by Anonymoses Hyperlincoln
July 30, 2004
One of the phrases that keeps making its rounds is: "outside the mainstream", as in "Mike Moore is outside the mainstream". But what is this "mainstream". And what does it mean to be outside the mainstream". Indeed, what does it mean to be "inside the mainstream".
And what if... the mainstream is polluted?
Over the coming weeks, we at The Anonymoses Hyperlincoln Institute for Serious Living, will explore these issues, and hope that we can all gain for our expanding understanding of "the mainstream", so that when the mainstream has to finally grow up and accept responsibility, it will do so armed with the knowledge, wisdom and courage it takes to finally leave the mainstream, and set out as an individual, with thoughts and visions of one's own.
The so-called "mainstream" is arguably already polluted, due to the principle:
"Garbage in, garbage out."
And, that the mainstream has been fed a diet of garbage for so many years now, is irrefutable. Violence, fear, deception, baseness...these are the words to describe the shows watched by "the mainstream", while those outside the mainstream are seeking knowledge, wisdom, truth, and beauty elsewhere -- the web, books, in music and art, in social gatherings, and in churches and universities.
One problem with the mainstream can best be described by referring the reader to a recent news event: The 9/11 Report. In the 9/11 report, one of the main causes for the failure of the Bush Administration, and on down, was this:
GROUPTHINK
Schopenhauer put it this way:
"DULL MINDS THINK ALIKE"
The idea of a "mainstream" presupposes a fair amount of said "groupthink"; thinking alike.
And indeed, there is a quote that is popular in America which says just the opposite...namely that "great minds think alike". I guess this is a convenient justification for groupthink. Just like "Finders keepers, losers weepers" is a convenient justification for theft. Both demand examination. Why can't it be: "Finders leavers, losers finders"? In some cultures you don't have to worry about leaving an item here or there, or that some brat will come along and lift it, skanking away with the phrase of justification singing in his head. But I digress...
One should not feel inferior for not being in the mainstream, unless, perhaps, you mean the mainstream of humanity. But only inhumane acts and wishes will boot you from that camp. It is your birthright, and it is squandered away by but a few.
Do not reward these few. And certainly don't elect them into high office.
