Dumbocracy

Marty Beckerman

Disinformation Press 2008

Tower Books Australia

Dumbocracy is a confronting look at the true state of modern politics, left and right. It is also an indictment of the laziness of a nation that refuses to think for itself and has allowed extremists to take hold.

It was originally scheduled for publication in 2006 by a major publisher and called “Retard Nation: America’s sexiest young journalist exposes the bastardly forces keeping you stupid”. The publisher balked at the content and the book languished for some time until Disinformation decided to bring it to publication. I am very glad they did as I believe this is a very significant work of journalism which bluntly, crassly and without much subtly takes aim at the inane discourse that passes for politics within the United States. The book open with the marvelous statement “Opinions are like genitals: if you force others to swallow yours, something is seriously wrong with you." From there on in, everything is fair game.

Abortion, extreme feminists, the right wing, Christian conservatives, Jewish nationalists, anti drug and anti fast food campaigners, the list goes on. In many ways he is a bit like “Penn and Teller” (of Bullshit fame) in print, but only ruder. His language is rough, his phraseology potentially offensive, yet he equally attacks all sides, George Bush is "King Retard" while Bill Clinton is President Blow Job, no one is spared.

At the same time do not be put off by the inflammatory rhetoric; this is a very well researched book. Beckerman spent years interviewing, attending political campaigns and rallies, he even travelled to Israel to gain other perspectives on the issues. He provides a surprising amount of carefully checked information on everything from abortion to safe sex, smoking to fast food and these facts make you do a double-take and rethink the positions that have been so carefully manipulated by various political factions.

Dumbocracy is divided into three sections. The first examines the sheer unreasonableness of the modern political landscape and includes many examples of the utter insanity of true believers. The second section examines the rising tide of Puritanism looking at everything from adult products to smoking and fast food. The last section is more personal and discusses his experience travelling to Israel for a Global Summit for Young Jewish Innovators.

You will find Dumbocracy challenging, shocking, perhaps offensive and on most occasions incredibly refreshing. So many times reading this book I thought to myself how marvelous it was to find an author who sees beyond the simple dichotomy of left and right and tells it as it is, calling a spade a spade and smelling bullshit when he comes across it. He stands firm in his call for us to think for ourselves, taking nothing on faith and believing no one, I can think of no better position to work from.

This review will appear in Volume 2:1 (2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

If you came to this page directly (and missed our menu), click here to go to the Synergy Magazine front page. (http://www.synergy-magazine.com)