Comments on: Anti-Intellectualism Is Destroying America

By: brian

brian — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:34:21 +0000

Check out my Atheist / rational thinker store. I keep all of the prices as low as possible through zazzle in order to get as much out there as possible and help spread the word that we're not going to take this shit anymore. http://www.zazzle.com/briman232*

By: James_Smith

James_Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:15:11 +0000

There's nothing new here. Young people have always harassed and denigrated good students. Unfortunately, those arrogant in their ignorance are now voters and parents so are passing their stupidity on to their children and trying to make ignorance the law of the land by forcing the teaching of creationism and pseudo-science.

The “dumbing down of America” is in its advanced stages and can only result in the total destruction of the country.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:00:28 +0000

Thank you for writing this, I've been trying to make my friends understand that “elitist” is just another derogatory right-wing word for “intelligent.” It really is tragic how, just like highschool, it's uncool to be smart. It's jealousy and stupidity rolled up into one big clusterfuck of dumb. Thank you for this post, I'll be sure to forward this to my friends.
-A fellow elite.

By: slrman

slrman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:31 +0000

The “Dumbing down of America” has been going on for some time. It is lead by the religious reich to whom thinking and intelligence spell doom. The media are eager helpers as anyone reading print media or watching TV can observe.

It's no wonder that countries like China and Japan are assuming leadership positions in technology and science. Goodbye, America. Hello Asia World.

By: landothedead

landothedead — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:00:19 +0000

How'd that work out btw?

By: FreThink » Trying to make science respectable again

FreThink » Trying to make science respectable again — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:30:24 +0000

[...] or so we’ve seen our fascination with science replaced with disdain for intellectualism (see Anti-intellectualism is destroying America-FreThink.com and Anti-intellectualism-WayoftheMind.org) and a return to fundamental theism. Under the [...]

By: Dale

Dale — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:08:34 +0000

How did that McCain Palin thing work out for you anyway?

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:28:11 +0000

Wow…for an article about the dangers of anti-intellectualism, that second statement was very un-intellectual and extremely uninformed. I think understanding that one is ignorant is far better than pretending that one knows things that he clearly knows nothing about.
In fact, followers of religious faiths are just like the rest of America: some are book smart, some aren't. Those who rise to the places of preachers and theological teachers, etc. (or even students who just want to further their education and understand their faith better), undergo rigorous work in college and seminary. Being one of those people, I know first-hand what kind of an education they actually get. Yes, we study our Bible. We revert to elementary school as we re-learn how to properly diagram sentences, read things in context, understand syllogisms…After all, it takes more than a pre-formed bias to know what the text actually says. We also study history. History through the eyes of the Church, and history through secular eyes. We study literature. Again, secular and sacred. Assuming one goes to a Bible-teaching institution, what is the point of teaching anything other than the Bible or spiritual things? Ah yes, because we live in the world. We need to be learning what the world is learning. We will get no where if we are lightyears behind the education of secular institutions. We will not get the same jobs, we will be looked down on for our ignorance, and we just won't be of any use. Admittedly, there are a select few in the faith (who unfortunately tend to be louder than the rest of us) who do reject any education. That is just irresponsible, and that is all that needs to be said. Again, what is taught in private schools/seminaries is the same as that which is taught in secular schools. We learn math, English, science, music, art, and so much more all through 1) the lens of Scripture and 2) the lens of our world.
So as for contestant #2's opinion on these matters, I would like to say again how disappointed I am at his assertions. “Religion is an obvious one, of course, since being intelligent and learning makes one less likely to accept arguments from authority, and to question unproven assertions.” I would just like to know what Christian he talked to and got this bull from. No one I know, for sure. Sounds like a pre-conceived notion that he hasn't bothered to check the facts on to see that this mindset simply does not exist in today's Christian view.
As to the subject matter, I couldn't agree more. If there is anyone who has such anti-intellectual opinions, I hope that he/she is not in a place of power. Education brings us farther and helps us judge more clearly the path that should be taken. I enjoyed reading these differing opinions, but I just ask that you be a little more responsible before posting on things which you know not about.

By: Baldchemist

Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:19:05 +0000

Intellectual is not like being Republican or Democrat. Christian, Muslim or Jew etc. Its about ideas art culture based on what is known and discussed. A love of the sciences , art, music, writing all the things that contribute to allowing us to live together. Not about finding the quickest way to demolish all who dont agree. Its about having an open mind.
Its not even about winning an argument but about knowing how to ask the pertinent questions, listening, seeing.
Not total destruction.

By: Baldchemist

Baldchemist — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:14:24 +0000

Which is why common sense is now taking it away from you. Get used to China, India and the other countries having their time.