Anti-Intellectualism

Cristina - posted on 08/08/2009

I know what you mean. I am a political junkie and firmly believe we all should be well-informed and pay attention to what is happening in our country, the world, etc. My 17-year old was the same way, didn't read, didn't write, straight-out said "I have no interest in politics." I stopped talking to him but continued to watch the news and listen to NPR in the car on the way to school. During the primaries, out of the blue, he said "I think John Edwards is going to win," but he liked BO and didn't think the country was ready to elect a black man. I was shocked. Then he wanted to know more about NPR. Now a year or so later, he is reading everything and wants to major in Creative Writing. I think you just have to demonstrate your interest and belief in being involved. They really do pay attention to us and become much more engaged as they get older.

Jeannette - posted on 08/08/2009

Oh my goodness! What a great topic! I love this topic! I and my husband have ranted about our children's schools for years...to the schools credit, they're only teaching what the federal govt will allow. Our children's attitudes are their main handicap, and I have done all that I can to increase positive flow regarding their education. My oldest is about to start college, and I hope and pray she will at least take that seriously! Thanks for the wonderful topic! I was beginning to think my husband and I were the two lost souls who remembered how education was important, and rewarding!

Katie - posted on 08/08/2009

It is SO important that this topic is raised here, and anywhere else parents gather to discuss raising the next generation. Kudos to everyone who has shared their thoughts so far. I have enjoyed reading everyone's input, and wholeheartedly agree with all of what I've read so far.

I guess I will just echo what other parents have said, about being our child's greatest influence. It's vital to stay plugged-in to what your children are exposed to, and to have conversations about these issues around them from the very start. Someone mentioned allowing their kids to be exposed to "mainstream culture" and then deconstructing it to teach them critical thinking skills. I think this is fabulous! My husband and I are always trying to do that with our two little ones--who are only 2 and 4. I don't think it's every to early to begin this dialogue. During the election, my daughter knew the names of the candidates, and we discussed--in terms that a 4 year old could understand--our reasons for supporting one over the other, as well as explained the process of voting, and tried to convey the importance of listening to all sides, and gathering as much information as you can before forming a concrete opinion. Certainly we do not wish to over-politicize a toddler, and I don't think we have--the last election was just a big part of many conversations in our household last year, so the kids would ask questions...I just cited that as an example.

In any case, I'm glad to have been invited into this group, and I look forward to hearing from other parents & engaging in substantive conversations with you all!

One last thing: Has anyone seen the Richard Dawkins BBC spot called "Enemies of Reason"? It is phenomenal and directly addresses this issue of anti-intellectualism. He's got another great one called "The Root of all Evil" about the way religious fundamentalism (of all denominations) is sending humanity backwards and hindering our progress as a species, that is just fascinating, as well.

Marissa - posted on 08/04/2009

It helps to speak out (whenever you confront idiots) with some rational, logical questioning. The result is that they start to see things from a different perspective. It can't hurt! So many of today's youth are directionless. I think we need to figure out how to restructure our schools, starting with eliminating high school as we know it. Those who, by age 14, are doing well should be able to enroll in community college classes. If they are getting good grades by 16, they should be able to continue their education once they serve the armed forces for two years. Volunteer militaries are dangerous; that's how coups happen. There should be some form of transportation for everyone who is enrolled in a state university, to make it fair and accessible. Elementary schools should encourage family members to get involved in exercise facilities. Libraries should offer literacy classes and book circles, readings, and plays that involve the entire community. These are good first steps.

Stacy - posted on 07/23/2009

My children are 18 and 20 now - one a senior in high school and the other a sophomore attending U of Illinois majoring in Nuclear Engineering. Both highly engaged in current events, understanding of history, multiple hobbies. I would say that as a parent you can encourage their intellectual engagement and curiosity in the world by doing several things yourself and model the behavior you want - read the newspaper every day, watch good tv, go to the local museums with your kids, have a few hobbies of your own, have NPR on the radio in the background, talk to your kids about politics, current events, lots of things like this. All of these small things add up.

Susan - posted on 07/19/2009

Wow, I am so proud to be part of this group! My daughter is now 20, almost 21 and we always raised her to have an open mind about people and her world. We tried to set good examples by being compassionate and doing what we could to help others in simple ways. When we traveled, we always made a stop at a museum or a Broadway show part of our trip. We indulged her imagination. We are far from wealthy but did what we could to feed her soul. She grew into a wonderful, kind, intelligent person who really cares about people and the world and I am proud to say, she grew into a Democrat. She thinks things through and thinks for herself. She listens to NPR and I am so proud of her.. :)

ME - posted on 07/16/2009

I appreciate what you had to say Jennifer...I guess I never thought about deconstructing our mainstream culture with my young children...I suppose I've already started doing that for my 17 month old when people use hateful or racist language in front of him...Maybe it will come naturally as more opportunities pop up...

Jennifer - posted on 07/16/2009

Actually, I have found that equally as important as being a positive role model is to surround my kids with other kids who value reading, science, art, exploring and imaginative play. Usually these are my friend's children, so that makes it easy.

I also allow my children to interact with mainstream culture in all it's commercialized, low-brow glory. Then we talk about it, and deconstruct it, in as much as a 3 and 6 year old can. I don't want them to feel sheltered, but armed with critical thinking and social skills, so they are confident and able to negotiate the difficulties of being the smartest first grader in the room. (ha ha! Isn't every mother's child the most intelligent one in the room?)

I guess I'm just saying that peer support and social skills go along way in providing support for the burgeoning intellectual.

ME - posted on 07/15/2009

LOL...it's too bad we don't all live closer together, so our children could go on play dates to museums and aquariums together...that sounds wonderful!!!!

JL - posted on 07/14/2009

I agree with Sara's sentiments. I remember reading in the book On Paradise Drive how the US among all the other powers is viewed as the "blonde." We are considered the nation devoid of cultural and intellectual ideals. The last time I heard people sitting around debating outside of a classroom about intellectual theories was when I was on vacation in a college town. Honestly I can see why with all the attacks against Obama claiming he is an elitist just because he has an ivy league education and a high level of intelligence all of which he worked hard to obtain. I have myself been accused on other threads of throwing my education and intelligence at other people as if I think I am better than them. I don't think I am better but yes I do value intellect and education and I am very proud of my degrees because I worked hard for them. I earned them and I try to improve upon my intellect everyday by learning more and discovering new ideas.



I find it just a sign of being lazy that more people don't attempt to broaden their minds beyond listening to and reading the things they agree with and that just reconfirm their ideals. Now that being said this does not require an education it just requires reading and thinking outside of the glass box that you live in. A lack of intellect too me there is little excuse for this with all the availbility of knowledge that is out there especially since we have technology that makes it easier to access information but then again I think the reliance on technology is what has dumbed down this nation. As someone who has taught at the upper levels I have been disgusted with the lack of basic knowledge concerning proper grammar and sentence structure. From my experience the more and more freshman students in college are having to take refresher English courses. Many of the Freshman I encountered knew nothing about the basic structure of an essay, what a thesis was, and how to right a complete sentence. Ask them to text and tell you what some of the computer lingo abbreviations stand for and they can all answer that in a second.



What happened to the importance of the written word and to knowing how to speak properly. ARRR! I constantly correct my children's grammar and I make them sit down and right Thank you letters to people for gifts they have recieved. Heck I constantly correct the grammar of the kids my daughter plays with. Honestly our family vacations mostly consist of us taking our kids to see historical sites, going to museums, sceince centers, and aquariums. I teach my children about the importance of intelligence and the value of education. I find it absurd that we have a history of attacking intellectualism especially in times of fear and chaos. People tell you to make something of yourself yet when you do it by getting a good education you are called an elitist or an intellectual as if that is a dirty word. Knowledge is the key to success and education is the best way to gain knowledge.

Shannon - posted on 07/14/2009

WE need to teach our children the most important lessons and not expect them to learn at school. And we need to remember to 'update' our knowledge base as technology grows to keep them safe. We need to instill values in them and be good examples. I fear it too! I read one story a few months ago and it just stuck with me:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29546030/

I feel really really bad for this mother, horrible that she went through this. However - and I don't know how to word this, I'm not blaming her - my mother always told me never write anything you don't want someone else to read. The same goes for photos and anything online, it is a new age. This is what scares me. I think I know what is out there now, but what will my son be capable of when he's got a cell phone and a computer? What won't I have thought of to teach him. (Wow, that can't be grammatically correct!)

This doesn't even touch on the fact that students can't spell anymore b/c dey all type like dis & u cant read wat dey sayin. OK, that was my lame attempt to make a point. I can't bring myself to type as bad as they do, even when I send a text message. (I will use thru and tho because I never spell those right!)

OK, so I don't have answers and I may have veered a bit from your original question... it IS 4am.

Rachael - posted on 07/13/2009

Sara hit the nail on the head. If we nurture our children's intellect and demonstrate that being an intellectual is nothing to be ashamed of, then you really have nothing to worry about. Also if you're interested, there's a good read by Susan Jacoby on anti-intellectualism--"The Age of American Unreason", it essentially picks up where Hofstadter left off and analyzes the current anti-intellectual trend.

ME - posted on 07/13/2009

I agree with you, certainly! I am an educator, two of my sisters are also, as are both of my parents. My children will be surrounded by family and a community who believe strongly in the value of education. Eventually, tho, they will be exposed to the anti-intellectual bias that pervades the general culture. I don't want to be forced to isolate them in order to avoid this trap!

Sara - posted on 07/13/2009

Well, we are the best examples for our children, so I can't say that I worry that my daugther will be afraid of education because it's something that my husband and I both believe in so much. We're both college educated, and i expect my daughter to be as well. We both also work for a University, so she's surrounded by it in the community. I think that you just have to be the best example for your child and instill the importance of education and not to be afraid of being intellectual...and hope that will be enough to make it though the minefield of stupidity. :)