Are We Gradually Embracing a Modern Form of Feudalism?
In recent times, an intriguing trend has surfaced across various online platforms, predominantly among right-leaning commentators on Substack. A significant number of these voices contend that liberal democracy is irreparably flawed. However, rather than advocating for reform or a revolutionary overhaul, they’re suggesting an unsettling alternative: a revival of gentry rule, or more specifically, a return to an aristocracy comprised of landowners.
Yes, you read that correctly.
This proposition is being marketed under the guise of “order” and “moral clarity,” yet, upon closer examination, it appears to be a modern reinterpretation of feudalism—complete with contemporary aesthetics and streamlined messages. What began with discussions around traditional roles in the household, such as “trad wives,” is now expanding to encompass a notion of “trad lords.”
The alarming aspect of this movement is that it transcends mere nostalgia. It feels orchestrated, as if a subtle campaign is underway to persuade disillusioned citizens—those who feel politically adrift and exhausted—that inequality can be comforting and that social hierarchy is natural. The implication is that society thrived when power was hereditary and individuals had a designated place within the social order. Instead of seeking to improve the existing system, these narratives appear to deflect accountability downward, allowing the elite to remain unscathed.
Delving deeper into this phenomenon, I encountered an insightful essay that meticulously dissects these ideas. Contrary to a heated rant, it presents a well-reasoned historical critique of this narrative. The title alone had me chuckling: “Downton Abbey Is Not a Governance Model.” This piece effectively dismantles the romanticized vision of aristocracy that is being circulated and prompts us to reconsider the undercurrents at play.
The question remains: Is this merely an odd twist in the ongoing culture war, or are we being gradually conditioned to embrace a form of aristocracy, subtly woven into our conversations through nostalgic think pieces?
For those interested, you can read the original essay here: Downton Abbey Is Not a Governance Model and engage with the exploration of these unsettling ideas.
