Not sure if this would be considered controversial, but I found it interesting.

https://www.wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/79TEHRAN8980_a.html

Reflecting on this summary conclusion of "Persian" attitudes of the time, and how similar American attitudes seem to be to them now. Our government, corporations, and a large section of the public seem to have absorbed these behaviors which, in my opinion, have paved the path to the illusion of democracy.