In the weeks immediately following the historic election of Barack Obama, many Americans and particularly the media were awash in self congratulations over the strength of the American democratic system, how enlightened we are, how good we now look around the world, etc. etc. All well and good --for a few weeks. But several recent news events should serve to sober us up and remind us that there are plenty of deep seated faults with a large portion of the American people. No political leader, no matter how well intentioned, is going to cure us of:
Excessive Materialism:
Obviously, our economy is built on consumer spending. But we have apparently learned nothing from all the people who got into huge trouble for excessive credit card fueled purchases. How else to explain the madness of Black Friday when retailers open at 4 or 5 AM after bombarding consumers with often bogus offers of large discounts on items that shouldn't be purchased in any event (e.g. large screen TV's, computers and other electronic toys) by the very people standing in line all night. Curiously, Black Friday's name originated in past years when allegedly retailers would now be in the "black" (i.e. profitable) for the year. These days, the day after Thanksgiving is more appropriately Pink Friday (i.e a lighter shade of "red" for the cumulative losses to date). Whether all the hype and discounting will actually make shoppers spend more (than they should) won't be determined until the end of December.
The End Of Civility:
If there were any doubts at just how low many Americans have sunk consider the unfathomable
behavior at a Long Island Wal Mart on the aforementioned Black Friday. Shoppers stormed the doors at 5 AM, trampling a helpless security guard to death and then continuing their relentless pursuit of bargains even as paramedics were attempting to save the man and then becoming enraged when the store closed (thank God, only temporarily). An 8 month pregnant woman was also injured (why was she there--see above). Sociologists have opined that this conduct resulted from a "herd mentality". Isn't that a term for cattle or other animals? This is symptomatic of an overall decline in civility, manners and consideration for others that is too often the standard mode of deportment in today's world.
Hero Worship:
While corporate CEO's have come under fire for outlandish compensation packages, unbelievable sums of money are still being thrown at professional athletes. The worst players in Major League Baseball earn more than most doctors and all teachers, firefighters, police and so forth. Just this past weekend, a grossly overpaid New York Giant named Plaxico Burress got into serious legal trouble and was suspended by his team (without pay!) for accidentally shooting himself with an unlicensed gun. This is yet another in a litany of similar incidents which may have its roots in the "hero worship" and resulant fame and fortune that we bestow on skilled but often stupid and/or venal sports stars (Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens anyone?).
What's Wrong With Us Anyway?
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2 comments:
Plus ca change...
I think that people (individuals and large groups) don't change all that much. I don't attribute Obama's election to any change in the electorate. I think that people wanted to throw the bums out -- we tend to throw the bums out in a predictable and cyclical fashion. So, the materialism, hero worship, and party turnover are all pretty par for the course, unfortunately.
I know how contagious our attitudes have been, maybe there will be a cure in the future for what is wrong with us--We can only hope.
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