Why do most Americans feel hopeless?

Maybe it is just the people I have known or been around.

But for example where I work, there is a guy work with not sure how old he is maybe 30-ish, but I often talk to him about whats going on in the world and what not. One day he goes to me you know your a nice guy and all Steve but why do you even care to bother with it? Just live your life, when you are one of the little guys you can’t make a difference but just try and live your life the best way you and get what you want out of it. In the end the people with the money and big companies will call the shots.

Now he did not say it exactly like that but to sum it up as best I can remember it was something along those lines basically.

but is this the mind set of most people in America?

I guess in some ways he has a point why bother with it at all?

You can read, stay informed, and all but what good is it if you do not stand up or say something about it?

What do you think?