So, here it is. We've come down to it. AFC Syndrome, and it may be terminal. I speak of the United States, and AFC is short for American-Fucking-Citizen.
If you aren't familiar with it, count yourself lucky. My first exposure to this syndrome was actually in a campy horror/comedy called Modern Vampires. It wasn't until some years later that I actually witnessed someone use the term seriously.
I can't describe exactly how I felt -- or how I still feel -- about it. It's an eye-opener to suddenly experience the stereotype that you were sure didn't exist. Above all, it's sad. Sad, because when you experience those moments, it's as if a little flame of hope is extinguished inside you.
Hope no longer springs eternal. Not even for an American-Fucking-Citizen. If you happen to be one, you won't notice it though. You'll be too busy enjoying the privileges of your "station" in life without accepting any of the responsibilities. When I see people like that, I don't know if I should be angry or not.
I want to be angry at them. They should know better. I know better, so clearly the knowledge is out there to be attained. But, maybe it isn't their fault. Maybe they weren't taught well. That's probably it. Somewhere along the way, they didn't learn the vital lessons of cause and effect, of privilege and responsibility.
Maybe both of their parents had to work full-time to support them, and they didn't have an adequate role model. I know I'm unique in some respects because my mother was home to take care of the kids. Indeed, she ran a daycare, and was a teacher before that. It probably gave me a better start and a better foundation than many people get today.
But that thought puts out another little flame inside me. It smacks of easy answers and stereotypes, and I work very hard not to be caught up in the latter. Maybe too hard. Maybe my desire to not see the stereotypes blinds me to their reality. I hope not.
Anyway, I know that AFC Syndrome isn't the root cause. It goes back to a massive shift in the country.
A shift in education -- we can't teach morals anymore, it might not be inclusive enough or it might offend someone.
A shift in parenting -- we don't spend time with our kids anymore. There is a television station designed for children under two. That upsets me. And, my God, the content. I never saw lions on pogo sticks as a child. I didn't need to. I wish I hadn't as an adult. Bah, I'm off topic.
A shift in community -- we no longer know and trust our neighbors. We can't be certain that when Timmy goes over to Bobby's house that Bobby's parents don't allow R-rated movies. Or X-rated movies. Or anything these days.
Do parents exchange surveys or Official Rules, carefully crafted by high-paid family-practice law firms? Do you, somewhere deep down inside, think it might be a good idea? Does that concern you? As much as the fact that you don't have a copy of the survey?