The Elite Among Us
By Nelson Phillips (10-14-2001)
Ever since the attacks on September 11th, newspapers, magazines and the internet have been overflowing with the opinions of columnists. I've read many, as I'm sure anyone reading this has. From what I've seen, these opinions fall into one of three categories: those who love their country and back the President, those who back the President because they love their country, and those who believe that they themselves are intellectually superior to the President and the rest of the country.
It's this third group, the Elite, that is the focus of this column.
Who are the Elite? To answer that question we must attempt to see them the way they see themselves, highlight some of their defining characteristics, and provide examples of their methods of operation.
The Elite are 'above the fray', having 'evolved' beyond the petty concerns and passions of 'the masses'. They were sent here to lead us, to guide us, to shepherd us and keep us from hurting ourselves. Only they can see beyond the haze of animal instinct and emotion which afflict the common man. Only they have the gift of true reason. To the Elite, the rest of humanity is little more than a collective of superstitious and reactionary primates, barely above chimpanzees on the evolutionary scale.
They see our values as 'quaint' and our morals as 'antiquated'; they themselves having moved beyond such constrictive restraints generations ago. Expressions of patriotism are distasteful to the Elite, viewing such expression much the same way that you and I view, say, Roseanne Barr. Expressions of faith are deemed downright dangerous, as they might lead the human primate into beliefs which challenge the Elitist's inherent superiority. The Elite know no good nor evil, save for those who will follow them and those who will not.
Elitists seek influence, and gravitate toward arenas where they may mold the views of other, lesser beings. Just as a pedophile is drawn toward youth organizations, Elitists are drawn toward classrooms and newsrooms, politics and the mass-media. It is here that they have the greatest impact on society.
Although Elitism has been around for centuries, it's victories as a movement have been few and far between. Even in the rare triumph, Elitism has no staying power. Consider it's ultimate triumph, the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics… It was the culmination of the dreams of Elitists through the millennia: no God, central control, no arguments or public discourse, and no outside interference. If a troublemaker (read: one who will not follow) ever dared question any decision or policy, he was immediately imprisoned, drugged, or eliminated (all for the good of the populace). Perfect.
When the Soviet Union fell, along with it fell the utopian dreams of the modern Elite. In and of itself, this caused great bitterness in Elite circles. It was more than they could bear, however, that this collapse was hastened and perhaps even orchestrated by a President of the United States which the Elite had tagged a 'simpleton'. Even today, Elitists can barely contain their hostility when the name "Ronald Reagan" is mentioned.
What we have to understand about these people is that no great accomplishment or deed can exist outside of their sphere of influence. They really, honestly and faithfully believe that. In order to make this tortured logic work, the Elite MUST belittle anything and everything done by those not in their clique. Anything overtly successful with which they aren't involved must be attributed to criminal and/or exploitative behavior. It is in this way that their 'world view' isn't threatened by anything so trivial and mundane as, say, common sense or truth.
This mindset utilizes many phrases and labels with which the Elite can shape and influence public perception. Lately their favorite catch phrase is "examine the root causes". Literally translated, this phrase means "why the United States is deserving of". Another longtime favorite is "it's a complex issue", meaning literally "shut up and let us do your thinking for you because you couldn't possibly understand". Other key identifiers include "… for the RICH", meaning the successful are only that way because they exploit the helpless; "claimed", meaning the group or person doesn't buy the Elite line and therefore must be lying; and "BIG" anything, meaning oppressive and criminal (except for BIG government, of course).
Using the tools mentioned above, I have been able to identify the Elite among us, and treat their views accordingly. Exposing Elitism is a fun and rewarding exercise in intellectual freedom, one which I hope catches on everywhere.
Our would-be 'masters' would hate that… :)
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