, Columnist
American Lockdown Exceptionalism
Telling people that they are stupid and too sociable is likely to make the problem worse.
Keeping up with the Joneses in Solvang, Calif.
Photographer: George Rose/Getty Images North AmericaThis article is for subscribers only.
As the number of Covid-19 cases starts to rise again in many states, the question is whether residents of those states will tolerate another lockdown. I used to think so, but it is increasingly clear that Americans have become comfortable with a remarkably high number of casualties.
There is a mechanism of social conformity at work here. Most people will not tolerate a small risk to their lives to dine out, for instance — but they might if all their friends are doing the same. The appeal of a restaurant isn’t just the food, it’s the shared experience and the sense that others are doing it, too.