USA Today has a pretty damn good editorial calling us out on the fact that the American Eagle has turned into a scared kitten. From Ebola, to terrorism, to academia’s paranoia about hurting the little snowflakes’ feelings, to the initial response to The Interview — we’ve lost The Spirit of ’76, to say the least.
Part of the explanation for the fear is the indelible scar left by 9/11. Part is the fear of lawyers and lawsuits in an overly litigious society. And part comes from a cynical age that has eroded faith in so many institutions.
All of these need to be tempered. The world’s greatest and most powerful nation deserves people who exhibit backbone and have the confidence to live by their principles. (source)
You know what though? I have hope. I’ve called us a nation of mewling cowards since September 12, 2001. But, just maybe, the tide is turning. The Interview came out after all. Some are pushing back against the academic circle jerk (although being more concerned about feelings than knowledge is still a sure fire way to keep your quest for tenure intact). And, best of all, a major publication finally sees the problem — even if it is only USA Today.
Dare I hope that America’s balls are growing back? Is it possible?
