The more I learn about the Republican definition for elitism, the more I aspire to become an elitist. The latest in the conservative attacks on Obama’s elitist attitude? The way he (correctly) pronounces Pakistan. The
National Review’s Mark Stein, for example, said that Obama prefers the “
exotic pronunciation.” He also added, “[O]ne thing I like about Sarah Palin is the way she says ‘Eye-raq’.” I guess General Petraeus should also be made aware of his “exotic pronounciation” of Pakistan, seeing as he too has been misprounouncing it.
How have we gotten to a point where intelligence and awareness are now something to be feared, while ignorance and stupidity are sought after and admired qualities?! How dare the Republicans condition people into thinking that proper spelling, grammar and pronunciation are the hallmarks of an elitist. This anti-elitist smear campaign has done nothing more than foster pride in being ignorant, which seems to be an increasing part of the national culture.
Now I will make a call out to my enlightened readers: Join me in becoming an elitist! Together we will fix our nation’s English skills, and strive to become a society of well-rounded intellectuals. The movie Idiocracy does not need to become a reality. We do not need to be satisfied with mediocrity. Ignorance, poor education, and popular disdain for anything intellectual are the best friends of any dictatorship.
“Unaware of what year it was, Joe wandered the streets desperate for help. But the English language had deteriorated into a hybrid of hillbilly, valleygirl, inner-city slang and various grunts. Joe was able to understand them, but when he spoke in an ordinary voice he sounded pompous and faggy to them.” Idiocracy (2006)
