My 2 cents worth
We’re living in a world where people who appreciate science and education are called “elitists”. This means their advice – based on research, experimentation, application and study – can be ignored. After all, everyone knows that “elitists”, with all their education, are ignorant. These days the less-educated and less-informed, dispense opinions, derogatory attacks, conspiracy theories and ignorant tripe, and they are the ones who sway opinion and even government policy.
Mr Obama was criticised by Republicans as “an elitist snob” because he dared to suggest that he’d like more young Americans to have the chance to go to College and/or University. How dare he! Everyone knows it’s much more important to keep the kids ignorant. Look what happens when they get educated: they start protesting and demanding action and other “libtard” things like that. Chaos will reign if we educate the masses.
On social media, if one dares to express an opinion contrary to the popular one, or the one currently being expressed by whomever, one is immediately open to attack. The art of sensible debate has perished along with the dinosaurs.
Everyone has an opinion, regardless of whether it’s based on any truth or not. The important thing is that it’s said loudly and often. And anyone who disagrees can be “de-friended”, or battered with a barrage of mockery; sometimes so cruel that it drives young people to suicide. Yes; that’s definitely the more civilised and effective way to behave.
We talk about the scourge of bullying and discuss how we can eliminate it from our schools. Meanwhile, it’s the method of choice for political debate, artistic reviews and social commentary. We tell the kids not to do it, while they can see adults using the same tactics and getting away with it.
Folks, things have gone seriously awry. (Oh dear, is that an “elitist” word?) Anyway, that’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!
I definitely agree that the art of rational debate has disappeared. There are plenty of opportunities to express opinions but to do so publicly is like walking onto a busy freeway! And if you attempt to walk the opposite way to the traffic…
Oh yes, so then we either agree, in order to keep the peace and avoid conflict, or we disengage. But if we do the latter, the subject matter remains unchallenged, thus verifying it’s “truth”. I guess we all have to choose our “wars” and then be prepared for the ensuing flack. Either way, it’s extremely frustrating.
Interesting thoughts, Wendy. I was at a research conference last week and one of the lecturers was commenting on government policy development. I can’t remember all the details yet the whole public review process had an anti-intellectual feel about it, to the extent that the ones who had studied the issues and had informed comments were virtually ignored in favour of an extreme position that was contrary to the research and was mentioned numerous times in the final report. Go figure!
I find this trend deeply disturbing. If left unchecked it could take us back to the Dark Ages.
Is this the product of an increasingly less cohesive society? As we as a culture become happily co down the individualistic road it is logical that we become increasingly more fragmented and selfish. Unless of course there is something out there, that can make us less selfish and self-righteous? We could use a lot more of the latter.
Your guess is as good as mine, John! We could all use a dose of the “less selfish and self-righteous” medicine. 😉
I”m am a retired sheriff sergeant. The Parkland shooting is horrible on so many levels. This Sheriff, Israel, needs to keep his mouth shut!! He”s an example of how elitist leftists politics infect everything, certainly law enforcement.
Sir, unlike your good self, I have no expertise to bring to the Parkland shooting and the response of first responders. I only have my compassion for the victims and my respect for those involved in law enforcement and the medical emergency people. I don’t know enough about Sheriff Israel to comment either way. I appreciate that your anger comes from years of service to the community, during which you must have dealt with some horrific and life-changing scenarios. However, I think we must all find a way to communicate with each other, and to at least listen to another’s point of view, so that we can resolve our issues and find solutions to these complex matters, in a way that helps everyone. Thank you for your service.
Way back last century I worked with a group that helped businesses introduce computers to their workplaces. After the installation we would provide training and on site experts to answer questions. I discovered that most staff were reluctant to ask our experts for help. They did ask for help, but it was from other staff they felt comfortable with. People they thought wouldn’t look down on them for asking possibly ignorant or dumb questions. People just seem to prefer to risk dodgy advice from someone who makes them feel okay. This situation seems to have got way out of hand today.
I understand people’s reluctance to appear “stupid” and why advice from a “peer” is preferable to an “expert”. No one wants to look like a dummy. I sure don’t! However, we have chosen to indulge that feeling of awkwardness and unjustifiable fear, rather than finding new ways to handle the situation so that, that fear doesn’t arise in the first place. And now, as you’ve said, things have got out of hand.
I think we have managed to build a society which is too large and complex for human beings to operate and to operate in. The behaviour we see around us is just lost people floundering and unable to cope. I include all leaders and professional people in that.
One of the main causes of the fall of the Roman Empire was that it got too big. Unfortunately, the solution to too many people isn’t something I want to think about. In the past, a world war has reduced numbers, but I’m not a fan. And, there have always been lost people floundering and unable to cope. I bet the Industrial Revolution tipped many communities completely on their head. This is definitely a time when we need strong, intelligent and compassionate leaders. The trouble is, we’re just as likely to get a Nero, as we are to get a Winston Churchill. We only have to look at N.Korea and the USA to see that.