Celebrating mediocrity

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:40pm

I've been thinking lately, with the discussions of Palin and politics... when did America start celebrating mediocrity?

"We like her because she's just like us!"

"She's your average mom with strong convictions and a solid foundation!"

Things like that.

And I'm not just pointing this at Sarah Palin, but it seems to have been revealed very clearly that this country is in love with itself. The average person looks in the mirror and says, "This will do. I like me just the way I am. I celebrate me and my life!"

The problem is that most of this "me" group is average. They're proud of it. Even arrogant about it.

I was listening to a radio broadcast on the way home from work, where this (questionably) average, lower-income, uneducated (he admitted it) man was asked if he wanted a president that was smarter than him. His answer was, "No, I don't." I think our president should be just like me."

Something is dangerously wrong with that sentiment, and he is far from alone in his opinion.

There is a big difference between saying that the President of the United States can come from any background---rich, privileged Yale lawyer, or backwoods, poor farmer. I completely agree with that idea. The problem is that somewhere along the way, we (collectively) got the idea that ANY backwoods farmer or privileged lawyer could be president.

NO. That's a horrifying notion. I don't care what your background is, but you'd better be a genius. Or at least a whole lot smarter than me. Regardless of your background, you need to be "excellent" not "average."

I was so depressed by this caller on the radio that thought he was smart enough to be the president of the USA, with no education, no experience. He was "average," though. And he celebrated it.

Did those Frank Capra movies backfire on us? He celebrated the common man, the "average Joe" in his films. But the average guy a few generations ago wasn't content to be average. They strove for excellence. They starved for it. They worked very hard to improve themselves, and when they showed their ignorance they were embarrassed about it, not proud of it.

I think the "common man" has changed quite a bit in the past 50 to 75 years. The common man today is stupid, overweight, and thinks he (she) is entitled to everything. They don't have to work for it. They can just win the lottery, or get a free ride, or move to the head of the class by a luck of the draw. That's the new American Dream. Win the American Idol lottery!

They don't feel they have to improve themselves in any way, because they like themselves SO MUCH. But now they think that just because they are the average American, they should elect another average American to one of the highest offices in the country. Why not? They deserve it, just by being born here, and being educated in an average school, with average USA grades, and they have an average family who sits at home and watches reality TV on an average night, because that's what the average American does.

It really has me scared. Our country is doomed with this mentality.

This "celebration of mediocrity." It actually makes me sick.

So I open it up to you... are you happy with the "average American?" Do you want to better yourselves? Do you want someone smarter than you as your boss? Your idol? Your president?

Or are you just like that caller on the radio, who thought he was good enough to be president, just because he was an "average American?"

[Yes, I'm Chance]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:41pm

Around the same time being educated made you an elitist pig.



you elitist pig.

[Yawper]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:44pm

It started with Reagan - "The Great Communicator" - the movie star - image over intelligence, style over substance. Hopefully it ends this November.

btw Hockeytown doesn't fall for the 'hockey mom' crap
Updated On: 9/28/08 at 07:44 PM

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:48pm

Best12, you're trying to have an intelligent conversation? Here? Where the major cultural influence is Reality Television. I salute you....Ha ha!

[madbrian]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:48pm

I think the public's response to the debate is a good sign. Maybe people are starting to realize that it's time to be governed by a smart person for a change, rather than a 'C' student who has been privileged because of his name (see: Bush, George W. or McCain, John).

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:48pm

Even if Obama wins the election and you breathe a sigh of relief in November... this mass celebration of mediocrity in not just politics, but art, business and life, has me very concerned about the future of our country.

This isn't about an election, even though that's brought it out. This is about a mindset.

Updated On: 9/28/08 at 07:48 PM

[Weez]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:48pm

"I will speak for you, father. I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I am their champion. I am their patron saint."

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 7:53pm

First of all, I have never wanted, do not now want and will NEVER want to be president.

Second, of course I want people running things who are smarter than I am.

Third, I don't want to do any "name-calling" here, but this seems to me a way of thinking that is perpetuated by the Republican party. They have painted the Democrats as dangerous "liberals" who are out to destroy traditional family values with their imagination, open-mindedness and intellect! The mind is a terrible thing to waste, so don't use it! Conserve!

I could go on and on, but I won't. Others will be far more articulate than I in expressing my sentiment.

For the record, I am aware that there are "Democrats" who also lack imagination and Republicans who do not, but this has been a strategy of the Republicans to persuade people who really do not understand the broader issues to "support" without ever "questioning."

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:02pm

I'm pissing in the wind, aren't I, thetinymagic2?

Weez--that's such a brilliant movie, and it has a lot to do with what I'm talking about. But the big difference between this(fictional) Salieri of the film and our current mindset is that he was tortured by his shortcomings. To the point of madness. Not that I recommend that to anyone, but there should be something between the haunting torment of an 18th century composer who is "good but not good enough," and the guy pumping gas next to me with a third grade education who thinks he's ready for the White House.

I agree, Miss Penny, that one could easily finger-point the Republicans and say, "this is their mindset not mine." Nine times out of ten, I'll bet you'd be right.

It's their whole platform! We like us the way we are. We don't want to change. Because we're already perfectly marvelous, thank you.

Democrats are always looking to improve. To change. To break from the "tradition" of complacency and try for something better.

I can't say I argue with you... but aside from the politics in question... there are definitely some democrats out there who feel that they're exceptional just because they're "average Americans."

I'm sure if you did a headcount, the results would favor your opinion.

But how did we become so divided? And how did the "majority" of us decide we were good enough to do anything in the world, just by being "us."

[Kalimba]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:06pm

Best12, I had this exact same conversation with my father (McCain supporter) a couple of weeks ago. I said, "for someone who values someone's education do you realize that John McCain finished almost at the bottom of his class and it took Sarah Palin a few schools before she got her degree?" I don't look at someone who has an Ivy league education as elistist. I just look at them as really, really smart.

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:09pm

My issue with your statement, is that you seem not to apply it to Obama. The very definition of mediocrity. They're all mediocre. Political candidates, television shows, films, Broadway shows, talent which is endlessly described as "amazing" - all mediocre. American has embraced mediocrity for many, many years.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:10pm

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that conversation, Kalimba.

I don't understand how I (or you) could be an elitist, because we say we want someone smarter than us in the White House!

If I'm an elitist, I'm excluding ME in that equation.

A self-excluding elitist? Not likely.

Seems to me the guy who thinks he's good enough for the White House with average grades is the real elitist. He's the one who wants to cut the others off who have worked hard to educate themselves and become better and smarter... just so he can say, "Look! I elected ME to the White House!"

That's pretty damn elitist if you ask me.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:10pm

They have painted the Democrats as dangerous "liberals" who are out to destroy traditional family values with their imagination, open-mindedness and intellect! The mind is a terrible thing to waste, so don't use it! Conserve!
____________________________________________________________

This is about the most brilliant, simple! political/social commentary ever uttered on BWW, and probably to the world-at-large. LOL! Thank you, Miss Pennywise.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:13pm

JB2---Believe me, this is not really a partisan problem. As I said earlier (and say again). I wasn't thrilled with Obama's performance in the debates either.

It was "Clash of the Mediocrities!" Far more dull than your Godzilla vs. Mothra program.

This is a national epidemic. A plague of complacency, if you will. Not "red" vs. "blue."

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:14pm

I've always wondered about the whole "elitist" thing. I mean, since when is the US Naval Academy considered community college? Or is it good grades that makes a candidate such a snob? Why settle for McCain/Palin? Let's just get an unemployed single-mom meth-addict high school dropout from a trailer park in Wyoming. That'll show those elitists!

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:16pm

Funny things Miss P, growing up, I wanted to be President. I wanted to be something special, and I wanted to help further America's greatness.

I think part of the problem is that we are a nation in doubt - a nation that wonders whether we have gone too far, spent too much, and whether we are really that much better than any other country.

We are afraid to admit a lot of things, about ourselves personally and about the country collectively. So, instead of recognizing that, we get defensive and say what we are is good enough.

Best, I don't think we celebrate mediocrity, as much as fear that we are no longer great/exceptional, and therefore rather than be disappointed, accept mediocrity.

No one wants a mediocre doctor, lawyer, or CPA. But getting the best is usually very expensive, and we say good enough is OK. And, often times, it is. We build into our schools and children the thought that there are no winners or losers, just participants, when the truth is that bo one wants the silver medal, or to come in second place, but when the chance of winning seems remote, you tell yourself it is OK to be good enough.

Call me silly, but this started when we found out leaders lie, oil controlled the international economy, and that schools did not always work. And, many Americans found it is much easier to fear failure than embrace success. We are a nation in need of a bit of collective therapy.

I don't think you can really blame one party or another, though I do believe the identity politics of pitting interest group against each other has exacerbated the problem. And, I think Bush had a huge opportunity to do something about this arc after 9/11, which he squandered domestically.

Reagan was so effective because he kept telling people we are still the fairy tale - which to a large extent, was premised on a very distorted view of America - where racism and sexism, and economic exploitation was forgotten.

I think we have the most diverse, talented and gifted population in the world, exactly because the US is the world. We just need a reason to believe once again that winning is what we should strive for, and our best days are not behind us. I believe there is an inordinate amount of pent up desire to come together as a nation, and focus on what brings us together, rather than what divides us. We we can do that again, and then mediocrity will not be accepted as good enough.

Just my two cents.

[Yawper]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:17pm

I don't think Obama is mediocre. He has a well-rounded life experience and understands others have experience different from his. He is a quick learner and has shown even more growth of understanding as his campaign has progressed.

As far as the rest I think some of it is from being overloaded with choices, especially by marketing and media. A case study was done using consumers choosing toothpaste - choosing from 25 options was much more intimidating and stressful than choosing from three. No one wants to make the wrong choice and with more choices available people will drift to the safe ones.

[Bickle]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:20pm

Obama is a mediocre candidate.

We should have picked Hillary.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:20pm

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=elitist
A humorous spin on *elitism*.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:21pm

It was "Clash of the Mediocrities!"

Sofas and remote controls at ten paces?

[Yes, I'm Chance]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:26pm

I see the festering anal wart is back to using the we to try and pretend he's not a mouth breathing, neanderthal minded republican

[Weez]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:27pm

The mayor of London at this present time is a man named Boris Johnson, a man who looks for all the world like Snork Maiden in a suit. His public persona is that of a buffoon. In fact, read this article by Charlie Brooker; it pretty much sums him up (while providing LOLs; Charlie Brooker is awesome):

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/apr/14/charliebrooker.boris

I'm no fan of Livingston either, but I too would have taken him over "LOL Boris what a legernd".

This right here is someone presenting themselves in a mediocre fashion to gain support. And it has worked. And that annoys me. The only way I can justify Boris is by convincing myself that actually, he's INCREDIBLY intelligent and EXCEEDINGLY shrewd, and he's purposefully presenting himself as a mediocrity so as to gain support, when secretly he's actually very bright and astute.

I'm pleased whenever I find a little bit of evidence to back that up. I don't WANT a person of mediocre intelligence in a position of power, and it frankly scares me to realise that many do. What is WRONG with people?

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:30pm

YWIW---That was a great post, and you gave me a lot to think about.

I wish I had your optimism. I found it refreshing, and I would like so much to believe that the mindset was more out of self-doubt than self-love. I'm going to try to see it from your POV.

But I still worry about that guy on the radio who thinks he's ready for the White House and would gladly elect himself or someone like him to do the job.

And Mister Matt---If there is Ray Harryhausen "claymation" involved, I am SO there to watch "Clash of the Mediocrities" with you!

[Jane2]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:31pm

Because the majority of the people in the US are '"mediocre"

They don't know it, though.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:33pm

YWIW, it's okay that you wanted to be president...you ARE smarter than I am, so you'll have my vote, toots!

This notion that "We are the best" is not new. Anyone who has traveled abroad (which I have been doing for many decades) knows that Americans have a reputation for thinking they are "THE" superpower, the only ones who matter, the only ones who know anything. The other problem is that we do tend to have more "expendable cash" (or, at least, we DID!) than people in other countries, and we appear to be wasting it frivolously on "crap." (And we ARE!)

I have had a hell of time trying to explain to people overseas that the people who elected George W. Bush do not represent the way ALL Americans think. But it's not an easy battle to win.

I know it's not just in politics that this "celebration of mediocrity" exists, but that's why we have art. And I do not consider all "entertainment" ART. There is a huge difference. True artists are risk-takers. They are able to reach many people, but not those who are completely shut off from anything that rattles their comfort zone.

It's the same in politics.

And Tiny, thank you. That's an awfully kind compliment. It makes me feel that I'm so MUCH BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE. (Just kidding!!!)