"BREAD AND CIRCUSES", is a Phrase used to Describe the Degeneration of Society, where the Pursuit of Intellectual Ideals and Civil Discourse disappears from Society, Replaced by the Pursuit of Mindless Pleasure, and the Basic Needs required for Survival being met to the Individuals Satisfaction.
The Classic Example is the Fall of the Roman Empire. After Extending its Borders to Encompass much of the Known World, Emperors began holding to Power by providing Extravagant Entertainment to Citizens of the Empire, and meeting the Basic Survival Needs of Food and Shelter.
Politicians came to Realize that the Average Roman Citizen cared little for anything else but a Full Stomach, and Having Their Desire for Excitement, Depravity, and Blood Lust met on a regular Basis. Control the Mob with "BREAD AND CIRCUSES", and they will forever Sing your Praises. It is considered one of the Reasons why such Inhuman Monsters like Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero were able to Rule for any Length of Time.
Now, I am not saying we are heading into such a Situation in the U.S., and that very soon Modern Day Gladiators, Charioteers, and Condemned Criminals will once again be put on Display to Satisfy the Baser Desires of the Public at Large.
However, there are some Valid Comparisons Between Society Today, and the Roman Empire of Two Thousand Years ago. It is not the Type of Entertainment we should be looking at, but what is given up Morally, Intellectually, and Politically if we choose to make Humiliation, Depravity, Irrational Conduct, and the Total Disregard for Consequences a LIFESTYLE CHOICE THAT IS ADMIRED AND REWARDED FINANCIALLY, CIVILLY, AND POLITICALLY. TODAY, WE MAY CALL SUCH THINGS EXAMPLES OF; REALITY TELEVISION, TALK SHOWS, COURTROOM DRAMAS, POLITICAL ROUND TABLES, AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION GEARED TO MASS ENTERTAINMENT.
What is even more Absurd, is the PSEUDO- INTELLECTUALS WHO HOST MANY OF THESE PROGRAMS, WHO TRY TO HIDE THE TRUE MOTIVATIONS FOR PRODUCING SUCH MATERIAL, WITH A PRETENSE OF CARING, HEALING, AND PROTECTING THE "VICTIMS."
LOOK FOR PART 13.
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