Am I elitist?

Question

If so, is it a bad thing? Is it wrong to dismiss some people out of hand for being apparently very stupid?

Answer 1

This is an interesting question. I like the way you put it -- "apparently" very stupid. Sometimes a first encounter can give a wildly incorrect impression. It takes time to discover the truth. Hasty judgments are to be avoided.

But after taking some time you will surely find some folks that will seem rather low on the totem pole. I would hope you'd try to help them do a little better if they are willing to listen. If you can get along you both may have some fun.

The problem for me is how to deal with extremely arrogant people. I read some answers from day to day that come from folks who seem to think they know everything and can express themselves authoritatively. There's often more to something than just their view.

There's nothing more dangerous than a person who is sure they are right. We should all make an effort to be more reflective.

Answer 2

you do not fully qualify to be an elitist since you have a moral compass and you know that it may be wrong to dismiss people who are apparently very stupid.
having had a high iq, the elitist upbringing and it was forced on me I rebelled.... I found more fun with people who were not on their high horse, they were more honest - and they were greatful to have a friend who could explain to them some of life's mysteries. They were spontaneous, less selfconcious, nonjudgmental, in other words better people.
Some of my friends are maids some are CEOs. I choose my friends by character rather than profession, money, or IQ because IMO character counts much more than anything else. Clearly there are people who cannot figure life beyond reality TV, and whose lifes are in constant turmoil. I opt for people who are fun, energetic, have new ideas, truely care about their friends and work, do not gossip (good or bad), and who don't try to bluff their way thru a sticky situation...

Good Luck! Finding true friends is difficult. You meet people on their way up and down. Be fair and open minded. Most people have developed some aspect of their lives such that they excell in it. Give them credit for that and give them time to show you what they can do before you dismiss them like a pile of stupid biomass.

Someone like paris hilton would be the last person I would love to meet, but give me a chance to meet someone who survived against all odds - these are the humans who expanded the human mind during our evolution.

Princess Diana was an elitist by birth and marriage (even as her IQ was in question) but she appeared to have the heart to understand people and care for them regardless of their social status, IQ, or success in life.

Locking yourself up in an elite group is a bad thing IMO. You get a warped understanding of the human condition and your own "worth". Instead, you should use your gifts to improve the lives of those less fortunate.

Answer 3

As an Elitist you feel that you are superior, the finest, the best, and most distinguished of the group? If so, don't tell anyone. You can think it but don't show it.. We know the feeling when stupidity prevails and we wonder how so much gets done with the mentality that is a step above the low water mark.

Answer 4

It depends. If you wish to be friends with these people, you might accept their foibles and never let on that you think they are stupid. If you wish to isolate yourself from others, then by all means, cast away any suggestions and ideas from those less than you. You save yourself and the others a great deal of time by emphatically establishing who is correct. Certainly, one of your stature would never need the assistance of these fools later in life. And to be correct is by far the better option than to be compassionate.

Wisdom and stupidity are often just an inch apart; which side of the line are you?

Answer 5

It sounds to me like you are confusing arrogance with elitism. That makes me want to dismiss you out of hand. Go figure.