Anti-Intellectualism

“I’m tired of ignorance held up as inspiration, where vicious anti-intellectualism is considered a positive trait, and where uninformed opinion is displayed as fact.”

 • Phil Plait  •

YOU TOO DAMN WOKE FOR ME!

Society has mentally constructed a lot of people to view intelligence as a negative trait. Imagine trying to enlighten a closed mind, as they insult your character and intention. We have been brainwashed to view an intelligent introvert as nerd or wimp. But those “wimps” run your favorite apps and/or Fortune 500 company. I want to elaborate on a few out of many phrases used to diminish anyone who has a thirst for knowledge.

“Curiosity is corny / Why are you asking stupid questions”

There are unique children in the world that are naturally inquisitive about the wonders of the world. They ask some of the most random and bizarre questions ever but that is the beauty of it. They ask. We as adults become wrapped up in the losses, responsibilities and lack of instructions on life. But let me fill you in on something. Children can teach us more than we know. They lack fear but filled with determination. They are innocent but brave. After they learn how to articulate their thoughts in just a few words, children begin to ask questions around 2 years of age, maybe sooner. Looking from a scientific perspective, that is golden juice towards neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is activated once the brain is stimulated. They learn from their experiences, answers to their curiosity and you. As adults we are responsible for how we represent ourselves in front of children, not necessarily your peers. With learning, the brain becomes stronger. Not just in concept but physically as well, hence, neuroplasticity. So I land my point with, we have the ability to learn like and learn from our children.

If the mind is all we have, how corny could curiosity and intellect be?

Stop using big words

Oh, this is my favorite one. The crucification of an extensive vocabulary. Sounds familiar? Yup, the conditions of a slave. For some very odd but very much calculated reason, minorities who use “big words” are viewed as snobby, uncle toms, know-it-alls and a plethora of other thingamajigs. That is when the “woke” part comes in. Oh and hotep. Having knowledge of the world and being able to articulate your thought processes and emotions should be made popular. Why? Because you gain access to power, control and freedom. Not of others but of self. You gain epiphanies and understandings of the phenomenons of the life right in front of our eyes. I believe being able to speak as a scholar, flex street lingo, and more than one language is a power flex. There is life and death in the power of the tongue right?

Then give yourself freedom and live out your wildest dreams.

The price of ignorance

So will it cost you anything not giving a damn about anything I’ve stated? Personally, no. But for your well-being, family and quality of life. Yes. You owe it to yourself to dig out of the turmoil you did not ask for. Learn more about your wants, needs, likes, dislikes, childhood, passions, thrills and more. By opening a book, listening to an audiobook, watch an educational podcast. Whatever. I am so tired of hearing “I don’t read”. Now that’s corny. It should not be stated with pride either. Because to be techinical you do read. You read the title of the new episode of your favorite reality show before you watch it. You read the destructive lyrics to trap music. You read the facebook post of your high school enemy. You read the toxic paragraphs from the girl/boy that won’t stop using you and cheating on you. You still read the menu at McDonald’s. We have the power to choose and you choose to be as average as possible.

Just know, the price of ignorance cashes out in poverty and anger.

We all have the power to do better.

Thanks for reading.