In the art of modern political discourse, one might argue there is an awful lot of colorblindness. Not the literal kind, but the kind that comes from wearing what our esteemed conservative commentator playfully dubbed “stupid-colored glasses.” With these metaphorical spectacles firmly perched on their noses, many appear to possess an extraordinary ability to view society through a lens that only captures the surface level, like an old television set perpetually stuck on one channel. Unsurprisingly, this myopic view tends to simplify the complex tapestry of real life by ignoring the vast nuance and depth that exists beyond superficial labels.
The poverty perpetuation problem, particularly within certain communities, illustrates this well. The critique suggests a narrative that attributes characteristics of poverty to racial identity rather than socioeconomic circumstance. This has led, in some cases, to the unfortunate enshrinement of poverty-related behaviors as cultural traits. The so-called colorblind ideology, then, not only fails to see the entirety of the economic plight but also conveniently persuades folks to ignore that poor people, regardless of race, face similar challenges. It’s a brilliant sleight-of-hand trick for maintaining political leverage by enshrining victimhood instead of empowering self-sufficiency.
In this political theatre of the absurd, intellectuals also play a leading role, albeit often one marked by tragic irony. Despite their impressive credentials, many belong to what was aptly described as a knowledge class whose relevance seems to be in decreasing supply. The critique is that these highly educated individuals have a curious propensity for disregarding common sense. They often initiate or fan the flames of utopian ideas untethered to the practical realities of the world, all while wagging fingers at those who espouse traditional values more aligned with lived human experience. History shows intellectuals’ tendency to drift towards the revolutionary when left without guiding principles grounded in faith or proven societal norms.
Moreover, the failure of some intellectual circles to embrace these more rooted values is seen in their rallying behind progressive but ultimately misguided causes. One only needs to look at the blind enthusiasm some intellectuals have shown for far-left socioeconomic policies or attempts to dismantle necessary societal structures without offering viable replacements. It’s like reimagining a tenured faculty meeting where naivety and hubris collectively exclaim, “Let’s just see what happens!” These missteps serve as a reminder that intelligence, when not paired with humility or guided by reality, can sometimes lead to significant societal harm.
People should be encouraged to rise above this muddle, taking on the mantle of the avante-garde rather than assuming a reactionary posture. It is a call to articulate values clearly, confidently, and creatively. Great art, stories, and ideas come not from hysteria but from tapping into deeper principles that have stood the test of time: family, faith, freedom, and responsibility. Unlike those entrenched in the transient glory of the latest policy fad, there’s an opportunity to embrace a vision, amplifying the foundational elements that make societies thrive.
The challenge lies in removing those “stupid-colored glasses” and viewing culture as something to be built upon with courage and vision. In this, there is an invitation to enter into the proverbial promised land, where sensible assumptions and enduring truths align to craft a society that values each individual, celebrates responsible stewardship, and embraces ye-olde common sense. Perhaps then, more will finally realize that life’s complexities cannot be conveniently distilled into the oversimplified dogmas that some choose to espouse from political pulpits.
