Ask a Silly Question...

IT seems incredible that modern society has now descended to such a level of retardation that photos posted on social media must be accompanied by a series of prompts that say things like "Why is this incident funny?," "What was the man trying to do?" and "Why would his wife be so angry about it?" Perhaps this is a way to get people to integrate, particularly when English doesn't happen to be their first language, but if you don't understand the rules of football then don't step on the pitch (cue: "What is the difference between a rule and a rooster?", Why can't I step on the pitch?", "Will I be arrested if I do?")

This phenomenon reminds me of a conversation I overheard between two teenage girls on a train several years ago. When one discovered that a Kenyan athlete was 'trending' for having won an Olympic event, the other girl immediately wanted to know who the person was and what was taking place. She appeared to have no interest in sport whatsoever, but simply didn't want to be left out. This is precisely why those of us who try to steer clear of popular culture become so frustrated with the majority who seem to enjoy being absorbed by the sponge-like reducing agent that is the mass-mind. It won't surprise you to learn that the things which are most popular are often the least interesting of all and that, of course, is exactly why they are designed to appeal (cue: "How can I be popular?", "Am I interesting?", "Will the appeal require a solicitor?")