Residents of urban areas faced their own challenges with the practice of redlining. The term “redlining” was coined in the 1960’s by sociologist John McKnight. Redlining refers to the practice of red lines being drawn on maps to indicate where loans would be unavailable. Redlined areas were predominately black and inner city communities. “White flight” and a lack of investments led to the deterioration of urban infrastructure (Gregory D. Squires, 1979). These factors established a geographically and economically segregated society that walled off the American dream and had detrimental social and economic consequences that lasted generations.
The unjust class system established and fortified by social and economic policies was compounded by the rise of Conservatism in America. Before the 1960’s, Conservatism was not considered a serious movement that could provide any practical contributions to American society. As the American Century ended, Conservatism grew. Conservative leaders believed they were mandated to save America from Communism and itself by building a strong military and shrinking government through reduced taxation and spending on social and domestic programs. Conservatism rose to dominate the culture and politics of America at the end of the 20th century. This rise culminated in the Presidency of Ronald Reagan, which had even greater impacts on the
political, social, and economic culture of America. Ronald Reagan is viewed by many to be the greatest American President. He created a culture promoting Conservative Christian values and economic principles that viewed government intervention as un-American. Supply-sided economic policies promoted reduced government spending, a reduction in the capital gains tax, and tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy to promote revitalization of the economy through investments. Reagan cemented the idea of America being a militaristic and Christian nation.