Discussion Topic 1 Due: The American Citizen and Apathy
Electronic media, the entertainment industry, professional sports, video gaming are just a few diversions that serve not only to provide a means of physical and mental escape from the political problems we face as a nation but also to create an illusion that “life is good,” “things are normal” and that “all is well”. More so now than ever before, Americans are spending more of their dwindling financial resources on the aforementioned activities and in the meantime, the world around them seems to continue to crumble at close to free-fall speed.
Julius Caesar would most likely feel honored to see that the U.S.A. has chosen to very closely adopt Rome’s template of political ideology. Rome’s Emperors were masters at creating apathy amongst their citizens, and they knew right where to aim to get the job done most effectively. With the official encouragement of gluttony, abundant drink, and entertainment, the average “blinded” Roman citizen knew very little of what direction the nation was headed until it was far too late. Rome was crumbling from the inside-out and had been for a long while before going up in flames, as corruption and greed had destroyed the very fabric of what had once made it the most formidable country on the planet. Ultimately, their empire-building efforts took a huge toll on its economy and the loss of Roman life was immeasurable which all lead to its ultimate demise. Do we see any similarities between Rome and the U.S. here?
How about Presidential Debates in America. Jeff Jacoby in The Boston Globe wrote in August 2020 the following: “America’s presidential debates have become an absurdity. They long ago devolved into shallow “gotcha” contests, prime-time entertainments designed to elicit memorable sound bites-tart put-downs rehearsed in advance or the unforced error of an unexpected gaffe. But under no circumstances are they permitted to bore viewers with a thoughtful exploration of the candidates’ views. The candidates don’t seek to persuade voters with arguments and evidence. The moderators aren’t interested in facilitating real discourse. And the vast majority of viewers who tune in do so not to learn more about each candidate’s policies, but to root for one and sneer at the other.”
When spoken of in regard to the overall “health” of any nation, apathy amongst its citizens is very much like cancer that spreads and leads to the inevitable. At any rate, the destruction it causes leaves the body weakened and susceptible to numerous deadly diseases that can sooner or later mean the end. The only therapy for political apathy is to remain involved or to increase your current involvement, keeping a watchful and critiquing eye on the actions of our elected and appointed officials…. then speaking up and out when discrepancies are found. Is it too late for the U.S.A.? Only time will tell for certain, but if our course remains the same and if we as a people, in general, don’t set down the game controller, or T.V. remote, or alcoholic beverage and turn our attention to matters of GREAT importance…we (like Caesar’s Roman Empire) might be spoken of through history books in “past tense” and that my friends would be a dirty and crying shame.
Please answer the following questions:
1. Is it fair or unfair to compare the United States today to Ancient Rome?
2. Do political and governmental elected politicians represent the general population or a small segment of the society?
3. What do you think the political environment in America will be like ten years from now.
4. Do you feel the country will be better or worse ten years from now?
Write in full separate paragraphs for each specific question.
1. Grammar, spelling, and meeting the 1-page length requirement.
2. Presenting your comments in a logical, organized, and effective
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