Mediocrity is the new standard for our society. It goes beyond just simple compromise, where we would give up some ground to get ahead elsewhere. Instead, we just accept a third-rate standard as the way of life. The question is then, “Should we be concerned by this,” or more succinctly put, “Who cares?”
In Canada, we are socialized to accept order. Though not a distinctly Canadian trait, for many societies are like this, it does mean that we are conditioned to not question the goings on in our society. Instead, we blindly follow the actions of our ‘elite,’ without understanding or questioning whose interests they serve. And these ‘elite,’ a product of this same society, have themselves become diminished in quality. A vortex has been created, pulling us down into the abyss of mediocrity. But as long as we are happy, who cares?
This fall from excellence has not happened overnight, as it has been the by-product of industrialization. The Fordian undertone of our Brave New World, has created a society where our need to consume has outstripped our desire to ‘re’-produce quality goods and services – creativity and craftsmanship have been lost. Instead, we go through the motions at work, expecting our pay, with indifference to what we do. But as long as we are able to live our lives beyond the workplace, who cares?
This attitude is most evident in Generation Y, a generation accused of being complacent and entitled – everything has been given to them, and so they expect this to continue. Of course, the baby boomers and Generation X are also to blame, because we spoiled them, filling them with expectations without giving them the tools to excel. They are more savvy with technology today than previous generations, but technology has become a toy – a diversion – rather than a tool; they are more capable of multitasking, but at the cost of proficiency; more than any other generation, they wantonly consume, for the sake of consumption, but no longer can distinguish quality from an inadequate product. But as long as that product has a brand name, who cares?
In fairness to Generation Y, which for the most part is self-centred, it is also the most socially active generation within Canada. Through social media, they are well informed, inundated with facts and filled with the hope of changing the world, turning their back on the Satanic mills of industrialization in favour of a quality of life. Less active in traditional political participation within Canada, they are more aware of social concerns at home and around the globe. Name a social issue, and they are more likely to have a superficial opinion, but are unable to draw abstract parallels. They are the ones, however, who care.
The disconnection between this socially conscious generation, however, and the domestic need to continually excel and compete has been lost. Decreasing productivity and soaring costs have diminished our competitive advantage, which an abundance of land, resources, industrialization and innovative technology, has given to us. In short, if we cease to be creative and to re-invigorate our economy, we will no longer be able to sustain our lifestyle. Just look at Europe. We cannot just accept the mediocre; we have to demand more – more from our ‘elite,’ ourselves, and our children. And failing to do so will only mean that we slip deeper into the morass of mediocrity, or should we care?
John Kennair is an international consultant and doctor of laws who lives in St. Albert.
