Why Is America So Content With Mediocrity?
I had intended to write this entire piece and then go back and remove the 'g' from every word that ended in one.
But then I thought that would make me a churlish, smart-arsed, lefty stereotype and alienate the very people I want to try to hear me. (Although I imagine there ain't gonna be many of them readin' the huffpost, huh?! Wait for the audience to realize they should clap and/or boo, nod, smile even more, carry on.) Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Ok, this is basically it: Over the last few weeks I have watched with mounting bemusement as John McCain and Sarah Palin have constantly referred to the American work force as the best in the world, how America is a force for good in the world, how America is the best at (fill in the blank here depending on who you're talkin' to, wait for applause, wink, smile, and on).
You know what? I'm sorry to be blunt, and I wish it were not true, but America isn't any of the above. Its poor downtrodden, unhealthy, under-educated and depressed workforce cannot surely believe it towers above all others in some sort of World Worker Idol type way? If so, why are its bosses firing so many of them and giving the jobs to people in other countries?
And although the notion of America being a force for good is noble and beautiful, the reality of how the world sees America is very different: America is an imperialist power that invades oil and mineral rich countries on little or flimsy evidence, and at the same time turns a blind eye to blatant genocide taking place in other parts of the globe. Perhaps if Ms Palin had a passport before 2007 and had a little less xenophobic viewpoint, she would have experienced, as I have, the terrible sight of American friends of mine being afraid to open their mouths when abroad for fear of reprisal for their nation's 'force of good.' (And I'm not talkin' about scary, rearin' their head places like Russia or Iran. I'm talkin' about in like cool places like London.)
This country is a mess. It is entering a depression. It is waging two wars. It has an administration so blatantly corrupt that the world is baulking at its arrogance. It lets its poor die.
And on top of all this, one of the presidential options available to its voters - although having cynically plagiarized its opponent's keyword of 'change', and positively wearing its flaws and shortcomings as a badge of honor - is actually endorsing the past eight years and playing down the gargantuan problems!
Now I understand that election stump speeches are partly about trying to make people feel better/confident/happy/deluded but I am really shocked that a political party in a country that so trumpets its democracy and freedom is offering its voters such a shoddy product, and WORSE, they are still buying it!! (I thank you, my fellow Americans!)
So why? Is loyalty the value that Republicans vaunt above all others? Above common sense? Are the right of America all colluding in a giant version of the Emperor's New Clothes?
When I encountered a Republican TV pundit at a party in New York last week I reeled off my litany of reasons about why I feel the appointment of Sarah Palin is a disgrace and a terrible blight on America's history, and I was met with a thin smile, a nodding head, maybe even a nascent wink and the line: 'She's learning.'
She's learning? (Gosh yes, she's only been doin' this for, what, five weeks? Smile, shout out to class 3, ignore question, on.)
I actually have so much sympathy right now for the hundreds of Republicans out there somewhere - well intentioned, well-informed, prepared, lucid for goodness' sake - who must be utterly furious that they were overlooked for the VP post. Imagine being a doctor and thinking you're about to be made a partner in the practice and then the receptionist who's a big fan of Grey's Anatomy gets it over you and we're beginning to understand how those poor people must be feeling.
But back to the Republican pundit: I then moved on to say why I thought the policies - the policies, remember those? - of the Obama-Biden ticket were better for America. Again the smile, a little attempt at an argument in that she wasn't sure that all those great ideas could be achieved, to which I responded that yes, in the light of the economic holocaust caused by the greed and corruption that her vote had validated, perhaps these plans might take a little longer to implement now, but didn't she agree with the thrust of them? That crazy, trying to help people who weren't doing so well thing?
She looked at me, a little hurt.
'You're not going to say you're a fiscal conservative, are you?' I asked.
'Actually I was going to say I'm an economic Republican,' she smiled. Checkmate, I could see her thinking. But I wasn't done.
'You know what I think a fiscal conservative or an economic Republican means?' I asked. 'I think it means you are clever enough to agree with the notions of what Obama stands for, you'd love everyone to have access to healthcare and good education and to be treated equally...'
She was nodding slightly now.
'But when it comes down to it, when you're in that polling booth, you actually think 'Screw them' and you vote with your pocket. And I think you use that phrase as an excuse to not care!'
She looked a little taken aback. I thought I might have gone a little too far. But no.
'I love your passion', she said and turned to her colleague. 'We should have him on the show.'
You see, I think that when it comes down to it, American politics is split into people who think it's their duty to care about other people, and those who think it's every man for themselves. That's it. That's why I think the system is systematically flawed and is in dire need of a third party to shake things up a little.
But I digress. I truly think that Americans, some Americans, are comforted by mediocrity. Even those who have been battered the most by the last eight years can be reticent to the idea of change, because they are told to fear it and to leave things as they are, sit down and open a six-pack and forget their troubles. And so, all the more reason to take our hats off to Barack Obama and the Democratic party for making that scary word the touchstone of this election campaign.
I have lived in the United States for ten years. When Obama began his presidential campaign I was so inspired that I decided to start the process to become a naturalized citizen of this country. I am, at present, a resident alien (or green card holder), which basically means I do everything here -including pay taxes - except vote.
I wanted to become a citizen in time to vote on November 4th, but the immigration system of America is a little slower than it was when I first came here and I will not be sworn in properly in time. However, the point is that I want to be a part of America's future, of its potential, because I am fed up with mediocrity.
Obama has a combination that is rare in a modern politician. He has the rhetoric and the charisma to inspire whole swathes of the hitherto dispossessed to engage in the political system. And he has the real-life experience of prejudice and poverty to both understand and make people trust that he understands their needs and his desire to help them. But he also has the intelligence and the sophistication to deal both in big ideas and incredibly detailed plans. His election campaign has been a model of harnessing a generation's desperate desire to be heard and making them integral to the future of our society.
I hear him and he makes me excited about the prospect of being an American, an American that looks out for other Americans, in an America that is indeed a force of good in the world.
(Smile. Wink. Thumbs up. Wave.)
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When all you have is mediocrity-you must go with mediocrity.
I am excited about Obama and the new direction our country will take.
If I may theorize on American mediocrity: there are very intelligent people in America with high IQ's, there are the above averages, averages and the joe sixpacks - Americans run the gamut. But basically, many Americans (particularly Republicans) are motivated by greed and do not see beyond that goal. There are others who are just immature (probably too many video games when they were younger), and those that are just misdirected (don't have access to all the facts, or are just too lazy to find out - so they listen to whatever they're fed). In general, I think Americans have good hearts and this is where we need good examples in our leadership - to bring out the BEST not the WORST of human nature. One beef I sometimes have with Democrats and Republicans alike, and the academic intelligentsia is that they can be put-offish and snobbish. I hope that the crisis in our economy has taught us that riches may be fleeting and that lasting rewards are from how we use our talents, God given or otherwise, for the good of mankind and our planet and its diverse species.
I lived in Las Vegas many years ago where fortunes come and go on the roll of a dice. I was given wise advice: be nice to everyone on the way up, because you never know who you are going to meet on the way down.
Great question! I was wondering that same thing myself! McCain-Palin do not in any way reflect the best America has to offer, but the worst...We have to stop praising mediocrity and start praise excellence. Is this not what we ask and expect of children, excellence? If so, why do we not expect excellence from our elected officials?
Alan Cumming, I didn't even need Nightcrawler for you to be my hero, but it helped.
Now I just straight up love you.
Dead on. Anyone who criticizes this article didn't read the whole thing or doesn't understand what is going on in this country and this world right now. How can anyone be proud of this country as of late? The Bush administration has cast a shadow of shame and disgrace over this entire country, and only one man can get us out, and I think we all know who that is.
Alan, I see where you are coming from. You are seeing the "many Americas", and the difference in culture and values. I did not think your piece was anti-American--it was thoughtful, and I was touched by your trying to get naturalized.
I loved your retort about fiscal republicans. I used to be one. And you're spot on.
I loved this article. It is everything that I've been feeling but could not put into words as articulately as you've successfully done. People are grabbing for straws about why they are not voting for Obama. I would prefer absolute honesty, it would be more comforting than the "cover up" of the "real" reason. And I could understand if you are a die hard Republican because I am a Democrat, but if there was a Republican presidential candidate who seemed as if they cared about the people, everyone, in this country, I would not hesitate to vote for them. Not for a second. There is too much at stake and people are willing to continue to see this country falter to hold on to the sense of entitlement and the sense that there are things that should just never be in our American society. And we all know what I mean. This is not the time for Red and Blue, this is the time to stand up with courage and integrity with absolute love for your country and its citizens. This is the time to vote for Obama/Bide
We need more citizens like you. Citizens who actually care about this country.
We need more like you, too.
Hey, after 2 Bush terms mediocrity would be a step up!
Right, you are.
Great post Alan! But honestly, the Republicans have lost any credulity when it comes to fiscal conservatism as this cartoon illustrates better than any worded argument I could present:
http://i36
And if someone is to vote with her pocketbook, unless she earns over 250K (as may be the case with the pundit with whom you were chatting), the obvious choice is Obama/Biden. The reason Obama is ahead in the polls is that in this election, you can be socially responsible and look out for your pocketbook at the same time. My father, who is a registered Republican (who does not earn over $250K) is voting for Obama for this reason.
Why did mediocrity creep into America? Perhaps it's because we didn't invest enough in education and spent too much time watching reality shows. Perhaps because of our poor education, we found the rhetoric of people like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity to be credible.
But the strength of America has always been getting talented people to come here and add to our society, whatever our flaws. Your desire to become a citizen is evidence of this and I am glad that you will eventually participate in the political process here.
"But honestly, the Republicans have lost any credulity ..."
You mean "credibility", right, Genius? Alan would like you.
Waaaaahhh Odoreater.
So the only way you can attack my post is to point out a slight error in diction? Pretty weak...
Mr. Cummings,
I'm so pleased that you want to become an American citizen to help make it a better place. I'm just sorry you won't be able to vote in November but , hopefully, those with the inspired values will find themselves winners.
Why Is America So Content With Mediocrity?
- - ... because mediocrity loves company.
--- And more importantly, to keep people down, you have to stay down with them. Morevover, according to Section 2a, paragraph 1g of the Republican Party manifesto, a well-informed and intelligent citizenry is a dangerous citizenry.
Ha, your amazing blog has caused me to create a screenname for this place just so I could comment.
I absolutely CRINGE everytime I heard someone say, "America is the best _____." It's embarrassing because it isn't true but also because I believe hard work speaks for itself.
I imagine the Romans were touting their "We're the best" chants right before their society imploded.
I'm right with you on that belief. And America isn't even as old as the Roman Empire was!
I don't disagree with your politics, but I'd lighten up on the anti-American rhetoric. America has been very good to you. You weren't born here, but you got here as soon as you could.
He's not anti-American. Otherwise, he wouldn't be trying to become one. He's merely stating that America is flawed and not "all that" as it claims to be. I was born here and I happen to agree with him.
Thank you, Alan. And keep up the good work on "Masterpiece Mystery."
As an American living abroad since 2001, I completely agree with your commentary. Luckily, I have dual citizenship so I do not have to carry my American passport when I travel---it is a liability in most countries.
Most Americans are ignorant and could care less about anything other than buying more television sets, bigger cars and more material goods to keep up with their neighbors. My 12 year old niece has a Blackberry. Why does a 12 year old need a Blackberry??? Americans want to live in McMansions and they are completely isolated from the rest of the world.
Less than 10% of Americans have a passport. This says it all. They don't care about the rest of the world, or their place in it. But, as the socio-economic divide gets larger, Americans will start to care. As the world enters into recession, watch for more terrorism on American soil. I thank God I don't live there anymore and I will never move back.
Since you have no desire to move back, and don't use your U.S. Passport why don't you just renounce your U.S. Citizenship. You Obvioulsy don't value it, so give it up. I've lived overseas for numerous years, I don't think the U.S. is perfect; but, I would never give up my citizenship. Comments like yours is what the right wing fringe use (quite effectively) against the Democrats. So why don't you do us all a favor renounce your citizenship, and stay out of our politics.
Hey FLGuardsman, Biotechwoman has the right to express her thoughts. Why are you getting on the defensive? America is in deep trouble. Sounds like Biotechwoman is content with being separted from American instead of divorcing her. That's her option.
It is your loss-it is easy to judge and paint with a broad stroke...I disagree with my country at times and understand some of what you are complaining about but this is my home and my country and my family benefitted greatly from moving here a century ago...This is a truly amazing place!
While I agree with point of your post, I do have issue with your equating not having a passport to not caring. I'm of the upper middle-class, on paper, but in reality am living paycheck to paycheck as most of Americans are. My station is not due to overspending, but to huge medical bills that iinsurance didn't cover. I will admit that there is a large group of Americans that prefer to be told what to think and what to do. It's less stress and strain on the brain for them since they were never taught to ask questions and challenge others beliefs. However, I frimly believe that the "less than 10%" without a passport has more to do with the lack of funds available for international travel than it does to not caring and not everyone lives along a national border. I gladly admit i've never been out of this country, but I watch shows other than soaps, reality TV, gameshows, NASCAR, and Dr. Phil (nothing wrong with those if you do - I'm just saying) AND I read publications that are more than celebrity gossip and alien abduction related (again, nothing wrong. . .)
I only ask that you think before you make a generalizaion of the American population.
I agree with your post, but I'm struck by your qualification of the listing of lowbrow cultural activities. There IS something wrong with it, as we can clearly see! People consuming cultural junk food don't have room for actual information. I think you even sense there's something wrong with our media pablum and the people who consume it exclusively or you wouldn't qualify and negate your statements that way. It really shows how ground down by aggressive mediocrity we are when we can't even say nova is more valuable than "Dr" Phil without fear of offending someone.
hear, hear! i was nodding my head in agreement with everything that you had to say in this post. it feels like my friends and i have this very conversation every day and it's because of voters' contentment of mediocrity and embrace of the hateful rhetoric of the mccain campaign that we are hopeful and fearful of what will transpire on election day. will we be proven wrong that america is NOT a land of willfully ignorant people or will be proven right that they are? victory seems soooo close at hand but we dare not hope out loud or get too excited because we've seen the mccain rallies that seen like KKK meetings and we've seen/read the media do nothing more than repeat the talking points of both campaigns without any objectivity or deeper investigation, and even worse, simply ignore important news (the results of the troopergate investigation only seem to be talked about online and the BBC; where's the outrage?). and we remember what happened in 2000. how is it that this is the 21 century and we seem to be going backward, not forward?
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