The War Against Obtusity

Anyone who has spent an iota of time near a television, newspaper, magazine, or radio in the last few years knows that one of the greatest perceived threats in America is obesity.  I find another O word much more frightening.  Obtusity, to me, is the lesser known and not so silent killer that threatens to completely stamp out reason.

What do I mean by obtusity?  Consider the following examples.

This week I read the breaking news reports of the troubled person who opened fire at the Pentagon this week.  What struck me was how quickly the commentary of the readers turned to conservative bashing.  Within the first five posts it was quickly surmised that this was obviously a Glenn Beck/Sean Hannity following, anti-government teabagger.  In the minds of many who commented on the article, anyone who is critical of the government is a right wing extremist 

I also read about the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), who has identified "512 "Patriot" groups that were active in 2009".  As you may know, the SPLC maintains a hate map which shows racist groups it has identified across the U.S.  The SPLC does not maintain that the patriot groups are racist, rather these groups:

...define themselves as opposed to the "New World Order," engage in groundless conspiracy theorizing, or advocate or adhere to extreme antigovernment doctrines. Listing here does not imply that the groups themselves advocate or engage in violence or other criminal activities, or are racist.

Among the groups SPLC identified is We Are Change, which identifies itself as "a pacifist organization and is tolerant of all regardless of racial, religious, ethnic or sexual orientation."  I know nothing about We Are Change, but it certainly doesn't sound like the typical SPLC target.  However, I assume it has some quarrel with our federal government, and so is on the list.  Still, if these groups neither "advocate or engage in violence or other criminal activities, or are racist", why are they on the SPLC's list?

The answer is obtusity.  Why bother expounding on details or explaining your position, when you can easily discredit them by association.  Beck, Hannity and teabaggers are like buzz words to liberals.  Being put on any list by the SPLC is enough to keep any liberal group from listening to your position, for the implication is certainly that you are some sort of racist.  Such representations are cheap and intellectually bereft (i.e. obtuse).

Obesity may one day kill me, but an obtusity induced heart condition may well kill me sooner.  I hope you will join me in trying to stamp out obtusity.