Reply #13: Blame instutitions not people. It's like the matrix; people not ready

[Selwynn]

...I agree with you, even down to the point of pointing out the ignorance of most people and need for a re-awakening. But rather than getting angry at common everyday people, I see them more as oppressed by the structure of society in which the primary aim is to keep the people pacified, subdued, ignorant and disengaged. It is a structure built on propaganda and pacification, and both sides Republicans and Democrats contribute to it.

Our biggest problems are institutional problems, and right now I hate our institutions and believe that they essentially betray the best ideals for a great society. I don't go around worshiping the founding fathers either, for they had their own class-based agenda as well.

But institutional criticism is a good thing, and recognizing that the institutions oppress the people is a good thing. But looking in hatred and anger toward the ignorant people instead of seeing them with compassion and as victims does more harm than good. Attack the institutions of oppression, indoctrination and pacification. Reexamine American ideologies that are spoon fed to the public. Be angry even, at the effects of ignorance on the nation.

But to cross that line and let that translate into a disdain for, hatred of, or sense of superiority over everyday folk. We are all in this together, and we're no better than anyone else.

(It's kind of like the matrix. :) Some of these people aren't ready t be unplugged. In that movie, I never saw those plugged into the matrix as the enemy, even though they were completely blind to what was really going on. I saw the people behind that control mechanism as the real villains.)