Minds are the Real Estate of the New Millenium

Chuck D, leader of the rap group Public Enemy, urged students at East Carolina University to resist the dumbing down movement occurring in American culture. "Minds are the real estate of the new millenium," he said.
"The worst thing that can happen is to have someone thinking for you."
Snippet from Greensboro News and Record, Saturday, October 8, 2005.

Let me know what you think about Chuck D's statements. Do you agree or disagree? Do you feel that American culture is getting dumber? If so, how? And if not, what would make Chuck D say such things? Also, give some examples that you have seen that either confirm or disregard his statement.