You know, for some time, I've thought the notion of Anti-Intellectualism was just a notion, but I think it's becoming increasingly prevalent within US Culture. What I mean by the term, is the social rejection of the love of knowledge and in particular, reading. Everytime you turn around, we are being told how people are not as intelligent as they were in years past both in the Linguistic and Logical-Mathematical sense. However, we hear about classic novels being banned by various groups due to not agreeing with the ideological stances or controversial plots that a given book presents. To me, this is anti-intellectual because it is saying we must adhere to a majority opinion and not have a freedom to pick what we wish to read as we freely like. Therefore, our ability to seek knowledge and diversify/enrich our life with different authors is limited in scope.

It goes beyond banning books, though. The other day, a close friend of mine disclosed an extremely shocking truth to me. They told me that they had never read an entire book throughout all of life. Instead of reading, this person would find websites which gave decent summaries and analyses of chapters, characters, and plot development of various novels. Keep in mind, this person is entering Junior year of COLLEGE and despises reading to their core. However, what is disturbing, is that this person is not an exception to rule, but rather is the rule. To me, that was shocking because I've always read every book I was assigned thus far in my Academic career and sought out books that interested me when not reading required material.

Furthermore, their are school districts around this country that have been "left behind". My former High School is employing textbooks in the classroom that are in great need of updating to include more historically accurate and more advanced information that has come about with the latest findings/research all across the Academic board. If we are not providing schools with challenging and engaging textbooks that promote intellectual growth, how can they expect accountability on these standardized tests? It is certainly alright for the districts that are economically viable, but what about the districts that are not? Also in this arena is the fine arts.

Fine Arts include theatre, Speech/Debate, Choir/Music, and other activities which involve reading/creativity. Yet another point that bolster the anti-intellectual movement is how the above programs are the first to be slashed in budget or eliminated altogether if a school is "failing". As a singer, you have to be able to read, comprehend, and emote the lyrics of a song you memorize. Thus, you become more linguistically competent in addition to logic through the talent of reading music. In theatre, you must be able to memorize your lines and convey them realistically as another character. And finally, through Speech/Debate, you develop your skills in writing, reading/interpretation evidence, and in persuasive argumentation. These are the activities we are getting rid of first. Yet the government wonders why we are falling behind intellectually? The clubs that bolster intellect are really left behind.

Another point is our lives in general. Everyone seems so busy and on the go that there seems to be no time for reading. Yet, in reality, reading an astonishingly well-written book can be a great thing to deal with stress and provide some "you time". People think it is egocentric to take some time for yourself to read, but it could end up being more helpful in the end as you gain a more expansive vocabulary and feel better after that hour or 2 of reading. The main thing is, I think reading can provide a great deal more beyond intellectual nourishment. It can also be a relaxation possibility that permits you to become more focused and capable of handling the rest of the demands for a given day.

So, what can be done about this Anti-Intellectualism? I believe it is a combination of two things. 1) Implementing a more active thinking style and seek books that you find compelling 2) We need to have the government aid in better financing libraries, schools, and programs that aid in the development of intellect and creativity. Before we can hold people "accountable" we have to provide an equal opportunity for ALL students to achieve and not only certain segments. However, there also needs to be a change in personal attitude towards the development of intellect, reading, and creativity in general. If we are to accomplish a society of more intellectual thinkers, than we must ingrain the virtues of reading, writing, and such early so that it will be appreciated and sought throughout life.

Someone once said that "knowledge is power". Bill Gates certainly understood that, despite I'm sure being negatively labeled as a "nerd" or "dork". My main message to anyone reading is that the inherent strength of knowledge is what propels people to successful, meaningful, and happy lives. In the end, we should all strive to be "nerds" with also a developed sense of social capacity too. Anti-Intellectualism is a serious presence that when addressed will hopefully bring to light the need for real solutions to real educational problems. Having an imagination is a wonderful thing, especially for artists. But this is a problem that is real and exists. Find the knowledge. Find your own power.

What do you think?

I have the oddest moments of inspiration. See what one conversation causes? lol. I hope this is the right thread. I figure it relates to reading, intellect, and general education. It all kind of connects. I hope that was interesting to those who read it. Anti-Intellectualism is kind of an abstract idea that can be applied in different culturally conscious forms. I choose to focus on education/reading/creativity.

Wow, what an interesting and thought provoking post! I am an avid reader and probably read a book every week or two - sometimes more, but rarely less. I admit to doing it more for the "me time" than for intellectual stimulation, but sometimes the initial intent might end up creating a different outcome than intended, so who knows - maybe I'm being intellectually stimulated through no fault of my own. LOL! I find it absolutely amazing that your friend has gone this far in life without ever reading a book, and even why anyone would want to strive for that distinction, when reading is so pleasurable a thing to do for me. Anyway, I really enjoyed reading your post.

That is great. Reading is definitely intellectual stimulation whether it is fictional or non-fictional prose. The shocking thing mostly was that I thought this friend always read everything, but apparently not! lol But yeah, during summer for College students, I think it's so important to try to read despite the busy schedule. It keeps the neurons in the brain connected and the synapses working lol.

I just try to advocate reading for everyone at any stage of life, though. With all of the public libraries, you can get a library card so you don't have to spend insane amounts of money in the book store.

I HAVE BEEN AN AVID READER MY ENTIRE LIFE, A TRAIT WHICH I HAD HOPED WOULD CONTINUE WITH MY 3 CHILDREN. SADLY, NONE OF THEM EVER "GOT" IT....UNTIL THEY WERE ALL GROWN UP. i SWEAR MY YOUNGEST DID THE SAME BOOK REPORT ABOUT 10 TIMES THROUGHOUT HIS SCHOOLING. IT WAS A BOOK ABOUT BABE RUTH, WHICH HE REALLY NEVER DID READ, HE JUST KNEW ALL ABOUT HIM FROM HEARING MY HUSBAND TELL HIM STORIES!
WELL HAPPILY, TIMES HAVE CHANGED. HE NOW READS( not so much books, but newspapers) MY DAUGHTER BECAME AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER, AND NOW SEES AND APPRECIATES THE IMPORTANCE OF READING, AND MY MIDDLE SON ALSO TEACHES- EVEN THO MATH IS HIS EXPERTISE, HE HAS VERY ECLECTIC TASTE AND READS EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN .THIS IS A KID WHO ONCE WON A PRIZE FOR WRITING AN ESSAY ON WHY "kids shouldnt have to read on their summer vacation" :rotfl:

LOVED YOUR POST!

I, too, have been an avid reader all my life--until the ETrain came along! lol. Kidding aside, I still try to read whenever I can. But like Chloe's kids, my daughter also did not inherit my love for reading. She only reads magazines for teens, like Sugar and Cosmo Girl. Lately, though, I've noticed that she's becoming interested in books, so I'm thinking there might still be hope for her. :)

Great post, SMR!

I think part of it is a generation gap. Remember that song "video killed the radio star"? Well "technology killed the readers" LOL

I mean come on, why would kids read when they have so many instant gratification sources? The internet, satellite tv, video games, cell phones, you name it. Reading a book is becoming as obscure as the phonograph.

I still love to read, always have been an avid reader, but admittedly don't do it as much as I used to.

Great post, by the way SMR.

Who would have thought intellectualism would be found alive and well on a fansite! Then again Elliott Yamin fans are a cut above the average fan!!
I have always been a reader...some of my sweetest childhood memories were of Wednesday afternoon trips to the library. We had to walk about a mile to get there and I always remember the excitement and anticipation of crossing a footbridge just a few blocks from the library. The smells, the sounds, the feel of the books in my hands. Finding some great new book, or even better finding an old one and visiting it like an old friend.

I have nieces and nephews and I am always after them to read something or buying them books. They are finally coming around and love telling me about the latest book they are reading. It warms my heart.

It's definitely the culture. America is being dumbed down. I have always read everything, newspapers, magazines...yes I even read PEOPLE magazine. But look at an old copy of People vs a copy from today. There are hardly any articles. It's all fashion do's and dont's, the reviews give you a bolded recap with a star rating so you don't even have to read the whole review (what there is of it anyway!) And don't get me started on the internet with their smiley faces and OMG's. I know I am guilty of it too... but hey I reserve the right to complain about it!!

Thank you for all of your responses.

I guess my main hope is that people of my generation will begin to have a collective understanding of what knowledge and the education it is derived from can do for you. Everyone no matter what their personal background wants to have a positive self-image and have a solid amount of self-esteem. One of the greatest ways to achieve this is to have the sense that you have read and learned a great deal of ideas through subjects ranging from the Psychology of Women to the History of the Roman Empire. Will you necessarily use all of these subjects during life? No, but these are bits of knowledge that continue to add up through all of your years that make you a more well-rounded, cultured, and knowledgeable person.

Unfortunately, many people view artistic creativity and a culture of intellectualism as "elitism". This is not true at all. It is about empowering both women and men to maximize their personal level of creativity and intellect as a intrinsically powerful force that makes them feel good about themselves. It is not about appearing smart to others or being in the "upper echelon" of IQ scores. It is about trying to give everyone the same possibility to achieve their dreams and maximize their strengths so that they not only have a greater chance for success, but to also be happy with the person they have develped into by adulthood.

Dox, you mentioned reading all of those magazines. I believe that is what contributes to eating disorders among women more often than men. These women who are airbrushed and made to look perfect when they are not gives the women reading these magazines a false sense of perfection. And let's face it, we are very focused on image/appearance to begin with. Thus, many women feel the need to take extreme measures to conform to an idealized image of beauty that is actually false/not real. That's why I say we need to empower women and men alike in that knowledge and character are what is most important. Not 6 pack abs or being ridiculously thin. Being healthy is important, but this perfect image is about as real as reality television.

To all of you who responded saying you encourage reading, THANK YOU! I hope they will continue that same thing within their families. We can definitely at least attempt to transmit good habits that promote creativity and thinking like reading, writing, and so on. It's unfortunate that so many view great intelligence on different levels as elitism. There could be so many more people out there who would feel more confident and self-assured if they opened their minds to the opportunity that reading and other intellectual activities provide. Hopefully in years to come, people will not think of intellect as innate, but rather a thing to be achieved through diligent study and determination. Many people think and act accordingly as that already, but why should those people be looked down upon? I think they are heroes in their own right :)

Wow....another book.....sorry lol

Great post! I've been a bookworm since the age of one-and-a-half (my family claims I could read by that time, should I believe them?). I'd be really upset if my future kids showed any aversion to reading.

However, I'm really into technology, computers, the internet, etrainstation.com (haha)... so, I don't think the two are mutually exclusive.

Thank God! Whew! :)

Same here. Although I read a lot, I also spend quite a good amount of time on the internet too.

I learned to read by the age of 4. When I was a girl, I would use my mother's and my sister's library cards (only allowed 6 each way back then) and bring home 18 books every 2 weeks. I am still a voracious reader. It is one of my favourite pasttimes. In fact, I list reading as a hobby.I am also a self-professed magazine-aholic.

When my children were little I read to them every night (and any other time they wanted). My eldest child is a brilliant girl who also learned to read at a very early age. It may be because she did her schooling in French Immersion, but for some reason she never took to reading for enjoyment (other than magazines).
My youngest, who did not learn to read easily, loves it. She wanted me to read to her every night until about the age of 10. Her first ventures into pleasure reading were comic books. I did not discourage this as I felt that any reading was beneficial, and soon enough she turned to real books and hasn't looked back (tho she still likes the odd Archie).
The majority of her friends are A+ students (which she is not) but she is the only one who reads books for enjoyment. She's proud of her extensive vocabulary and the correct usage of same. I find it sad that reading for entertainment makes her unique in her peer group.

It is sad, isn't it? More and more people are becoming purely reliant on Internet and Television as a means for Entertainment. I do spend a good amount of time here, but I also make sure to read a great deal too. If people can find a balance between the two, then that is great. We should not deprive ourselves of our favorite entertainment. Hopefully reading is and will be for many others apart of the entertainment too.

My two boys (12 & 14) are living proof that anti-intellectualism exists.

( Just kidding..they're lovely really, I just can't get any sense out of them that's all).

Funny!!

SoulMusicRocks, I hope so too. I fear for the future of literature.

LOL

That was pretty funny. You said you're from England right?

Same here. Sorry to respond much later, but it is very true. They are trying to ban classic works of American Literature that discuss important social themes amidst their historical background. To me, that is both astonishing and disturbing at the sametime. The basic idea is that we should have a free access to what we would like to read as a free nation, but that very thing is compromised when classic literature read in the classroom for decades is attempted to be banned.

I think that in Canada, we have a much more liberal attitude towards literature in school. My daughter has said that pretty much anything is allowed -- if something in a book isn't acceptable to your religious, moral standards, you are free to read another book, and can leave the class when a subject is unacceptable to you.

You might find the novel "A Gift Upon The Shore" by M.K. Wren interesting.

I like the sound of that policy. It permits everyone to have their voice and choice respected. Thank you for the suggestion. I'll have to see if I can find that book.

You have all added very interesting perspectives to Soul’s concern that anti-intellectualism is on the increase in the US. If it isn’t to late to jump into the conversation, I would like to add my thoughts.

Yes, knowledge is power, and sadly limiting knowledge or access to knowledge has been a strategic means of controlling the masses probably since early man. Governments, religious groups, communities, etc. have all been guilty of the practice, and history books show proof of it.

In today’s global market knowledge is now property. It can be packaged, and sold. Unless countries invest in education, making it affordable for middle and low-income sectors a country’s stock of useful intelligence will remain confined to only the privileged few. It is my opinion that the traditional theory that a rich educated private sector will provide a trickle down effect to those at the bottom of the social ladder no longer works. In many countries like Germany, Japan, and France 90% of students remain in school or formal training until the age of 18. What are those countries doing right?

One of my college courses in the Knowledge Management Program was Training and Development, which involved examining human intelligence. Yes the ability to read, comprehend and create knowledge is essential for every individual, however, SoulMusicRocks I wouldn’t be too hard on your friend. It appears to me, that your friend may be instinctively practicing a form of accelerated learning. It may be how his/her brain is wired.

Intellect/intelligence is the natural thinking process a person uses to evaluate data and information to create knowledge. Howard Garner is only one of many who have studied the human brain and his theories of multiple intelligences are well respected in the medical, scientific and educational fields. In his book “Frames of Mind” he lists seven intelligences and describes how they can be measured. None of these intelligences are connected with any other. A person can have a naturally high factual, and analytical intelligence and very low linguistic intelligence. Everyone has a combination of intelligences at different levels. Their intellect utilizes these intelligences as a tool to form knowledge, opinions, solve a problem, etc.

Some have commented about themselves or their children not embracing reading as a form of entertainment or mental stimulation. I personally don’t read much fiction but do on occasion like to read a trashy romance, mystery, or science fiction novel, but most of my reading is non-fiction. I read to obtain data and information so I can personally formulate knowledge.

Yes all people should be encouraged to read especially children, but not all people will read for the same reason. Because of the way their brain is wired they may get more mental stimulation from, riding a bike, taking their bike apart and putting it back together, listening to music, etc.

Sorry if I come off sounding preachy, I sometimes get that way when I am discussing my profession in Knowledge Management.

This site briefly describes Garners seven types of human intelligence. (Other intellectuals in the field have listed other intelligences, but his are pretty much considered the standard)

http://www.indiana.edu/~intell/gardner.shtml

About Accelerated Learning
http://www.alite.co.uk/about_al/what_is.htm

Thanks for the eloquent response, May. Gardner is a compelling theorist. I've studied multiple intelligences in various Psychology courses I've taken and it is very true. We all do indeed seem to process and learn in different ways. For example, I tend to be more of an auditory learner. I thrive when listening to a lecture and taking notes through attentively hearing each idea. However, some people are more visual learners and tend to employ things like ven diagrams or graphic organizers for processing new information.

My point in this thread was more or less the anti-intellect movement that seems to be taking place in the US. It's unfortunate that so many people despise reading to the point that it negatively impacts their academic performance. By no means do we have to read voraciously or a specific type of literature, but finding our specialized liking or niche' can't be done when we refuse to read. Therefore, I did not mean to say people who despise reading are inherently less intelligent than those who do not. Instead, I meant that them never reading books closes them off to improving their linguistic comprehension and competence that is very much impactful on daily life.

I think everyone brings something different to the table. In the end, though, I still think reading varying types of literature is immensely beneficial to anyones intellectual and social development. Whether they are more apt to love words and reading in the first place. Also, finding your favorite type of reading material is paramount to success in this department during adulthood. During school age though, I think we need to learn more resilience and read something for knowledge and scholastic reason even if it is personally boring to us.

It's a combination of personal motivation and governmental assistance in providing compelling and challenging education. Once you have those two things intertwined, we can bring forth the unique talent and intellect of each person as well as create a literate society with great opportunity for occupational and personal advacement.

I hope that makes more sense? Thanks again for your post, May!