(RANT mode on)

When did the dumbing down of culture become something acceptable? At what point was there a focus group that communicated that actually we'd all be better off if we didn't aspire to better ourselves or gain knowledge.

I also missed the community meeting where Gay people decided that they'd also like to join the ranks of people shunning culture, books, reading and fun stuff like that.

I run a bookgroup and a film group. The book group meets monthly and we've got 6 or 7 excellent gay and lesbians (and I think we might have a T but I'm not brave enough to ask) and sit and have conversations, interactions and discussion about books. My film group meets twice a week and we see all sorts of films- mainstream and indie, in English and with subtitles. I'm sorry that I want discussion to go beyond the "like" or "dislike" category. I want to talk about referencing, story arc, spirituality and the notion of great Cinema.

I'm sorry that I don't fit. I'm sorry that I can't just sit back and slide my brain into the rut that society seems to be in. Shall I drive a large spike into my brain?

(rant mode off)