If Only America Had A Brain
We live in a society that has devalued intelligence and placed idiocy as the epitome of culture. Shows such as “Jersey Shore,” “The Real World” and “TMZ” put acts of stupidity and social ineptitude in the limelight and brand them as entertainment. We live during dark days, my friends, dark days indeed.
In ancient Greek society, the philosophers were the celebrities of the day. People would gather to hear these wise people discuss existential issues and break down rhetoric. The intellectual duels were the entertainment of the day, and the society obviously placed a premium on intellectual discussion and discourse.
Similarly, in early American history, politicians traveled on a speaking circuit, giving lengthy speeches and debates to the general populace, who attended these rare events. Before the digital era, forms of entertainment were limited, and people enjoyed the opportunity to hear an educated person speak about interesting topics.
But all of that has changed.
Following the cultural takeover of electronics and broadcasting, people realized this rapid method of circulating information among the masses also could be used for entertainment purposes. It happened with moveable type, radio, television and Internet. When one looks at the intellectual divergence of the Internet from its original design to its modern-day proliferation of flash games and semi-literate middle schoolers bullying each other, the impact of America’s devalued state of intelligence is made evident.
Cartoon by Bob Helfst
Through entertainment that glorifies ignorant people being rewarded for performing stupid acts, impressionable viewers are taught not only that it is OK to behave stupidly, but that they will be rewarded for doing so. The prevalence of reality television shows and celebrities that overwhelm the news media is a shameful trend as well. When Jamie Lynn Spears’ pregnancy was reported on CNN.com’s front page, it was a top story with a bold headline, image and subhead. Buried at the bottom of the page was a story discussing American soldiers dying in Afghanistan. And it doesn’t stop there.
There were headlines questioning whether President Obama could identify cast members of “Jersey Shore.” Pundits referred to it as “Snooki-Gate.” There are too many issues with this. Putting a self-absorbed, inconsequential diva from New Jersey on the same level of importance as Nixon’s Watergate scandal is so ludicrous that it seemed a joke at first. I was proud to see that Obama wasn’t aware of the abomination that is “Jersey Shore.” When someone declares their race as “tan” (I’m glaring at you, Snooki), that person should cease to matter or be acknowledged to exist.
Entertainment for entertainment’s sake is OK. The problem is when it pushes aside actual issues of national importance. When people can discuss how many times Lindsay Lohan has been in and out of rehab but can’t find Iran on a map, there is definitely something wrong. Completely foregoing entertainment isn’t a necessity, but moderation is a must. Turn off “Teen Mom” for 15 minutes and read a few news articles. Chances are you’ll just miss the big-haired one crying some more.
