FreThink - Latest Comments in Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

James Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:15:11 -0000

There's nothing new here. Young people have always harassed and denigrated good students. Unfortunately, those arrogant in their ignorance are now voters and parents so are passing their stupidity on to their children and trying to make ignorance the law of the land by forcing the teaching of creationism and pseudo-science.

The "dumbing down of America" is in its advanced stages and can only result in the total destruction of the country.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Matt — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:28 -0000

Thank you for writing this, I've been trying to make my friends understand that "elitist" is just another derogatory right-wing word for "intelligent." It really is tragic how, just like highschool, it's uncool to be smart. It's jealousy and stupidity rolled up into one big clusterfuck of dumb. Thank you for this post, I'll be sure to forward this to my friends.
-A fellow elite.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Guest — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:31 -0000

The "Dumbing down of America" has been going on for some time. It is lead by the religious reich to whom thinking and intelligence spell doom. The media are eager helpers as anyone reading print media or watching TV can observe.

It's no wonder that countries like China and Japan are assuming leadership positions in technology and science. Goodbye, America. Hello Asia World.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

landothedead — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:19 -0000

How'd that work out btw?

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:14:13 -0000

remember please that half of us are below average.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Dale — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:08:34 -0000

How did that McCain Palin thing work out for you anyway?

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Steph — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:28:11 -0000

Wow...for an article about the dangers of anti-intellectualism, that second statement was very un-intellectual and extremely uninformed. I think understanding that one is ignorant is far better than pretending that one knows things that he clearly knows nothing about.
In fact, followers of religious faiths are just like the rest of America: some are book smart, some aren't. Those who rise to the places of preachers and theological teachers, etc. (or even students who just want to further their education and understand their faith better), undergo rigorous work in college and seminary. Being one of those people, I know first-hand what kind of an education they actually get. Yes, we study our Bible. We revert to elementary school as we re-learn how to properly diagram sentences, read things in context, understand syllogisms...After all, it takes more than a pre-formed bias to know what the text actually says. We also study history. History through the eyes of the Church, and history through secular eyes. We study literature. Again, secular and sacred. Assuming one goes to a Bible-teaching institution, what is the point of teaching anything other than the Bible or spiritual things? Ah yes, because we live in the world. We need to be learning what the world is learning. We will get no where if we are lightyears behind the education of secular institutions. We will not get the same jobs, we will be looked down on for our ignorance, and we just won't be of any use. Admittedly, there are a select few in the faith (who unfortunately tend to be louder than the rest of us) who do reject any education. That is just irresponsible, and that is all that needs to be said. Again, what is taught in private schools/seminaries is the same as that which is taught in secular schools. We learn math, English, science, music, art, and so much more all through 1) the lens of Scripture and 2) the lens of our world.
So as for contestant #2's opinion on these matters, I would like to say again how disappointed I am at his assertions. "Religion is an obvious one, of course, since being intelligent and learning makes one less likely to accept arguments from authority, and to question unproven assertions." I would just like to know what Christian he talked to and got this bull from. No one I know, for sure. Sounds like a pre-conceived notion that he hasn't bothered to check the facts on to see that this mindset simply does not exist in today's Christian view.
As to the subject matter, I couldn't agree more. If there is anyone who has such anti-intellectual opinions, I hope that he/she is not in a place of power. Education brings us farther and helps us judge more clearly the path that should be taken. I enjoyed reading these differing opinions, but I just ask that you be a little more responsible before posting on things which you know not about.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

The Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:19:05 -0000

Intellectual is not like being Republican or Democrat. Christian, Muslim or Jew etc. Its about ideas art culture based on what is known and discussed. A love of the sciences , art, music, writing all the things that contribute to allowing us to live together. Not about finding the quickest way to demolish all who dont agree. Its about having an open mind.
Its not even about winning an argument but about knowing how to ask the pertinent questions, listening, seeing.
Not total destruction.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

The Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:14:24 -0000

Which is why common sense is now taking it away from you. Get used to China, India and the other countries having their time.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

The Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:11:56 -0000

The Right the Left. Where is that? Draw a circle and tell me whats left and whats right. That is politics. But keep politics and religion out of free thinking also known as intellect.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

The Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:44:57 -0000

Interestingly, your measures are really messed up today eh?
Here comes another mess bigger than the great depression.Thanks to unbridled greed and ignorance, no not ignorance but blatant stupidity of basic economics.
Ignorance is not knowing stupidy is knowing but carrying on anyway.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

The Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:46:25 -0000

Who´s morality are we talking about here? Not those of unseen Gods and the ignorant I hope. Those who hold Moral superiority as you describe it are those running countries backed by unseen Gods.And look at the unfettered mess it has left.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

The Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:42:47 -0000

The United states picks its adversaries very well. Small nations with no ability to fight back. Name one war that the US entered against a nation with as much political and weaponry!
Never went to war with the Russians when the rounds for doing so were far more serious than the efforts in Iraque , Vietnam, Korea.

America handles business that makes you proud. HUh delusions of grandeur, megalomania, paranoia, narcssissm and mass ignorance more like. Actions like Bush are desperate because there are no ideas of how to solve problems. The one who raises the fist first is the one without ideas.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

The Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:33:33 -0000

Thank you for a brilliant observation. I value and cherish the intellectual as you so succinctly described it. Problem being that most dont even aspire to comfortable mediocrity.
I fear for mankind when art, culture, the sciences and literature are seen as elitist. We now have a culture of would be sportsmen and women. Nothing wrong with sports but at the cost of thought and a the need for knowledge that benefits all rather than the chosen team.
Politics and religion plays to the ignorance as you so correctly put it. Thats how its been for thousands of years. Its a form of control.
Thanks again.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Semuta — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:31:40 -0000

Oh, gee. Thanks.
So apparently, because I'm 17, and as such, haven't finished high school, I haven't anything relevant to say.
Well, I'm glad you're moderating this site with such fairness.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Semuta — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:26:56 -0000

"The peace movement is not an intellectual exercise. It is a vehicle for those who seek moral superiority."
So, you're saying moral improvement is not a thing to aspire to?

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Semuta — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:56:08 -0000

Uh-oh. Someone used the Magic Word!
Socialism! That's bad because the bad people used it! Mister President Man told me so (more than a decade ago).
Seriously, man. At least TRY to avoid being spoon-fed overused propaganda.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Semuta — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:42:27 -0000

Oh, right. Some of us are supposed to remember things we heard about, and barely even understood, at age eight.
I'm so sorry. I am so, so sorry.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Diver — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:09:39 -0000

I am so relieved to know there are others out there who feel the same.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

martin stebbing — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:59:50 -0000

If you want to have a good chuckle and also see one possible result of the right wing hatred of intellectualism (is intellectualism speaking with a full mind rather than just a full mouth?) check out the movie "Idiocracy"; It pretty much sums up what'll happen to humanity if "The Dumb Trend' continues.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Phil E. Drifter — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:18:51 -0000

You do yourself a great disservice by grouping those who believe in flying saucers with those who believe in evolution; they're not mutually exclusive, I graduated high school 73rd out of 435 students in my class without even trying, while playing tenor sax for my first 3 years, and being involved on stage crew for all 4, culminating with the position of Stage Manager my senior year until I graduated. Getting back to the topic...

Of course I believe in evolution, without a doubt. I also, without a doubt, believe in 'flying saucers,' or, more correctly, extraterrestrial life. Without a doubt we are not alone in the universe. Does that qualify me for your 'stupid americans' group?

I'm not even going to read past the 2nd paragraph of your argument, it looks like YOU need to go back to grade school to learn how to write coherent papers.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Steve — Sun, 03 May 2009 00:54:05 -0000

Some people saw it coming a long time ago. See "The Marching Morons" by C. M. Kornbluth. It was originally published in the April 1951 Galaxy Magazine. Of course, Kornbluth was far from the first. The idea of keeping the Mob content in its ignorance is at very least as old as the Roman Empire.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Alexander Fürstenberg — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:35:26 -0000

At the root of the problem lies obscurantism, propagating irrational standards for shame and pride.

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

nate — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:30:49 -0000

Learn another language and leave the country with a degree in international affairs... Already got my minor in Spanish and working on a bachelors close to the other bachelors too... Quarter of the way their....

Re: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

Ben — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:52:02 -0000

Wow, so true, I consider myself an intellectual, and i wish I could say those words you speak of. I love to learn, knowledge is my ecstasy. However, my ADD prevents me from being able to speak or write like this. A statement like this would have taken me weeks to write just to get the words to the way I was thinking.

So I thank you for compilling one of the better articles ive read in a while.

Thanks