D-U-M-B Dumb, Dumb, Dumb!

When one takes to accusing another individual or even an entire sect of people of being "dumb", they are seemingly opening up themselves to a litany of criticisms and attacks. In essence, they had better be sure they aren't residing in a glass house. This is not to say that I'm accusing anyone of the pot calling the kettle black, but rather that it becomes relevant and important for one to understand what parameters of "knowledge" and "experience" and "information" we've set up in a scenario in which one individual or group calls another individual or group "dumb".

This scenario plays itself out in a new book entitled "The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future (Or, Don't Trust Anyone Under 30)", written by Mark Baurlein. Out of full disclosure, I've yet to read this book, so I've no real clue as to what is discussed, laid out, assumed, or discovered within its text. I am, however, intrigued by its premise and scope and plan to read it this summer. I just hope that it's not a blanketed condemnation of an entire generation. I also hope that the blame isn't placed solely on one sect- be it the generation in question, their parents, the media, religion, poverty/ economics, or any other possible influence or excuse.

I thought this book was an interesting tie-in to my previously aforementioned "GQ" article. As I mentioned, I plan to read the book, so look forward to a possible review and discussion here at the blog.

Edit: Here's a fascinating take on this book- a worthy read indeed! I like the tone of the article, and the way the writer stays relatively objective while still defending both sides passionately.