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Anti-Intellectualism in American Culture
Cornelius in another forum topic brought up the notion that we should (in his words):
"...we should start discussing how we start changing our culture and its anti-intellectualism."
America has had a long, deep history of anti-intellectualism and it can be seen in every aspect of American life and across every social and economic class. Chris Rock does a bit in one of his comedy shows where he puts this part of the African American culture front and center. He criticizes Black America for glorifying not knowing something. It goes something like - Chris: "What's 2 + 2?"... Guy: "Man I don't know that, I'm keepin' it real!"... Chris: "I know. Real Dumb!" :-)
Being a group that would typically be on the 'receiving end' of these sentiments; what experiences have you had dealing with anti-intellectualistic attitudes particularly from family and friends.
One last Chris Rock bit: Chris: "Hey. Guy I just graduated with my Master's degree!"... Guy: "Aww, now you a smarty arts brotha... now you supposed to be the master of me?"
Seems like art does imitate life.
How can we transform Our culture?
"...we should start discussing how we start changing our culture and its anti-intellectualism."
America has had a long, deep history of anti-intellectualism and it can be seen in every aspect of American life and across every social and economic class. Chris Rock does a bit in one of his comedy shows where he puts this part of the African American culture front and center. He criticizes Black America for glorifying not knowing something. It goes something like - Chris: "What's 2 + 2?"... Guy: "Man I don't know that, I'm keepin' it real!"... Chris: "I know. Real Dumb!" :-)
Being a group that would typically be on the 'receiving end' of these sentiments; what experiences have you had dealing with anti-intellectualistic attitudes particularly from family and friends.
One last Chris Rock bit: Chris: "Hey. Guy I just graduated with my Master's degree!"... Guy: "Aww, now you a smarty arts brotha... now you supposed to be the master of me?"
Seems like art does imitate life.
How can we transform Our culture?
Views: 34
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bill M on -
To grace these unflattering commentaries with what may be a more insightful one doesn't aide either with a consistent focus. A stance that improving on thought and our goal to expand opportunity and horizons may be seen as a glimmer of hope for a people and a greater society. Some may question this focus. Our posture be that our firm foundation should and can bear the aggregation of our purpose and our substance.
Take Chris Rock's comments which seeks to entertain. The commentary on its face is just that, an effort to entertain.
The anti-intellectualism may appeal in many circles as true to a degree or simply comedic. I believe that yes it does shows an anti-intellectual slant, but the person, environment and the audience should be considered in its context. My conclusion is that freedom of speech affords him this liberty and this may be to the detriment to an industry or sector of people, but to deter his expressions and liberties to make them can never be undermined.
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