I just read an article by David Rothkopf about how stupidity as a trait is so prevalent in America that I cant stop thinking about whats happening around us here in India as well.
The first thing that comes to mind is the raging debate over the Sethu Samudram project. The idiots from the saffron sadhu party are actually opposing it saying that Adam's bridge was built by Lord Rama! Reams and reams of newsprint, endless hours of debate and countless "studies" by "eminent" historians were sent down the drain to verify this nonsense.
The problem is that education, experience, wisdom and expertise are all dismissed away as "elitist". Stupidity and buffoonery are glorified as being the personification of the common man! Nothing could be far from the truth which is that people with even a shred of competence and ability to think stay away from the political circus. Those who brave the tide are forced to become dumb and dumber before they are told that they can connect with the "masses". As a result, the stupidity quotient is the highest where it can hurt the most- making decisions that affect everyone.
The dozens of 24X7 English media channels are an important contributor to this degeneration. The rush to "breaking news" has destroyed the practice of balanced, analytical reporting. What we have instead are ultra competitive idiots showcasing their utter lack of any skill whatsoever. About the debates on TV, the less said the better. Its a shouting match where the loudest noise is made by the moderator and the participants are actually discouraged from making any sense. Controversial sound-bytes and downright rudeness are valued skill-sets.
It is also politically incorrect to look down upon stupidity or to criticise it. Sarah Palin made herself sound like a victim because she was representing "Joe the plumber" and "elitist terrorist" Obama was mocking at ordinary citizens by actually getting an education and daring to think that he can be a politician.
I don't understand why we place such a premium on don't-rock-the-boat because its actually not going anywhere!
The first thing that comes to mind is the raging debate over the Sethu Samudram project. The idiots from the saffron sadhu party are actually opposing it saying that Adam's bridge was built by Lord Rama! Reams and reams of newsprint, endless hours of debate and countless "studies" by "eminent" historians were sent down the drain to verify this nonsense.
The problem is that education, experience, wisdom and expertise are all dismissed away as "elitist". Stupidity and buffoonery are glorified as being the personification of the common man! Nothing could be far from the truth which is that people with even a shred of competence and ability to think stay away from the political circus. Those who brave the tide are forced to become dumb and dumber before they are told that they can connect with the "masses". As a result, the stupidity quotient is the highest where it can hurt the most- making decisions that affect everyone.
The dozens of 24X7 English media channels are an important contributor to this degeneration. The rush to "breaking news" has destroyed the practice of balanced, analytical reporting. What we have instead are ultra competitive idiots showcasing their utter lack of any skill whatsoever. About the debates on TV, the less said the better. Its a shouting match where the loudest noise is made by the moderator and the participants are actually discouraged from making any sense. Controversial sound-bytes and downright rudeness are valued skill-sets.
It is also politically incorrect to look down upon stupidity or to criticise it. Sarah Palin made herself sound like a victim because she was representing "Joe the plumber" and "elitist terrorist" Obama was mocking at ordinary citizens by actually getting an education and daring to think that he can be a politician.
I don't understand why we place such a premium on don't-rock-the-boat because its actually not going anywhere!
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