Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 1

Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus - 3

By Randy Gonzalez
From infantile dependency in actual formative stages to the maladaptive adult-child grown-up
status of profane childishness, a trend of adults displaying immature and irresponsible behaviors,
the increasing immaturity threatens cultural ascendancy. This decline in maturity and courage is
not just a personal issue but a societal one, as it hinders personal growth and societal progress by
promoting conformity, fear, and a lack of critical thinking. To break away and transform with
mastery of personal liberation requires a courageous commitment to personal self-evolution. In
prior history, phases of initiatory rites of passage proclaim the necessity of movement from
juvenile immaturity to adulthood potentiality. Such reflects some philosophers' embracing the
quest for individual adventure. As one mythologist offers, the call to the hero's journey is for
everyone. Unfortunately, few rise to the occasion in the post-modern conceptual framework of
maladaptive thinking. Cultural cowardice abdicates intellectual ascendancy.
Take, for example, military service as a young person starting on his or her life quest.
Depending on data analysis from reliable sources, very few voluntarily answer a call to national
service. If one considers public service to include the military, public safety agencies, or other
related communal service, then a very small number rises. As to the military alone, according to
one assessment from a 2015 article in a national publication, roughly 7% of the U.S. population
have ever served their country. According to U.S. Defense Department information, about 22
million Americans were military veterans of various service branches. That estimate varies among
different studies over the past several decades. Anywhere from 5% to 6.6% offers a fluctuating
dynamic for those who answer your personal journey's call for self-evolving differentiation.
Adding to the mix, the number of first responders likewise changes over time in the complexity of
many situations. Of which, an insidious erosion of rational thinking threatens freedom.
Retired and current public safety officers, which include military veterans, in all probability,
bring the public service level to around 10% or less of the U.S. population. Population figures used
here do not include an estimated 30 million non-citizens. When that particular fluctuation is
considered, the number of public service personnel volunteering to serve their country and
community is well under 10%. So, one in ten could be said to answer a call to duty. A sense of
responsibility for one's ability is fostered by the illusion of the mysteries of thinking. Meanwhile,
the "mind" is a metaphor for the extraordinary organic properties of the brain.
 Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 2

Questions arise as to where the instigations originate within this material manifestation. A
puzzle, in particular, is why the larger society, among the superficially speculative aspects of
mainstream media, seems to view existence outside of existing. That is, as though the being is
observing from a distance. Regardless, the feeble representations of thinking processes provoke
speculation about whether a person is looking out on the inside instead of existing in some surreal
projection on the outside, trying to peer inside the creature. From either perspective, an ascendency
of mature inquiry yearns to further the courage of differentiation. Cowardice precludes the
discovery of the inner realms of "self-identification". Dangerousness devolves into the greatest
threat to a communion of mutual collaboration, fear provoking the cowardly expression of the wolf
in sheep's clothing. Especially as imagined in the speculative ponderings of 20th queries into
psychic imaginings. Succumbing to cowardice cripples the maturity of enlightenment.
With crowd comfort in the insulated ignorance of mass shared fearfulness, the collective
spinelessness of emotional reactivity degrades the vitality of competitive ideologies. When faulty
ideations cross the vast collusions of telecommunications media, stupidity finds comfort in magical
thinking and terroristic afflictions. In the writings of a journalist for a major national news service,
the author emphasizes the vitality of historic courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable
odds. Reflecting on the republic's formative years, colonial adventurers of limited individual
means stood up against the most powerful empire on the planet. In contrast, many post-modern
critics of founding struggles, who have never volunteered to serve their country, selfishly
pontificate platitudes of self-serving invective. However, as the journalist suggests, spineless,
weak-minded wussies did not build a republic.
On the contrary, very brave men and women of diverse, imaginative qualities asserted their
independence. The courage of individuality found a diversity of expression, inspiring a profound
sense of empowerment in the audience. Yet, in the first decades of the 21st century, a serious
erosion of ideological maturation, resisting the pursuit of intense creativity of enlightened
transformations, instead hastens the extinction of the human species. The republic is in danger,
and the cowards circle like vultures waiting to feast on their own illicitly decomposing carrion. As
though a 'horror movie' with a limited budget, inefficient editing, amateur acting ability, poorly
scripted, and stupidly performed, the social stage play devolves into no happy ending for anyone.
But foolish redundancy is not enough. The ideocracy, from not-so-hallowed halls of academia to
political fiefdoms, and the divisive storytelling regresses to one tragic comedy after another.
 Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 3

The danger of ideological weakness and the cowardice that promotes it, by the intention of
human malice, knows many faces. From one generation to the next, the cowardice of culture insists
upon its collective collusions, invoking a profound sense of urgency in the audience. Similarity,
likeness, and any other semblance of identicalness foster the thin layer of a debasing façade that
erodes the very potency of human nature. The cowardice of culture incubates this mass sense of
dull normalcy, a perspective that is part of a shared attitude of defeatism. The creative insurrection
of mental alacrity to envision a diverse naturalism of expansive innovation. In particular, artists of
various genres, for point of reference, past and present, imagine the fantasies of exceptionality.
Where a singular thought produces a novelty of ideated neural surge and then endeavors to
translate that into an artistic adventure, the fruition reaches higher states of fanciful notions.
Cowardice is the assassin of visionary creativity.
And, as a slight digression, sitting in a coffee shop one day, speculating upon the depths from
which a thought emerges, a question arises. Where does it come from? What is its molecular
consistency, and how did it get there in the first place? Ultimately, why? For the most, and
regularly, investigators assume it is there without much further questioning. As to the antics of
"psycho-inquisitors", or alleged therapists of some production scheme, this often assumes thoughts
manifest from some mysterious abyss inside the "mind". Likewise, this is where the demons come
from. The monsters from the Id, as portrayed in a science fiction movie, is, of all things possible,
a thought. Such is the potency and the power of human beings. Back in the coffee shop exemplar,
cause-effect reality presupposes provable instances. While observing through a clear window the
planted intentions of the urban landscape, the speculative inquiry is considered the source of the
whole gambit of thinking. But cowardice wears many masks of deception.
Explaining where thoughts come from is a complex journey inside the brain. This, of course, is
the actual person, not some metaphor of "the mind" or feeble attempts by fragile persons to "get
inside the mind". Since it is a metaphorical impairment of a superficial effort to gain admission to
insight, the challenge is in the communicative expression. At some point, a choice of cowardly
behaviors manifests. In one article, an older "boomer class" representative laughs at the
unscientific speculative excitation of a youngling, who claims the bridle of "mind coach". There
is such a thing somewhere in the cosmic configuration of academic pursuits. For the brevity of a
quick reveal of bona fides, a degree reference cites "psychology" in this case. Now, that explains
a lot; in the pseudosciences, anything is possible, and expertise is negotiable.
 Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 4

At this point, there is uncertainty about what serious scientific academic degree falls under.
Regardless of that particular writing, probably for the feel-good carnality of presumed authenticity,
albeit guesswork at best, the claim of "mind" training is an intriguing possibility. However, the
problem remains in addressing issues of a cowardly culture. In an echo from the past, aside from
the mainstream's woefully deficient proclivity of forgetting history, an article by an award-winning
economist lamented an American that is becoming "sissified". Written twenty years ago, the author
asserted that for the satiation of trivial amounts of social pleasure and comfort, Americans were
forfeiting their freedoms. Quietly giving up liberties to pacify louder voices of divisive and
dishonest criticisms instead of standing up for principle degrades the efficacy of forthright virtues.
A culture is declining in a nation increasingly submissive to emotional reactivity, political
correctness, and feelings over facts.
With that comes the mournfully deteriorating antics of a culture accepting more dumbing down
of individuality. Not to forget, of course, egregious encroachment upon free speech further
demeans the vitality of liberty. Furthermore, ten years after that article, and there have been many,
another writing appeared in the same issue in a major business magazine. As the argument goes
and has done so relentlessly in numerous publications, subsequent generations are described as
"sissies". This ascription suggests a younger crowd of overindulged, sluggish, coddled, and over-
rated younglings. Of course, the caveat is injected immediately to claim the viability of
exceptionality. There are exceptions to every issue, contention, or item under discussion or debate.
No doubt, one can quickly aim a finger at this or that, over there and yonder, there is an exemption
to the accusation at hand. However, the "exclusionary rule" is limited to those claiming individual
diversity from the herd. And cultural cowardice normalizes ignorance.
Simultaneously, the generality applies to the majority, who remain consistently incompetent in
operating in the real world. Soft, post-adolescent, "Peter Pan" child-like, and masquerading in adult
bodies, generational transference from one era to another demonstrates a weaker, less capable
populace. As such, the cowardice of culture is more dominant than ever. While individuality and
creativity falter for the safe mediocrity of status quo acceptance and validation, collective
collusions promote cowardice over heroism. As asserted by the corporate world article mentioned
earlier, fields of study have grown soft and pliable to meet easier neediness in schools and colleges.
In the 21st century, formal education tends to be one size fits all in the framework of the "liberal
arts". As such, the cowardice foments the expanse of intellectual poverty.
 Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 5

Science, math, and literary competence are relegated to a lesser foundation of relevance than
the importance placed on "accreditation standards". The extraordinary necessity of critical thinking
and logical analysis comes near the urgent need for improved interpersonal communication skills.
Deficiencies appear across the mainstream in many communication exchanges. In the human
weaknesses within the communal framework of collusive contention, fainthearted expressions are
limited by the feebleness of imaginative shortcomings. Many a philosophical treatise indicted
humanity for centuries about the ability to ensure self-deception. By an array of trickery, ruse, and
sham, the human species cons herself or himself by intentional selfish introspection. In short,
people are exceptionally adept at convincing themselves of extraordinary falsehoods. To safeguard
the inner pretext for cheating, duplicity, and bogus claims, willful insulation ensures masks to
protect child-like insecurities. The social landscape becomes intellectually unfruitful.
As some struggle relentlessly, as pointed out by numerous "human behavior observers", to
overcome their essentially weak inner self, most others devolve into primal carnality of selfish
motivations. Various investigators from multiple schools of thought conclude that disguises are
necessary to masquerade their frightful dysfunctions. Criminality resides behind such
concealment. Whether illicit, illegitimate, or illegal, the intention purpose is the subterfuge of
ongoing coverups. Perpetrations are relentless. Who is that who ignores the echoes of harsh reality
in the mirrored reflections? What "monsters from the Id" hide behind that face in the mirror?
Where does the abyss of human darkness go? When will the next deceit in cowardice reveal itself?
And how is the next scheme to be executed? Criminologists have an eternal quest to uncover
human depravity's depths and understand it more normal than abnormal.
By neither allegation of cover stories nor excuse mitigated by "criminal apologists", the claims
of "sickness", "mental illness," or "demonic possession" do not exonerate the cowardice of
dishonest actions. For some observers of human antics, the concept of "internal masking"
fabricates the egoistic purposes of willful conspiracy. To safeguard an "honorable" reflection of
oneself, the inner mask fashions an acceptable framework of personal fantasy. Internal lies are
seldom challenged. Yet, on the outside, while looking externally at the flawed creation, the
masquerade of externality does not often see what the crowd sees. Inside or outside, a question
arises. Is one looking from the inside to the outside with exceptional introspection and critical
analysis? Or is the alternate self more likely to view the creature from the outside to the inside?
Such a mysterious prospect is debatable.
 Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 6

As the savvy investigator knows, bias always influences the subsequent conclusion, and the
observer influences the observation to his or her advantage. Storytelling becomes quite fanciful
when facing the "dark persona" and fearing the condemnation of many flaws. Eventually, the
structure may collapse by a bridge of self-deception over a bottomless chasm of dark frailties. The
cowardice of culture reflects that darkness. As pointed out by historical philosophers and real-
world practitioners of strenuous striving, earning personhood is strife. Psychic, physical, and, not
to forget, the metaphysical, as expressed by some of the past, require the tough exposure of
persistent development. An incestuous diversion or regression to primordial subsistence, in the
dependence on child-like submission, profane the very essence of human creativity.
Insulating against the harsh realities of responsibility and accountability, the adult-child, the
"Peter Pan", and the aged adolescent are accomplices in the collapse of the greater community of
human society. Consumed intentionally by self-serving satiation from within and not by an
externality of "viral contagion", the infantile person burdens everyone else. From the secure
confines of magical thinking and illusions that hope springs eternal, in the cognitive bias of illicit
self-validation, the cowards endeavor to insulate themselves from the antagonism of reality.
From a history of pioneering adventures to the pilgrimage of rugged discoveries, the
swashbuckling voyager became the whining, sniveling, and entitled malcontent. One foreign
policy and politics magazine portrays a dismal 21st-century atmosphere of immature servility.
Addressing the issues of social devolution, the opined reference summons the notion of "culture
and cowardice" in modern times. Written nearly a decade ago, the disdain of general insensitivity
to the nobility of courageous actions in the face of "evil" expresses the condemnation of a
devolving society. Exploiting others in every way possible to avoid growing up, the babyish antics
of modern-day "succubus" and the "incubus" strain and drain cultural resources. From blogs of
inexperienced "influencer" assertions and flexing turgid states of egoistic flagellation, juvenile
idiocy finds no limits to the amative satiation of "playground" foolishness.
Flocking with increasing frequency to mask-wearing safe places and cupcake-baking
assurances of soothing feelings, many of an entire generation bask in their self-glory. With cookies,
coloring books, safe crayons, and kind and gentle assurances, the adult children are protected.
In the quick afterglow of "social masturbatory" appeasement, social intercourse devolves to near
anarchy in divisive accusations that anything disliked is "racist, hostile and aggressive". Where
ideas frighten people, and the free exchange of debate is thwarted, then liberty is lost.
 Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 7

Instead of heroic acts of bravery, silent passivity quelled assertions of mature claims to
substance over symbolism and muted outcries of freely chosen individuality, harken the tyranny
of oppression. From such a culture of cowardice, the collusion of many fainthearted foolish people
invites the darkness of subsequent extinction. As the lights of life dim, the cowards hide with
melting candles. For the Faustian bargain of safe immaturity in cowardly subservience, the many
will evade the daunting tasks of personal liberation. Freedom provides the atmosphere for the
divine unleashing of creative spirituality in individual transformation. Yet, in post-modern
American culture, career politicians and immaturely arrogant pundits purposefully degrade and
delight in the intellectual erosion of prosocial instigations. Normalcy has come to mean the
stupidity of gluttonous consumerism.
Status quo is the entrenchment of dull and unimaginative self-satiation of child-like thumb-
sucking. An echo in the mirror of a forgotten past of rich heritage, one writer speaks to the concern
of a growing "nation of wimps". In the faint echo, lingering for moments of recognition, the notice
is heard as of the once courageous efforts of pioneers and pilgrims. Forging against the odds, living
out of covered wagons in treacherous lands, and throwing tea in a harbor boasts a "warrior's
mindset" to overcome obstacles. Not anymore; cowardice is preferred. Why bolster the spirit of
individual liberation in creativity when spring break time and immature debasing collectivism are
more fun? Why grow up and pursue the adventure of a personal quest for transformation when
there is frolic with Peter Pan in Neverland?
In reflection upon an editorial of nearly a decade ago, the notice is given about a nation that
beat an empire, won wars against fascist dictators, and survived a great depression. From hard-
fighting, gun-toting, and adventure-loving characters, the swaggering style changed. Now,
whining, sniveling, and entitled malcontents easily cower and run at the first sign of opposition.
From valiant independence to subservient codependence, a powerfully diverse culture regressed
from "Sparta to a wuss factory" in a short period. With the loss of a uniquely American sense of
humor to being easily offended by anything, cowardice replaced courage. While once upon a time,
the "Greatest Generation" stormed beaches, jumped out of airplanes, and fought evil in hand-to-
hand combat, the younger generations complained about getting "likes" on social media.
Wimpiness, failure, and lackluster selfishness are easier to embrace in the simplistic mindset of a
devolving culture. Today, fewer than ever, as mentioned earlier, volunteer to serve their country
in any public service or first responder capacity.
 Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 8

Weaker and weaker, the intentional surrender of courageous exploits further endangers the
viability of higher ascendancy. Children in adult bodies, pampered with the anemic pablum of one
sort or another, get unmerited rewards for little or nothing achieved. At the same time,
complacency in the smug righteousness of arrogant ignorance and foolish child-like antics in social
deterioration work to embrace an eventual collapse of a democratic republic. The cowardice of
culture for collusive consensus invites tyranny.
Seven key essential points about cowardice:

1. Immaturity and Irresponsibility: The trend of adults displaying immature and

irresponsible behaviors threatens cultural progress, promoting conformity, fear, and a
lack of critical thinking. Creativity devolves.

2. Decline in Public Service Commitment: The alarming fact that only a very small
percentage of the population, roughly 10% or less, engages in public service, including
the military and public safety, should serve as a wake-up call. This decline indicates a
pressing need to revive our society's sense of duty and responsibility.

3. This decline in public Service commitment can be attributed to a culture of

cowardice, where individuals prioritize their own safety and comfort over the needs
of the community. This manifests ideological weakness, where people prefer comfort
and conformity over bravery and critical inquiry, leading to societal decline.

4. Ideological Weakness: Cowardice manifests as ideological weakness, where people

prefer comfort and conformity over bravery and critical inquiry. This leads to a lack of
diversity in thought and resistance to change, which can stagnate societal progress and
contribute to decline.

5. Urgent Issue: In the 21st century, courage and ideological maturation have significantly
eroded. This trend is hastening the extinction of creative and enlightened
transformations, such as innovative social movements, groundbreaking scientific
discoveries, and progressive cultural shifts. This makes it an urgent issue that demands
immediate societal reflection and change.

6. A Shift in Values: The courage and independence demonstrated by historical figures

starkly contrast with the cowardice and entitlement seen in modern times. This shift in
societal values is not just significant; it's a seismic change that should cause deep
reflection.

7. Complacency and Collapse: The prevalence of complacency in the face of cowardice

is a serious threat. It could lead to the eventual collapse of societal structures as the
preference for safety and conformity over bravery and individuality becomes more
prevalent. The gravity of this situation is profound and should not be underestimated.
The potential collapse of our societal structures is a stark reality we must confront.
Cowardice of Culture for Collusive Consensus – 3 - 9