What's Wrong with Americans

So, yesterday, I saw Jesse Jackson. (!). I was sitting on the train, headed to work, when the young thundercat next to me nudged me and showed me a text on his phone which said:

"U see Jesse Jakson?"

With a raised eyebrow and a healthy dose of skepticism, I shook my head. He pointed his chin straight ahead, but I couldn't see anything but the guy standing in front of the door. But, the young thundercat promised it was Jesse "Jakson" so I was inclined to peek around the other riders until I could see for myself.

Well, it took a few stops, but eventually I did get to see for myself that "Holy crap! It *is* Jesse Jackson!!" The young thundercat exited the train, with a self-satisfied-I-told-you-so smile. And I proceeded to marvel at my 2nd political celebrity sighting. And then...

I saw a tall, FIONE bald-headed chocolatey brother who'd been leaning casually against the back door. As he straightened, I noticed he was built like the statue of David. He was wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans that hung low on his hips just so. Naturally, his half smile was enough to make me completely forget any sights of the Reverend -- my excitement easily tempered by the prospect of catching Mr. Chocolate's eye.

Sadly, we reached my stop before Mr. Chocolate could make his move (you know, the one that was totally coming if he'd just had enough time to work up the courage to make his move). So I exited the train with one last longing look over my shoulder.

And that's when I realized...this is what's wrong with America. First, the young (African American) thundercat either didn't know how to spell -- or was too lazy to spell out a former icon's name. Second, any awe I should have felt about seeing someone of Rev. Jackson's (former) stature was easily pushed aside for one look at Mr. Chocolate. Ain't that about nothin'?

Well, fortunately, it was a fleeting moment that I felt patriotic guilt for the American public. Lazy and oversexed may be accurate descriptions, but fortunately, we aren't a one-dimensional people. We just have a certain, magpie syndrome. And really, what's wrong with being so easily amused? Sometimes, pretty shiny keeps our excessive cheeriness alive. And I mean, c'mon! It's ok to look at...Ooooh! Lookit! Something sparkly....*trails off*