Why are people so suspicious of scholars who do research for a living? Are you just jealous because we are smarter than you? Or is there some other reason?
2006-09-26 10:40:19 · 13 answers · asked by retorik75 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
I know what you mean (although it is unfair to refer to all Americans in this way). The re-election of Bush does suggest that many Americans are proud to be perceived as intellectually deficient.
Particularly in relation to foreign affairs many Americans actually seem to think that complex solutions and comprehensive strategic planning are ‘un-American‘. The concept that intellectualism is unpatriotic is something we will never understand in Europe.
2006-09-26 10:41:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I personally have never met an American I have not liked or got on with, and as far as the intellectual scene is concerned their fine. As a previous answer has stated the average Americans understanding of world affairs is low and putting in an idiot for a president makes for ridicule. I can't give a reason as to why you elected an uneducated fool but I will surmise that Americans are to busy being patriotic to think about what is actually going on outside America. Americans should educate themselves away from the state and be open minded and lateral thinkers and try understand the rights and wrongs of their own country. Being in America must be like living in Russia you are swamped by your own propaganda and not allowed to think for yourselves.
2006-09-26 19:30:59 · answer #2 · answered by Redmonk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although most religions have rich intellectual traditions, many often rely on arguments from authority that are not independently verifiable, along with a somewhat common tendency to reject secular critical traditions.
The educated class has often been seen by totalitarian elements as a threat because of the tendency of intellectuals to use logic and reason to question situations they see as unjust. Because many intellectuals refuse to identify with nationalism, they are also commonly portrayed as unpatriotic.
The curiosity and objectivity of intellectuals about foreign countries and beliefs is portrayed by populists as a lack of patriotism or moral clarity, and intellectuals are often held to be suspect of holding dangerously foreign, possibly subversive, opinions.
It is feared that intellectuals may acquire ethical and political ideas that may impede business or make its practices distasteful.
2006-09-26 10:49:00 · answer #3 · answered by Chris C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
America is mostly a country of the unbelievably stupid, naive and ignorant.
However, it has become rich and powerful because of a land rich in natural resources (taken with much bloodshed from the natives) and because of a small minority of brilliant scientists and intellectuals who are held in contempt by the majority who take advantage of their achievements.
America has been so provably wrong on so many issues it is absurd and they are too stupid to see it.
1. They now talk about solving the problems of the Middle East after voting in a president who initially said the rest of the world didn't matter to Americans (and wanted to pull out of the Palestinian/Israeli peace process- the Palestinian situation being a prime recruiting sergeant for terrorists)
2. They ignored the rest of the world who warned that they should take stock and plan before invading Iraq (and many of these supported eventual military action.
3. They said they don't believe in Global Warming (the fact that they would ignore their own Academy of Science shows how anti-intellectual they are).
2006-09-26 10:43:45 · answer #4 · answered by JKL 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I've no idea but I have had the same problem, so much so that I keep my education and Mensa membership to myself. Though I seriously doubt it's a jealously issue and suspect it's more that they are suspicious.
Also it could behoove some of us to be a bit more humble.
2006-09-26 10:51:10 · answer #5 · answered by Sara 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah. Thinly veiled arrogence. "Are you just jealous because we are smarter than you?" Retorical questions. Who is this great 'we' who is so much smarter than poor, stupid me? Probably the mensa club. Them and their math. Hard numbers...and wurds. so confusing!
I have a question for you:
Do you really think that the collective 'we' are so stupid to not note the thinly, and rather poorly, veiled rhetorical question framed simply to make yourself feel better? Is it because you are so insecure in your intellilgence that you need to make yourself feel better by asking strangers why they are 'stupider' than you? Is it because you know that IQ is not a very good way to test people's true intelligence? Or is there some other reason?
2006-09-26 10:49:25 · answer #6 · answered by Briar 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A bit surprising to see a self-declared scholar make such a sweeping generalization about an entire culture; it sounds more like ignorance than intelligence on your part.
2006-09-26 10:44:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think the need to be so "politically correct" has stifled the curiosity of society today.
Research away. The desire for knowledge is a wonderful thing.
2006-09-26 10:43:37 · answer #8 · answered by sncmom2000 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems obvious that your intelligence is only overshadowed by your arrogance. Also, I believe the suspicion which you refer to may be based on the idea that many scholars quests for knowledge are not driven by the betterment of man, but the enlargement of their grant checks.
2006-09-26 10:44:20 · answer #9 · answered by Mike D. 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
They fear that witch they do not know. Or they are too lazy to look in to the matter ,and reoson. Or they may not have the mentality to think for themselves ,and fallow others.
2006-09-26 15:33:17 · answer #10 · answered by Overkill 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋