08 November, 2010

Do the [De]Evolution

No matter to what extent that you agree with Darwin and his Theory of Evolution, to say that no such thing exists, even in a much more limited sense, is foolish. In other words, believing all life on this planet is as it was on the day of its creation is extremely myopic. That isn't to say that one must accept the notion that all life originated from a single celled organism which eventually lead to much more complex species. It is in this vein that I offer a theory that just as a creature can evolve to be more advanced and genetically stronger, the obverse is also possible.

In the Theory of Evolution, "survival of the fittest" is a phrase used to describe how a species passes on only the most useful of genetic information in order to advance future generations of the same species. Those members who posses inferior or weaker genetic traits, such as being slower, weaker in strength and immunity, less inventive, even less colorful or coordinated, either aren't chosen as mates or don't survive long enough to mate, thus not passing along their genetic make up. This effectively strengthens the available genes and in turn, strengthens the species. There is a downside to this, potentially. When a species advances so far beyond its surroundings, it eventually winds up at the top of the food chain in its ecosystem, or in the case of humans, at the top of the food chain all together. Due to the lack of predators and the increase in available food and safety, the idea of survival of the fittest no longer applies to man. Rather, "procreation for all" seems to be a better fit for our current situation. As a result, we have an endless supply of dummy-dunces who are perfect reality TV cast members.

This decline in genetic greatness is brilliantly portrayed in "Idiocracy". On the surface, the movie is a comedy. Look a little deeper and you can see the foreshadowing of a tragedy. Listen to people speak. Read the emails and texts you send and receive. Look around at the marquee signs as you drive through town. Can you see any evidence that we are, as a generation, becoming a little dim? The reduction of brainpower is gaining speed at an alarming rate. But, it doesn't have to.

Now, I don't mean to take a clandestine tone or berate the populous for not caring about the English language as much as I do, nor do I want to give anyone the impression that I am more important/vital/learned, etc...than anyone else. What I would like my point to be is a call to arms, so to speak. Let us not continue on this decline in intellectualism. Let's all read something, write something, create, discuss something. Anything.
                                                           There is still time to right the ship.