Crusoe Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 I think it's being unfairly placed on men though, I know just as many women that see intellectualism as a bad trait. I'm currently reading Anti-Intellectualism in American Life by Hofstader, and it's been going on in the US for a long time now. There is an entire voter base out there that doesn't like anyone intelligent or articulate, and see them as "liberal elitists". Some well spoken black men and women are derided for being articulate as "speaking white", etc. It crosses race and gender lines, I've had women laugh at me for bringing up reading books. It's everywhere! I should add that I do not equate education with intelligence, they're not the same thing. An unintelligent person can be educated, and an intelligent person can be uneducated. Very true. As for the "liberal elite", I think that's more of a self inflicted label that comes from displays of intellectual snobbery combined with a lack of common sense rather than a general dislike of intelligence. Some people do just dislike anyone smarter than them, though. Just as some people dislike rich folk, or good looking folk, or anyone blessed with something above the average. 1
IcedEarth Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 Very true. As for the "liberal elite", I think that's more of a self inflicted label that comes from displays of intellectual snobbery combined with a lack of common sense rather than a general dislike of intelligence. Some people do just dislike anyone smarter than them, though. Just as some people dislike rich folk, or good looking folk, or anyone blessed with something above the average. Very true. Don't get me wrong though, I hate snobs too. The people that have to correct any mistake you make, or are in a totally different world altogether. Example: My girlfriend's roommate in college is the granddaughter of the founder of the Intel Corporation. She's down to earth and you'd never know she was rich though. She got married to her girlfriend and some of the people at their wedding, oh my god. The bow ties, conversations about scientific theorem, doing math equations at a wedding! I was so lost and wanted nothing to do with them, and I don't normally shy away from academic discussions. They were just a different breed of hoity-toity smart intellectual. The type that would scoff and say "My word!" if I blasted some metal or something. I tend to like people in the middle, extremes are bad. 1
irin Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 educated and smart are two different things. going to college doesnt automatically make a person smart.
IcedEarth Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 educated and smart are two different things. going to college doesnt automatically make a person smart. I did say that 3 posts ago
irin Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 I did say that 3 posts ago great minds think alike. sorry i actually didnt read through the thread only the OP
Woggle Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 I think another issue is that some intellectuals both men and women have a hard time just having fun and enjoying some lowbrow stuff. I love a good debate like anybody else but sometimes I just want to let my hair down and have a good time and with some people that is hard. In politics I don't care if I can have a beer with the person but in dating it does matter.
Taramere Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 You're not a better than you type, but they do exist. I've seen posts on here by women saying anyone without X level of education is beneath them, etc. They're probably the same women who, without their degree, would be horrible inverted snobs. Either way, I think it comes from having a limited sense of self that's far too dependent on what they do for a living...and judging others from that same insecure place.
Emilia Posted September 23, 2012 Posted September 23, 2012 I tend to like people in the middle, extremes are bad. Pretty much.
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