Self Esteem

Was listening to a bit on the radio this morning while driving to work, in which some guy declared that behavior in modern US culture could be explained by the emphasis people place on their self-esteem.

That's nonsense.

If this were true, why would most people drive in a way which not only puts their esteemed selves in imminent danger but also makes them look outrageously stupid?

No. What actually explains behavior in current US culture is childish selfishness.