In a world that often seems to have lost its common sense and its sense of humor, it's only fitting to bid farewell to an old friend with a touch of wit. Common Sense, our ever-reliable companion, has departed, leaving us to navigate the quagmire of modern life. In examining the viral obituary we came across in the London Times, we take a necessary look at the relevance of this commentary in today’s society by relating it to real-life concerns such as continued governmental overreach, political divisionist tactics, and the media's incompetence and unethical censorship tactics.
“Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, ‘Common Sense’ who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape and political correctness. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn’t always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouth wash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust. His wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility, his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights; I want it now; Someone Else Is To Blame; I’m A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.’ If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.”
Table of Contents:
In our ongoing quest for inclusivity and cultural awareness, we've become leaders in these virtues. However, it's time for a reality check on the waning moral fabric and dwindling common sense that often eludes us. Let's not kid ourselves; falling into the groupthink trap is dangerously easy. It's high time we reevaluate our approach, ditch the absurdity, and lead with logical, ethical ideals that genuinely benefit everyone. Now, let's dig into four prime examples from the Common Sense satire that showcase the rampant insanity infiltrating North American culture and beyond.
1. Wokeism: From Awoken to Awkward
"Someone Else Is To Blame"
The term 'woke,' originally rooted in raising awareness of violence against Black individuals, has evolved into a politically charged weapon. Liberals/Democrats have appropriated it for a broad range of far-left leaning agendas not in line with Black empowerment and Republicans employ it derogatorily to criticize a broad spectrum of liberal policies. This ironic transformation, born from social awareness, underscores a disconnect between the term's origin in Black culture and its appropriation by both Democrats and Republicans which appears as a deliberate attempt to undermine Black ideals. The skepticism surrounding its resonance with swing voters and the Black community questions the alignment of political discourse with genuine societal needs. Certainly Common Sense would shake its head at the spectacle, and insist that politicians say what they mean and do what they say.
2. Kids These Days: Being a Kid with Adult Direction
Stepbrother "I Know My Rights"
Modern parenting grapples with a paradoxical struggle, oscillating between overzealous surveillance known as helicopter parenting and the laissez-faire approach which treats them like tiny CEOs making life-altering decisions. While it is crucial to empower children with agency and decision-making skills, there is a fine line between fostering independence and neglecting the fundamental need for a period of innocence and gradual moral development. The challenge lies in striking a balance that allows children to explore, learn, and grow responsibly while safeguarding their well-being. Common Sense would emphasize the importance of cultivating responsible growth while preserving the fundamental need for a period of innocence.
3. Criminal Reform: Where 'Illicit' Becomes Illicitly Legal
Stepbrother "I’m A Victim"
Defending yourself might land you in court, and young folks can now shoplift without consequences. Far-left criminal reform initiatives, notably observed in the decriminalization of illicit drugs and minor offenses in locations like Vancouver and Portland, present potential societal ramifications. While rooted in compassionate intentions and a desire for equitable justice, unintended consequences, such as an uptick in violent crimes and a decline in community safety, challenge the efficacy of these reforms. Common Sense would advocate for a balanced criminal justice system that prioritizes empathy while safeguarding societal values and personal responsibility.
4. The Me, Me, Me Generation: From Community to Individuality
Stepbrother "I Want It Now"
A concerning shift in societal values, characterized by a pervasive attitude of self-centeredness among newer generations, poses challenges to the cohesive fabric of our communities. The once-vibrant tapestry of a community that cared for the whole is being frayed by an irresponsible ethos of "me, me, and me." The common-sense notion of considering what is best for the community as a whole seems to be fading, replaced by a focus on personal desires and instant gratification. This impacts the cohesion of a society built on mutual respect, empathy, and a shared commitment to the greater good. Common Sense would insist on fostering a sense of collective responsibility, emphasizing the interdependence of individual well-being with the prosperity of the entire community.
Media Mayhem – The Chronicles of Controversy
One of the critical players in the shaping social values and movements is the media due to their ability to promote one-sided propaganda or diverse perspectives and discourse. Recent scrutiny of media outlets reveals concerns about increasing censorship, bias, and the influence of big corporations in shaping narratives. The pervasive one-sidedness in reporting, framing every issue as a controversy, underscores the need for nuanced consideration. Common Sense calls for a return to journalistic integrity, urging media outlets to resist undue influence from corporate interests and offer a balanced and objective representation of diverse traditions.
In lamenting the sparse attendance at Common Sense's metaphorical funeral, the rise of societal absurdity in the form of stepbrothers like "I Know My Rights," "I Want It Now," "Someone Else Is To Blame," and "I’m A Victim" highlights the urgency of reflecting on the prevailing absurdities. Retaining humor in our discourse serves as a reminder that, in laughter, we may find a flicker of the sanity we seem to have misplaced.