OPINION:
The dumbing down of America appears to be in its final stages. I’m not saying Americans are stupid or of lower intellect than other so-called developed nations; rather, this is the outcome of an insidious process of feeding America a bunch of nonsensical, vulgar television shows, movies, video games and social invective that has polluted the minds of young and old alike.
Having succumbed to some of the seedy fads of our secular world, I am not above it all. However, I have been able to step back and take an objective look at the result of this conscious attack on the American intellect and the damage it has done. Corruption in government has become an acceptable fact; vulgar, despicable behavior on television and radio is celebrated as entertainment; drug use and thuggish acts by sports figures and celebrities have become a way of life; and American apathy and ignorance of the law and ethical mores have become the ’new normal.’ America, in general, has been dumbed down without even realizing it — and there are few signs that this trend will be reversed.
I fear we are headed for a tragic and significant emotional event that only an awakening of the human spirit can avoid. The question is whether Americans are willing and able to make such a dramatic shift in their current lifestyles and begin to reject the forces that have brought us to such a dark place. I pray we all will begin to awaken and see the real light that will reject the current misguided trends and lead us to a renewed national consciousness.
ROB WEINHOLD
Dale City, Va.
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