In the 1980s, liberals nursed the fear that we really might be dwelling in an irrelevant cul-de-sac outside of the majority American culture. That kept us sullen and mopey.
given to moping; in a depressed condition, low in spirits; lackadaisical
Silbentrennung
giv·en to moping; in a de·pressed condition, low in spirits; lack·a·dai·si·cal