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The actual definition of anti-intellectualism is the scorn and mistrust of intellectuals and intellectual pursuits. In America, the working class are usually portrayed to be the anti-intellectuals of our society. In reality, it is difficult for many working class Americans to aspire to be like intellectuals and follow intellectual pursuits when their parents can barely afford the bills as it is, let alone college. This causes the children of working class people to believe they won't get anywhere, so why try? If they worked for the grades in high school, they could get scholarships and financial aid and be able to break the cycle.
What has caused the dumbing down of the American Culture? Is it just me or do people in general seem less interested in thinking, learning and knowledge than ever before.
Television, Star Wars, plenty of people who call themselves teachers.
Try finding a teacher promoting Project Gutenberg or Librivox.
Actually, that is "reflection" although I have to admit that is the most creative spelling error I have seen a long time.
Anyway, to answer your question. It is popular culture and the media, plain and simple. Parents are not participating in their children's education like they used to. Now it is "cool" to be an illiterate gangsta and people who are intelligent and have a future are "geeks or nerds".
20yrsinBranson
To think that is the most creative spelling errors you've seen means you are missing out on one of the best threads in this forum. A recent listing notes someone spelling hire as higher. Priceless!
There were many objections way back when some began using the descriptive phrase about dumbing down our schools, but it has proved true. Self-esteem took over as the goal and all the students needed to be encouraged. Even if they did nothing they were told they did well. A learning disabled student was given an A if they did the best they could. That's what teachers in training were taught to do.
Haven't read whole thread yet, but in many high schools, sports are viewed as SO important, even more important than studies. Also, when younger, there is an anti-gifted academically attitude from parents/school staff (not wanting to offer more gifted programming; not wanting to do academic competitions because they are "too competitive" and we have to offer programs for ALL children, etc). But when kids are gifted in SPORTS, it is OK to offer them challenges (higher level teams, starting positions etc).
Wow. The dumbing down of America is alive and well, unfortunately. Is this why conservatives are so hell bent on not properly funding the public educational system? So we can have a dumbed down society? No critical thinking whatsoever. Very scary, indeed.
Properly funding the educational system will do nothing so long as teachers are forced to teach children how to put a condom on a cucumber or how to read "My Two Mommies".
Mankind learned and flourished for CENTURIES (yes, centuries) before education became a demonstration of "touchy-feely" liberal garbage. Until we get back to the grass roots of education and parents support education in the home, nothing is going to get better. And throwing all the money in the universe at it isn't going to make a bit of difference.
20yrsinBranson
Last edited by toobusytoday; 04-29-2014 at 07:31 PM..
Reason: fixed typos
Anti-intellectualism has always been alive and well in the United States. Intellectuals are viewed as an arrogant elite who are pretentious and snobbish.
Anti-intellectuals are also known as "low-information voters". They are most commonly seen voting every 4 years, though some of them can be ginned up to vote in off-year elections if there is something really juicy on the ballot.
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