This post was prompted by Joyce's Hodgepodge for this week.
Something in her answer to #1 made me ponder this question: Are we more tolerant?
We talk about tolerance ad nauseam in this country, but in reality, are extremely intolerant to those with views different to our own. Take a look at man-made 'global warming,' for example, oddly pushed during a winter that's longer and colder than we've had for a long time. The key word here is 'man-made.' Anyone who doesn't buy into it is called a 'flat Earther.'
Have you noticed that 'Science' has become consensus, rather than experimentation and observation...or for that matter, historical record. They even say, 'There's consensus in the scientific community.' Since when did science involve shutting out anyone with a view different to ours? We're all so narcissistic and living in the moment that we forget there are millennia of history to consider, and the fact that historical record involves more than the past 100 years. We want more to be 'liked' than to hold out for more information and to critically weigh both sides of an issue.
I wouldn't be in such a rant this morning (well, maybe) except that I watched Frontline last night, 'Generation Like,' and it made me realize what a generation of gullible, non-critical thinking, narcissistic and empty, soulless, children we're raising in this country. These children are on the computer several hours a day, desperately hunting for affirmation, for virtual 'friends,' for approval and excitement. It was very depressing. And they're being encouraged by soulless, empty 'parents.'
You can watch it here: FRONTLINE: 'GENERATION LIKE'
And just remember: these children are going to vote some day. They may not know where the U.S. is on a map, or anything about history or mathematics, they may not have any real friends, but they'll be great sheep for any shepherd who'll tell them what they want to hear, who will 'like' them, and who will make them feel cool.
And as in a murder mystery, 'Follow the Money,' is always good advice to determine why we're being played for fools.
Okay, this is a bit rambling. But I don't have time to rewrite. Must get off this computer and off the couch! My new hip needs walking.
.
