Stupidity

Well my life cycle has come full circle, figuratively speaking. From being taught by everyone not to be stupid during my formative years, to coming to the realization that stupidity is looked upon by the majority of our population as ‘in’, ‘cool’ and trendy, I rest my case. Just check out the reality shows as further testimony to my contention.

Intelligence use to have a revered place in our society and culture….no more. Intelligence is seen as boring, not fun, way too ‘deep’, alienating, intimidating, not connecting and not acceptable, except in academia, which in itself is greatly perceived as all of the above. Yes, we have turned the corner on what really matters to the majority of our population….stupidity. Given that most of us have become stimulant ‘junkies’ and rather lazy, because most stimulants are only a TV channel, phone, radio and web site or email away, we have capitulated to being constantly entertained. From watching athlete’s bludgeon each other on the playing field, to people putting themselves in physical, emotional and psychological harms way, as in bungy jumping or Fear Factor, we have deteriorated in our evolution as a species, to the point of yes…..stupidity. The stupider we become the more attention, accolades and money we can attain. I knew we were heading in the wrong direction when I witnessed Tom Green simulate fucking a dead moose on television…as entertainment of course and he was applauded for it.

Multi-nationals have directed their ad agencies, and vice-versa, to focus their advertising campaigns toward children. They want long term impact. Much of what we witness through our sensibilities is designed to suggest and imprint on our minds what is and what is not important. Most of us believe that a hamburger is better than a salad, as a result. Or that fast is better than slow. Or, that lying is OK as long as it does not hurt anyone. As a matter of fact, if it wasn`t for sarcasm, satire, and hence stupidity, we would not have anything to laugh about. Our humour has deteriorated in quality. We have difficulty looking at the world as it really is without spinning it to the absurd. Reality is not what we witness on reality shows. That is the farthest thing from reality. Reality is what is happening in Sudan, Kosovo, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, China and the rest of the globe, but no one (media outlets) wishes to address the ‘hot’ political issues….except for some web sites that get limited traffic. Thank g-d for their efforts, for without them we would even be stupider than we are….and as a result most people would see this as a blessing.

Let us take a look at the American election as a case in point. The stupidest man in America has almost 50% support. ‘W’ has been groomed for years, by the powers at be, to portray stupidity. Stupidity and hence, ‘W’, does not intimidate people. Stupid people love stupid ‘W’ and feel very comfortable as in ‘falling into warm shit on a cold day’. He could tell them anything and they would believe it. They do not care about issues….they simply feel much more comfortable with ‘W’ than with Kerry. Kerry, does not relate….they say. He is too cerebral….they say. He is too boring ….they say. He can actually speak and that in itself is intimidating to stupid people.

I use to think that stupidity was simply ignoring what one knew and going ahead anyway as opposed to being ignorant. Apparently I was wrong. By denotation stupidity is simply a “lack of intelligence”. Stupidity covers a larger spectrum. Under the stupidity umbrella lies idiot, imbecile, moron, dumb and dumber. At one time, in our sordid history, these types of people were utilized in experiments, studied by mental illness scientists, castrated and eliminated by the ‘chosen’ ones. Today, they proliferate in our society as role models and people to emulate. Well, neither option is acceptable. But, what is alarming is the ‘slippery slope’ we have commenced upon. Where are we headed….and further, do we care? Stupidity may be our greatest teacher…and so it is.