Rampant Stupidity

Can anyone deny that many Americans (and I'm sure many people of other nationalities) are idiots? When I hear people talk about politics, it's all I can do to keep my mouth shut. You may wonder why I keep my mouth shut. It isn't for lack of conviction or principles; it's because I've learned that there's just no chance of having a rational conversation with those whose beliefs so completely oppose my own. I welcome civil discourse, but on many topics -- politics, in particular -- people can just be so pig-headed. They believe things because they think they're true; those things are true to/for them so they keep believing them. It's a crazy kind of circular reasoning, and I hear this all the time. Even my freshmen students are better at putting together an argument than some of the pundits I hear on television. Heck, even my eleven- and four-year-old granddaughters can support a point better. Sometimes I overhear people talking in the grocery store or the bank and I can't believe the things that come out of their mouths.

I've been coming close to a breaking point. I told my sons a few days ago that I was going to start commenting on people's stupid, bigoted, hateful posts on Facebook. They discouraged it, for the very reason I don't usually do it. I'm not going to change anyone's mind. I just finished reading one class's persuasive essays. I had assured them I wouldn't grade them on their opinion but on their ability to make and support a point. I will say they're better at it than they were three months ago, but the thought process still isn't quite there. And I don't think it's entirely their fault. Look at the "role models" our society idolizes, including psycho presidential candidates. Watch their responses when they're asked questions. They rely only on empty rhetoric; in fact, they give rhetoric a bad name. "Rhetoric" used to have positive connotations.

Sorry, but I had to vent. I've said before that I think everyone should have a blog. It's a great way to blow off steam.