Why do Americans hate and ostracize smart people?

Question

Why is there a culture of hating intellectualism in this country? This new kid at work, who works quite fine to me, was being made fun of today because of his afro, and because he's a very smart person and needs things explained thoroughly so he does a good job. I recognized this because they said the same thing about me. They even compared me to him! The only thing is, I know how to counter their crap...but it's mostly in fun, and not hostility. I just find it ignorant though.

Why are there so many idiots in this country that hate education? Why is it I find that most smart people are ostracized and unfairly branded weirdos, socially-inept, lacking in common sense and even...my word, psychos?

The worst part is watching these stupid people mock and laugh smart people as they wallow in their ignorance and dead-end lives!

What is wrong with people in this country? Are they fiddling as Rome burns?

Answer 1

Every society in history has ostracized the intellectual who questions or criticizes an existing system. A closed system that refuses to listen to criticism will eventually crumble. Actually, the American system is one of the most open societies to intellectualism and the critique of it's own system (hence free press, the Internet, etc.). Closed societies find their highest intellectuals moving to more open societies to survive and alleviate frustration. (For example, check out the percentage of high-level intellectuals leaving China for other countries.)

I'd consider moving to a new job if your colleagues exhibit

Answer 2

I believe that these "ignorant" people belittle those they are in some way or another jealous of; for example take the people who ostracize your co-worker, they may feel that he has the intelligence that they lack in their own lives so in order to make themselves feel superior they find his weakness and play on it. It is ignorance, that becomes envy, which in turn becomes jealousy. People like that should be confronted in a way that won't boil their anger, but that will humble them to shame. That's what I think, though there may be better explanations.

As for education, it's being squashed for fame, beauty, and temptation. Schools, teachers, no one is giving these students anything to hold onto. It is just the same repetitive teaching style that has gone beyond boring and cliche. Students are expected to sit in packed classrooms for 40 mins listening to the same drawl over and over again, almost as if those teachers hope that it'll poke into their day dreams and they'll learn something. These are TEENS we're talking about! You need to catch their attention...meaning you have to compete with shiny cars and big Hollywood paychecks. That requires effort, which no one is willing to make. If the school system won't make an effort to teach, then how do you expect students to make an effort to learn. Underqualified, underpaid teachers equals bored and ignorant students. As soon as this school system changes (especially in the US) then you'll see the drop out rate will decline and ignorance will lessen. I could go on, but that would be an entire composition and quite frankly I don't like reading such long answers on here so I don't expect many others to either. Anyway, just strengthen your resolve (also ask your co worker to do the same) and become an example of what education and intelligence can truly do for you; it'll take a while, but maybe you'll see a change if you work at it.

Answer 3

I agree completely. I used to get good grades and all I ever got out of it was my parents and teachers expecting more out of me and never appreciating what a good job I was doing, so I started slacking off. Eventually I actually had an F on my report card, and the stupid school kids STILL picked on me for being smart and thought I was still getting straight A's.

As far as school kids go, I think they'll just take any excuse to make fun of someone. If no actual reason exists, they'll make one up. I don't quite understand how they can LIKE not knowing proper spelling or grammar though, or how it's even possible to not like to read.

Answer 4

I trust you that the media comments on an problem until eventually human beings bypass mad listening to about it. the problem is those who watch the shows, call in to radio shows, etc gasoline the fireplace. The media provides the human beings what it thinks the human beings pick. as far as being an Anerican, save in recommendations you've your opinioni because you're an American. many stuff we in society say won't be able to be seen in different factors of the international. Its a precise to be loose, even if no longer each body has that precise. The media does no longer reason the murders, those who commit them do. do not bypass the blame or the duty on to others. we make sure to take duty for our own moves. obviously this guy became tousled, its no longer the medias fault. This probable in simple terms fuels your fireplace more effective, which became no longer my objective, yet in case you don't like what the media is doing, replace THE CHANNEL!!!!!!

Answer 5

Oh yes. This is NOT only an American problem. In Germany the intelligent and motivated people are denigrated as "Strebers". A name signifying a person who wants to be better than the average of the group.

Answer 6

I quite agree with you, but I'm afraid you're howling at the moon. All we can do is teach our kids and all kids we come in contact with not to be people like that.

Answer 7

Because the stupid people are bigger.. lol jk, maybe its because people are jealous and hate somthing that they can never be

Answer 8

People don't like it when people are better than them, in any way..... quite a simple fact really.

Answer 9

Why do you dogmatically judge all Americans with this presumptuous question engendering hate through your condescending opinions? Americans come in all sizes, shapes and colors from different back-rounds, so how can you assign any definitive culture characteristics to any of the multicolored personalities, and patronize the people with this poppycock observation/question? You must enjoy the science of semantics ...

Answer 10

u r soo right.