A House Divided

Gerzon (The Whole World Is Watching) defines six overlapping yet adversarial belief systems that, he contends, dominate American life. Adherents of Corporatia champion the free market and believe that the private sector should set the nation's agenda. Citizens of Disia (""the Disempowered State""), including leftists, feminists, black and gay activists, see a society based on exploitation and oppression. Gaia's subscribers pursue social action grounded in global consciousness. The remaining three belief systems are Officia (faith in government), Patria (the religious right) and Media (those who set their standards by TV, radio, computers and entertainment superstars). Gerzon complements his analysis with profiles of bridge-building ""new patriots,"" among them Paul Gorman, head of the interfaith organization National Religious Partnership for the Environment, and Marjorie Kelley, founding editor of Business Ethics magazine. Gerzon, who is preachy, concludes by challenging readers thus: ""Create your own agenda for repairing this magnificent house we call America."" 50,000 first printing; author tour. (Mar.)