I don't know if I have this thought fully shaped yet, but I've been noticing recently how easy it is to fall into the trap of what I can best describe as "the lowest common denominator."

I'm noticing how prevalent the lowest common denominator (LCD) is on a daily basis - gossip, cliché, the easy joke (most of the time at someone else expense), stereotypes. It is those things that we can all amiably agree on, the things in our day that don't rock the boat. For the most part, I'd say the lowest common denominator is safe and harmless, but it feels like a pretty obvious symptom for something dangerous.

What it points to is how easy it is to make choices through the day toward the comfortable, the familiar, and the easy way out. I have to believe that more frequently than I'd like to admit the other side of what's easy is the thing that is really going to make a difference in my day.

Incrementally choosing the way toward critical thinking, toward disruptive decisions, toward the unfamiliar might be the answer for avoiding a life of mediocrity.

A great example of LCD was obvious during the political campaigns this year . Its remarkable how susceptible we are to the rhetoric of politicians. I can't count the number of times I'd hear voters regurgitate word-for-word the LCD of a campaign as their reason for voting one way or the other. McCain supporters would often rationalize their vote by saying, "I'm suspect of Obama's relationships with terrorists" or on the other side Obama supporters citing their reasons as "I'm voting for change." I think politicians need to stay on message, but hopefully their reasons for running back these LCDs with firm beliefs on the issues and vision for the country. When voters site their reasons as solely the campaign message, I believe those are their true reasons and nothing else. They have clung to a slogan and felt comfortable with their decision. Citing actual issues, prioritzing the issues that matter for them would be outside the margin.

The scariest thing about the lowest common denominator to me is how prevalent it is in my day. As I sit in front of the television watching a sit-com aimlessly, 1) I'm taking the easy route by plopping my ass on the couch; 2) I'm subjected to countless commercials, which exploit our draw toward common ground (bandwagon effect).

I think that's enough for this half-baked idea. I know the lowest common demonimator lurkes in our days. The challenge is identifying it when it presents itself and not succumbing to its draw.