Mass Stupidity - Part 1 of 5
Foreword
This series on mass stupidity is not intended to amuse, although it may do so for the casual reader. I have planned it to be a compilation of my observations on stupidity in society and the decay of culture (particularly American culture) toward embracing stupidity. It shall be presented in 5 parts, this being the first. For purposes of practicality, this part shall attempt to identify and define stupidity in its most general forms to give background on the matter.
Types of Stupidity
By my reckoning, there are two types of stupidity: decisional stupidity and intellectual stupidity. It is important to understand that stupidity is largely independent of the mental capacities of an individual, but it deals primarily with the degree of thought exerted in making conscious choices.
Decisional Stupidity
This type of stupidity is the systematic and regular engagement activities, by conscious choice, which A) cause obvious, foreseeable, and undesirable results for the acting individual and/or a larger population of individuals; and/or B) have no logical merit of justification of any kind except for the gaining of attention, sexual rivalry, or primitive dominance urges. (The reason that the definition of stupidity includes these causes for action is due to the fact that they account for a great portion of stupidity in the world.)
Intellectual Stupidity
This is the lack of understanding, by conscious choice, of the basic set of knowledge of the individuals of a society, and the lack of motivation to learn this knowledge or to learn any other knowledge which may prove to be useful. This "basic knowledge" is at an extremely simple level and could be characterized by common sense.
Mass Stupidity
This is the spread of stupidity on a scale such that a considerable portion of the population of a society exhibits at least one of the two types of stupidity.
Stupidity Today
Stupidity has grown to horrendous levels, especially in the United States. This can be attributed to media influences which actually embrace and promote stupidity. I point to a very popular show on the MTV network, which was also recently adapted into a movie. This show is entitled "Jackass," and it portrays groups of young human males roughly between the ages of 20 and 30 committing extremely stupid and quite often self-destructive acts. Again I point to another program on the MTV network entitled "The Osbournes." This "reality" show puts footage from cameras within the house of rock star Ozzy Osbourne on to the airwaves. The meat of the program consists of a family of very strange looking Brits swearing at one another. In addition the profanity is all censored, so a viewer mostly just hears beeping. Both of these television programs have shown to be quite popular. Shows and influences such as these have unfortunately created an American popular culture that hoists stupidity to the level of traditionally desirable characteristics.
Stupidity has always been embraced somewhat, but today's level go far beyond the historical patterns. America has shown the greatest level of this culture of mass stupidity, and we export it with our style of government and economy which we declare to be the greatest on earth, and the "only way." The only reason why the "American way" is allegedly the "best way" and has taken the world by storm is because is crushes any opposition. It has declared Marxism to be evil, and it has crushed Marxism; it has declared anything but a republican democracy to be inferior and abusive, and it has crushed everything but the republican democracy; and it has declared native cultures to be primitive and (historically) savage, and it has crushed native cultures. Regardless of whether this "American way" is superior to all of its alternatives, American culture that is being exported en masse is becoming increasingly weighted with stupidity. The fact is undeniable, and it presents a grave challenge for the world. The world simply cannot allow itself to be assimilated by stupidity and its culture, or else society will collapse everywhere.
"Mass Stupidity - Part 1 of 5"
Blah blah blah..."It shall be presented in 10 parts."
You're a funny kid, Adam.
Gotta go to bed now. I'll read the rest sometime later. Thank you for your insights.
Let the record stand that Adam had to change the 3rd sentence of his paper on mass stupidity...
The basic ideas are there, Adam...but calling our system of government and our reluctance to go after other systems stupid is a bit out of line, in my humble opinion. Democracy is better than Marxism. Am I now stupid for saying that?
I fear that I may have presented this point in a manner that is unclear, or perhaps you have misunderstood it. I am merely asserting the fact that the American way of life and culture tends to be exported, and if it becomes overburdened with stupidity and its worship, then that is not good (even if the culture does present certain advantages). And for the record, I do think that democracy and capitalism (although they are not perfect) are better than Marxism.
"The only reason why the "American way" is allegedly the "best way" and has taken the world by storm is because is crushes any opposition."
Might want to edit that...probably just a a typo, it not is... don't know if you're planning to publish this or not, but thought I'd through in an edit.
I see what you're saying...it's just that you seem to bash America, bash America...stupidity is not only apart of the United States. perhaps mass stupidity is most evident in America, but it's not like this is some disease we're all spreading to the world...there are people in England who are stupid, most of France is stupid...you''re being a bit too harsh on America. Why not talk about the English soccer hooligans? Why not talk about the length of time it takes France to surrender? We're not the only ones who are dumb, nor are we the cause for world stupidity.
Which is why I look eagerly towards part 2.
Despuite all my disagreeance of certain comments and constructive criticism, I'd like you to know you're doing a very nice job - Keep up the good work!