Anti-Intellectualism and the "Dumbing Down" of America

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  • gimmesometruth27
    gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 24,405
    hedonist said:

    gimme, I'm not sure what liberalism (or political leanings in general) has to do with using your noggin.

    people who are more educated tend to lean more liberal and be less myopic. their positions are based on logic and science and date.

    people who are less educated tend to lean more conservative, be more evangelical, and be more focused on their own personal desires.

    i threw in "liberal" because that word is used as an intended slur on social media for people like myself and other progressives.
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    Interesting. I mean, I know "studies" have been done on that, but I find it somewhat bull-shitty.

    Neither my husband nor I (nor many other so-called uneducated people we know) don't eschew logic, open-mindedness and the beauty of science; in fact, we embrace it.

    I do love giving in to my personal desires though! Doesn't mean it's to the detriment of others.

    Ah well. Interesting to see perceptions, whether my own or those of others.
  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,759
    It's all just speaking generally Hedo. Generally, these statements are true because there is a whole shitload of dimwits out there, and they are who these studies are about. But we all know that you are not among the dimwits, lol.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • InHiding80
    InHiding80 Upland,CA Posts: 7,623
    gimmesometruth27 said:

    hedonist said:

    gimme, I'm not sure what liberalism (or political leanings in general) has to do with using your noggin.

    people who are more educated tend to lean more liberal and be less myopic. their positions are based on logic and science and date.

    people who are less educated tend to lean more conservative, be more evangelical, and be more focused on their own personal desires.

    i threw in "liberal" because that word is used as an intended slur on social media for people like myself and other progressives.
    I just hope they didn't call you the homophobic slur like that one idiot did to Luke Wilson did in Idiocracy for reading.

    I'd tell those idiots that living and breathing are "liberal" if that's how they feel.
  • Merkin Baller
    Merkin Baller Posts: 12,818
    I feel like it's not just America***

    Exhibit A: "Brexit"

    Am I the only person who finds these 'mash-ups' incredibly lazy and annoying or am I just nit-picking? (maybe a little bit of both?)


    *** In fairness though, we probably are leading the charge.
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    edited June 2016
    hedonist said:

    Interesting. I mean, I know "studies" have been done on that, but I find it somewhat bull-shitty.

    Neither my husband nor I (nor many other so-called uneducated people we know) don't eschew logic, open-mindedness and the beauty of science; in fact, we embrace it.

    I do love giving in to my personal desires though! Doesn't mean it's to the detriment of others.

    Ah well. Interesting to see perceptions, whether my own or those of others.

    I like how the "educated" have no effect on you (perceived anyway).
    Post edited by PJfanwillneverleave1 on
  • Smellyman
    Smellyman Asia Posts: 4,528
    edited June 2016
    hedonist said:

    Interesting. I mean, I know "studies" have been done on that, but I find it somewhat bull-shitty.

    Neither my husband nor I (nor many other so-called uneducated people we know) don't eschew logic, open-mindedness and the beauty of science; in fact, we embrace it.

    I do love giving in to my personal desires though! Doesn't mean it's to the detriment of others.

    Ah well. Interesting to see perceptions, whether my own or those of others.

    Anecdotal evidence does not mean truth. Exceptions to every rule.


    I mean there is a Canadian here who loves Trump. Go figure
    Post edited by Smellyman on
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    hedonist said:

    Interesting. I mean, I know "studies" have been done on that, but I find it somewhat bull-shitty.

    Neither my husband nor I (nor many other so-called uneducated people we know) don't eschew logic, open-mindedness and the beauty of science; in fact, we embrace it.

    I do love giving in to my personal desires though! Doesn't mean it's to the detriment of others.

    Ah well. Interesting to see perceptions, whether my own or those of others.

    I like how the "educated" have no effect on you (perceived anyway).
    I think your perception of what I said is off.

    People themselves affect - and have an effect - on me. What they've studied or not isn't necessarily a factor.

    Smelly, I'm just not fond of generalizations....in general. Ha! You did make me smile though, and for that I thank you.
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    hedonist said:

    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    hedonist said:

    Interesting. I mean, I know "studies" have been done on that, but I find it somewhat bull-shitty.

    Neither my husband nor I (nor many other so-called uneducated people we know) don't eschew logic, open-mindedness and the beauty of science; in fact, we embrace it.

    I do love giving in to my personal desires though! Doesn't mean it's to the detriment of others.

    Ah well. Interesting to see perceptions, whether my own or those of others.

    I like how the "educated" have no effect on you (perceived anyway).
    I think your perception of what I said is off.

    People themselves affect - and have an effect - on me. What they've studied or not isn't necessarily a factor.

    Smelly, I'm just not fond of generalizations....in general. Ha! You did make me smile though, and for that I thank you.
    How so?
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    hedonist said:

    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    hedonist said:

    Interesting. I mean, I know "studies" have been done on that, but I find it somewhat bull-shitty.

    Neither my husband nor I (nor many other so-called uneducated people we know) don't eschew logic, open-mindedness and the beauty of science; in fact, we embrace it.

    I do love giving in to my personal desires though! Doesn't mean it's to the detriment of others.

    Ah well. Interesting to see perceptions, whether my own or those of others.

    I like how the "educated" have no effect on you (perceived anyway).
    I think your perception of what I said is off.

    People themselves affect - and have an effect - on me. What they've studied or not isn't necessarily a factor.

    Smelly, I'm just not fond of generalizations....in general. Ha! You did make me smile though, and for that I thank you.
    How so?
    Really? You thought I'm unaffected by people who've earned degrees and whatnot.

    Not the case, and said so. It's more about character for me than anything else.

    Easy-peasy if you re-read!
  • InHiding80
    InHiding80 Upland,CA Posts: 7,623
    Smellyman said:

    hedonist said:

    Interesting. I mean, I know "studies" have been done on that, but I find it somewhat bull-shitty.

    Neither my husband nor I (nor many other so-called uneducated people we know) don't eschew logic, open-mindedness and the beauty of science; in fact, we embrace it.

    I do love giving in to my personal desires though! Doesn't mean it's to the detriment of others.

    Ah well. Interesting to see perceptions, whether my own or those of others.

    Anecdotal mean does not mean truth. Exceptions to every rule.


    I mean there is a Canadian here who loves Trump. Go figure
    And before he got bashed by him, his name was Ted Cruz.
  • InHiding80
    InHiding80 Upland,CA Posts: 7,623
    Merkin Baller said:

    I feel like it's not just America***

    Exhibit A: "Brexit"

    Am I the only person who finds these 'mash-ups' incredibly lazy and annoying or am I just nit-picking? (maybe a little bit of both?)


    *** In fairness though, we probably are leading the charge.

    Sounds like the name of an anti depressant or viagra drug. John Oliver said it sounded like the name of a healthy candy bar.
  • rgambs
    rgambs Posts: 13,576
    edited June 2016
    I think focusing on higher education is getting off track from the point.
    Like Jedi Hedo I have no degree, yet I've never met anyone with any level of education that has also read the entire First Folio. I know as much about physics and biology, economics and history, philosophy, politics, and literature as any bachelor's or master's holder I know, including my wife, who is a physician.
    It's because we, Jedi Hedo and I, are not anti-intellectual. I know of people who have bach degrees that haven't read a book or serious article in decades... They don't learn and they don't want to learn, they just want to watch The Voice, CSI, sports or whatever other drivel it is that drips out of the television and seeps into their algae filled skulls.
    That is the dumbing down of America. Folks who's entire political opinion is formed from the ads the superpacs run during reality tv shows.

    It isn't about what you've learned in your past, it's about whether you are open to learning in your future, and whether you take the steps to do so or if you wallow among the Duck Dynasty fans. You show me a Duck Dynasty fan and I will show you someone who can't explain what E=MC2 means, or who can't recognize a bicameral legislature even though they are governed by one.
    Post edited by rgambs on
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    gambo :clap:
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    rgambs said:

    I think focusing on higher education is getting off track from the point.
    Like Jedi Hedo I have no degree, yet I've never met anyone with any level of education that has also read the entire First Folio. I know as much about physics and biology, economics and history, philosophy, politics, and literature as any bachelor's or master's holder I know, including my wife, who is a physician.
    It's because we, Jedi Hedo and I, are not anti-intellectual. I know of people who have bach degrees that haven't read a book or serious article in decades... They don't learn and they don't want to learn, they just want to watch The Voice, CSI, sports or whatever other drivel it is that drips out of the television and seeps into their algae filled skulls.
    That is the dumbing down of America. Folks who's entire political opinion is formed from the ads the superpacs run during reality tv shows.

    It isn't about what you've learned in your past, it's about whether you are open to learning in your future, and whether you take the steps to do so or if you wallow among the Duck Dynasty fans. You show me a Duck Dynasty fan and I will show you someone who can't explain what E=MC2 means, or who can't recognize a bicameral legislature even though they are governed by one.

    Duck Dynasty is a nice break from reality.
    I :heart: Duck Dynasty so hard.
    Those guys are the smart ones making money with their own show.
  • Thirty Bills Unpaid
    Thirty Bills Unpaid Posts: 16,881
    There's formal education, but it's not the only form of education. Hedo, RG, and Drowned are three, self-professed 'uneducated' people that are as smart as anyone.

    The mind needs to be exercised and the aforementioned work their's. Some people shut the door a long time ago- stagnation and regression occurs. In essence, just as sedentary lifestyles result in fat and useless bodies... intellectual laziness results in an unfit mind that becomes dangerous in a democracy (the need for exercise speaks to the value of places like the MT).

    I think technology is making us dumb. I could list countless items that demand less of us, but I'll only mention one to make my point: GPS. No map reading... just listen to the voice idiot.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    edited June 2016
    Thirty Bills Unpaid said:

    There's formal education, but it's not the only form of education. Hedo, RG, and Drowned are three, self-professed 'uneducated' people that are as smart as anyone.

    The mind needs to be exercised and the aforementioned work their's. Some people shut the door a long time ago- stagnation and regression occurs. In essence, just as sedentary lifestyles result in fat and useless bodies... intellectual laziness results in an unfit mind that becomes dangerous in a democracy (the need for exercise speaks to the value of places like the MT).

    I think technology is making us dumb. I could list countless items that demand less of us, but I'll only mention one to make my point: GPS. No map reading... just listen to the voice idiot.

    I agree technology is making us dumb.
    I disagree that Hedo, RG are "uneducated", they have exquisite opinions and have a keen sense of the outside world.
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    rgambs said:

    I think focusing on higher education is getting off track from the point.
    Like Jedi Hedo I have no degree, yet I've never met anyone with any level of education that has also read the entire First Folio. I know as much about physics and biology, economics and history, philosophy, politics, and literature as any bachelor's or master's holder I know, including my wife, who is a physician.
    It's because we, Jedi Hedo and I, are not anti-intellectual. I know of people who have bach degrees that haven't read a book or serious article in decades... They don't learn and they don't want to learn, they just want to watch The Voice, CSI, sports or whatever other drivel it is that drips out of the television and seeps into their algae filled skulls.
    That is the dumbing down of America. Folks who's entire political opinion is formed from the ads the superpacs run during reality tv shows.

    It isn't about what you've learned in your past, it's about whether you are open to learning in your future, and whether you take the steps to do so or if you wallow among the Duck Dynasty fans. You show me a Duck Dynasty fan and I will show you someone who can't explain what E=MC2 means, or who can't recognize a bicameral legislature even though they are governed by one.

    Duck Dynasty is a nice break from reality.
    I :heart: Duck Dynasty so hard.
    Those guys are the smart ones making money with their own show.
    Ah yes, like the Kardashians and the Duggars and that coddled Boo-Boo girl and her family.

    Capitalizing on whatever they can - which is great, the freedom to do that - but are they smart? Not so sure.

    Thirty, thank you :) And agreed about technology...progress laced with ramifications...and much of the latter is being revealed over time. You mention GPS and make me think of where our autos are going.

    I don't want my car to "drive" itself, and I don't want my car making decisions for me. I can check my side and rearview mirrors myself, I can drive defensively, I can parallel park myself, I can back up myself without beeping sensors.

    I can just pay attention while manning a machine that potentially can kill.

    (And of course technology plays a huge positive role in modern life; I just think in many ways, we're relinquishing the ability to think for ourselves. Je refuse!)
  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,759
    I don't think the argument is about a lack of formal education or smart folks without it (i work at a university, and God knows I am aware that some people are education elitists, and it is super irritating and not rooted in logic, I totally agree). It's about attitudes towards the formally educated, I.e. a specific rejection of knowledge resulting from education used as a defense against ignorance.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • amethgr8
    amethgr8 Posts: 766
    Its the rising of the ego.
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