Friday, June 10, 2011

Culturally Backward?


We live in strange times - politically and culturally.  The Weiner Circus is just one example of something factual that is zanier than a Will Ferrell movie.  And here is an example of how various opinions are a cultural bellwether.

In fairness to Chris Mathews, he does make it clear that he personally finds congressman Weiner's antics to be, shall we say, not of a good ethic.  But on the other hand, I think he paints an accurate snapshot of the culture clash of the country and the reputation of those who still hold to an ethical standard at least in part pegged to Christianity: "people in the rural areas of this country who are Christian conservative culturally - you can say backward if you want...don't like this kind of stuff."

To much of the cultural elite, Christians in "flyover country" between the east and west coasts are considered "culturally backward" for disapproving of a married man taking pictures of his genitals and sending them to women. 

"Culturally backward."

Actually, it's the opposite.  People who do not approve of such things are normal - even if the majority - or at least only the upper crust of the opinion-makers - beg to differ. 

But by the same token, I think the antics of Ben Bernanke are far worse and ultimately will destroy more lives.  But then again, if his name had been more ironic, like Ben Counterfeiter, it might attract more media attention.

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