We are in the process of creating what deserves to be called the idiot culture. Not an idiot sub-culture, which every society has bubbling beneath the surface and which can provide harmless fun; but the culture itself. For the first time, the weird and the stupid and the coarse are becoming our cultural norm, even our cultural ideal.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bernstein argues that society is normalizing low-quality behavior and values, making foolishness the standard rather than an exception.
- In plain terms
- Foolish and coarse behavior is becoming the normal standard for our culture.
- What can you take from it?
- Be aware of cultural shifts that lower standards of discourse and behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What standards define a healthy culture?
- How do media shapes cultural norms?
Another view
The term idiot culture is subjective and may reflect generational bias.
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