Fear of intelligence

[RatB0Y68]

Why is intelligence seen as a bad thing?

 

Forgive me if I seem cynical by saying this, but I think it may be because there are a fair few stupid people out in the world, or at least a very prominent minority in mainstream society.

 

Why do they scorn intelligence though? The only answer I can think of is because intelligent people make them feel inadequate or threatened.

[Vagrant0]

I think what it boils down to is that people don't necessarily like being around people who are smarter than them because it calls into question their own capacity. The fact that many intelligent people, or atleast those who thing they're intelligent, tend to put forth this "I'm smarter than you, I'm right, and I want make sure you know it." stuff only amplifies this dislike... Usually because these people are lacking most social skills or just feel the need to show off. Case in point, Brainy Smurf (the 80's version). May or may not be smarter than everyone else, but goes out of their way to remind everyone how supposedly smart they are. People of all cultures generally hate that. Everything else is displaced emotions and complaints for not measuring up.

[grannywils]

Vagrant0, although I agree that what you have said above does indeed take place, I must however defend the many of those bright, intelligent people who go about their daily lives without engaging in this sort of behavior. In fact, many times what I have seen is actually quite the opposite (you even sort of implied it). People who are not particularly intelligent sometimes have a tendency to "put down" those whom they believe they can lord it over in some way. Perhaps it is a power trip. Their own inadequacy (perceived primarily by themselves) must be in some way covered up, justified, and/or paid for by someone else.

 

In addition, there are many simple everyday folk who just do not care to be around other simple everyday folk who happen to be a bit smarter than they are. Unfortunately it does seem to make them feel inferior in some way. This may in some cases have to do with the behaviour and/or attitude of the brighter individuals; but in many cases it has more to do with the attitude of the less intelligent individuals. There is a sort of reverse predudice that takes place if you are unwilling to "dumb down" your speach for example.

[marharth]

The fact that many intelligent people, or atleast those who thing they're intelligent, tend to put forth this "I'm smarter than you, I'm right, and I want make sure you know it."

Disagree with that completely. If you are really intelligent you should be able to figure out doing such a thing would make others look down on you.

[ginnyfizz]

Vagrant0, although I agree that what you have said above does indeed take place, I must however defend the many of those bright, intelligent people who go about their daily lives without engaging in this sort of behavior. In fact, many times what I have seen is actually quite the opposite (you even sort of implied it). People who are not particularly intelligent sometimes have a tendency to "put down" those whom they believe they can lord it over in some way. Perhaps it is a power trip. Their own inadequacy (perceived primarily by themselves) must be in some way covered up, justified, and/or paid for by someone else.

 

In addition, there are many simple everyday folk who just do not care to be around other simple everyday folk who happen to be a bit smarter than they are. Unfortunately it does seem to make them feel inferior in some way. This may in some cases have to do with the behaviour and/or attitude of the brighter individuals; but in many cases it has more to do with the attitude of the less intelligent individuals. There is a sort of reverse predudice that takes place if you are unwilling to "dumb down" your speach for example.

 

Hear hear, Granny! I was regularly beaten up at school, every time the exam results came out and yours truly came out at the top of the pile, because there was some attitude among the louts of "Who the (expletive deleted) do you think you are, you little creep?" That I was somehow getting above my station. I wish I could say that the school bullies were the only problem, but they weren't. My father's favourite put down has always been "Don't be so damned clever" - but then, if present at time of said put down, my mother would always retaliate with "But Dad, she IS clever."

 

I must admit that I do from time to time mention my accomplishments, but that only tends to happen on this forum and that only when someone talks down to me and talks to me as if I am stupid, which they do quite a lot because I am a country girl of conservative views. Apparently this equals thick in the eyes of many.

 

So I say to the OP, ignore the naysayers. Just get gobby like I did :devil:

[Vagrant0]

The fact that many intelligent people, or atleast those who thing they're intelligent, tend to put forth this "I'm smarter than you, I'm right, and I want make sure you know it."

Disagree with that completely. If you are really intelligent you should be able to figure out doing such a thing would make others look down on you.

I guess my experiences differ from your own. In gradeschool we had a group of "gifted" persons... Most of what I remember about them were cases when they were either telling others how they should do things, or showing off whatever new tech devices they had. Even in highschool some of them (the ones who didn't end up total burnout stoners) still kept on their belief of superiority. The reason why they weren't bullied or made fun of much was probably because there were a few underachievers and non-athletic types who made for an easier target.

[HeyYou]

And there is a big difference between intelligence, and social skills. One does NOT imply the other. In fact, I have noticed quite the opposite. The more intelligent the person is, the FEWER social graces they have.

[Keanumoreira]

I think some people are afraid of a certain level of intelligence within themselves ranging on a variety of factors. Like threats to one's own lifestyle for example. If a government turns hostile and begins to give the local population a sense of grief, then an individual, if the hostility isn't quite apparent, rather secretive in someway; may choose to say "no...this isn't happening. I refuse to acknowledge it". True, it's being in denial, which yes, also means that they have intelligence that this sort of thing is occurring and events are or will be carried out. They're basically limiting their own understanding on the matter so they can continue to ignore what is happening around them, and then you have the fear of being intelligent playing in as a factor here.

 

In terms of bullying, I say, who cares what other people think? They're only green yes? Why else would someone pick on a potential genius other than out of envy? This still happens to me; I'm the only one who will raise their hand in class, I (usually) get the answer correct, and people bark at me for it. It isn't like I'm the next Einstein here or anything. I'm horrible at Math, and occasionally, I do get stuck in the Sciences, even if I excel here in performance like I do in History and English. Just because you know your stuff and they don't doesn't mean it should be your problem. Everyone has their own special area of learning that doesn't necessarily work out for the person next to them.

Edited September 4, 2011 by Keanumoreira

[marharth]

The fact that many intelligent people, or atleast those who thing they're intelligent, tend to put forth this "I'm smarter than you, I'm right, and I want make sure you know it."

Disagree with that completely. If you are really intelligent you should be able to figure out doing such a thing would make others look down on you.

I guess my experiences differ from your own. In gradeschool we had a group of "gifted" persons... Most of what I remember about them were cases when they were either telling others how they should do things, or showing off whatever new tech devices they had. Even in highschool some of them (the ones who didn't end up total burnout stoners) still kept on their belief of superiority. The reason why they weren't bullied or made fun of much was probably because there were a few underachievers and non-athletic types who made for an easier target.

If your referring to a group that got into something by testing, it doesn't make them intelligent due to that.

[kvnchrist]

Intelligence is a gift. lack thereof is a curse. Believe me, I have suffered through the lack of this gift many times. There are those who suffer with me, who have not learned just how easy it is to overcome this curse and there are those who openly despise those on greater intellect. Those of the later persuasion are destined to remain in the small world their thought capacity restricts them too. These people are lost, by choice and deserve where and, with who, they end up.

 

There are those who try to surround themselves with those that can learn from and listen. They ask questions, but this doesn't necessarily mean that they will agree with those listened to. Some ideals and beliefs are deeply seated, and skepticism is always healthy.

 

We have a responsibility to grant each other, no matter how intelligent or dimwitted we seem, the respect to be heard. Trouble comes when we disrespect either side, by becoming arrogant and talking down to others by one side or simply closing our minds and ranting personal opinion, by the other.

 

I have seen this on both sides of the intellectual divide and all it does is lead to more walls than doors. I am not immune to any of these.