heavy shadow on all of us? The first obvious point, of course, is the widespread polarization which divides people of different opinions into two completely opposing groups. Another is the breakdown of trust in institutions, the breach between citizen and leaders, the failure of national, state, and city heads to execute on promises and programs. Also, a key factor is economic instability, the unpredictable and volatile state of prices, job security and unemployment, and the current uncertain financial situation.
Additionally, not to be overlooked, is our cultural fragmentation whereby society has broken down into smaller cultural groups that have different values, norms, and narratives. Another critical factor is the powerful social norms that shape behavior, identity and belonging, so strong are these that some people feel they are forced into molds that do not fit them.
So, how does dysfunction originate? For me, government creates sad conditions, and the individual feels the symptoms, especially if a person is sensitive and aware of the surroundings. When society becomes chaotic, the dysfunction is greater. Our social environment becomes unstable, fragmented, and very unpredictable.
Indeed, the uncertainty and unpredictability of those in power serve as major stressors that shape our lives, relationships, and coping mechanisms. We clearly see the consequences, the unmet needs, halted progress, and the prevailing feeling that no one is guiding us forward.
However, challenges can be effectively addressed through mechanisms that have historically enhanced governance and mitigated dysfunction. Although national politics often grab greater attention, local government provides the most viable avenues for problem-solving. Advocating participatory budgeting enables residents to make direct decisions on the allocation of specific funds. Supporting candidates for city and county positions who prioritize competence over ideology can further strengthen local administration. Successes at the local level help generate momentum and establish models that can be scaled to broader contexts.
On a more personal basis, we must manage information intake to avoid overload, so we can act normally to abnormal situations. We can also become more resilient by sharing our thoughts with groups, thereby developing mutual aid networks.
Unfortunately, politics have more recently become a spectacle. We must support competence over loud performances. We must again seek out leaders who demonstrate expertise, humility, commitment and follow-through. This is terribly slow work, but it is transformative.
As I write this, my mind wanders to Hamlet’s soliloquy, “to be or not to be.” Do I act, or do I avoid acting? Do I step into responsibility, or do I withdraw? Does Hamlet’s indecision mirror our own struggles with responsibility, courage, and action? Although Hamlet is focusing on his existence, there is a practical side to it as well.
I have seen people improve public life by voting, organizing, and working together across differences. A healthy democracy relies on trust, cooperation, and shared norms. Individual constructive actions are admirable. When communities act, momentum is created. When society responds affirmatively, institutions are shaped.
This approach helps address issues caused by dysfunctional political systems. We are what we do repeatedly. Like Aristotle said, “Excellence, then, is a habit, not an action.”
(Nick Patsaouras is an electrical engineer and civic leader whose firm has shaped projects across residential, commercial, medical, educational, institutional, and entertainment sectors. A longtime public advocate, he ran for Mayor in 1993 with a focus on rebuilding L.A. through transportation after the 1992 civil unrest. He has served on major public boards, including the Department of Water and Power, Metro, and the Board of Zoning Appeals, helping guide infrastructure and planning policy in Los Angeles. He is the author of the book "The Making of Modern Los Angeles.")
