Random Thoughts Thread

[Jmustang1968]

I think people know, they just arent interested... those who are interested will find it. I dont cook, I hate the clean up. But I dont see how that or book clubs has anything to do with intelligence...

[Ack]

All this talk about how smart people are, and then you go and read twitter posts and comments sections and that whole foundation crumbles.

Is it tv shows and movies making us more dumb by what they show, or is it that they show those more because they sell more and are more popular? Most often, the stuff that does try to be smarter, doesn't sell.

Also to me, intelligence does not equal education.

I think it has a lot to do with how we are reinforced with how to spend our time. The two biggest pass times here in the U.S. is eating and watching TV/Movies. I am boggled at how many people do not know how to cook and prefer it that way. I think that advertising and entertainment drown the rest of the world out. We don't see the book clubs, the local social events or classes because we don't know they are there amidst a sea of advertising.

I agree that intelligence does not equal education. In reality, it is a passion to learn mixed with a bit of humility in that pursuit that really defines a person.

As someone who likes to eat, loves watching movies, and works in TV, I take offense to this! Movies are their own art form, and I have an appreciation for them that is similar to video games, where I can find value in even the worst of them. I consider myself an awful cook, but it's more that I have never had any real culinary training and have only made amateurish stabs at learning how to prepare food. It's similar to music and mechanical systems, where I do not find myself suited.

Now if you'd like to discuss the recent snap elections in Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's intentions regarding Article IX of the Japanese constitution, and how this will continue to influence relations with both South Korea and China, I'm you're man.

[BogusMeatFactory]

I think people know, they just arent interested... those who are interested will find it. I dont cook, I hate the clean up. But I dont see how that or book clubs has anything to do with intelligence...

I just think a diversity in activity is really my point. Not saying those activities in particular are the only sign of intelligence. I am just saying that a broad range of activities and engagements can stimulate yourself. How many people do you know that just sit there and go, "There's nothing to do! I'm so bored!" when there is a world of stuff going on around you at all times that you can participate in.

Working with people and interacting with people can be a great inspiration to provide drive in learning. That is not THE answer, but it is one of many out there to help people.

@Ack

I am not saying that TV and Movies and Food are bad... by no means. Movies can be stimulating and thought provoking and artistic, as can video games books and music. I just feel that what people see and are told to see are not so artistic.

[Jmustang1968]

I think it is BS that the what people are told to see and advertising is causing people to be stupid. Mayne the fact that the advertising is working is a sign of unintelligence. Or that the fact the "dumber" stuff is more popular and just more like but no necessarily forced on people. Sometimes dumb and fun is more enjoyable.

[BogusMeatFactory]

I think it is BS that the what people are told to see and advertising is causing people to be stupid. Mayne the fact that the advertising is working is a sign of unintelligence. Or that the fact the "dumber" stuff is more popular and just more like but no necessarily forced on people. Sometimes dumb and fun is more enjoyable.

There is a place for dumb and fun, don't get me wrong, but some people are addicted to dumb and fun. They fear emotions and fear any real connection with other people. That is sad. I am not saying that advertising is causing stupidity, but it doesn't help people see the diversity and beauty of life.

[AppleQueso]

So I'm assuming none of ya'll consider yourselves to be counted among the 'stupid' masses, right?

[prfsnl_gmr]

I was top ten percent. It means nothing. It proves nothing.

Don't sell yourself short, FD. Your posts indicate that you are a drastically better writer than most people your age.

Also, being a successful farmer or rancher requires a fair bit of education and intelligence. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. As AQ put it, define your life on your own terms.

Movies can be stimulating and thought provoking and artistic, as can video games books and music. I just feel that what people see and are told to see are not so artistic.

I agree that most popular entertainment panders to our escapist instincts, but it has always been this way. In my experience, people tend to forget all but the greatest works, which is why we often think that books, movies, etc. from the past are so much better and more enlightened than those that surround us today. (That is, we generally forget about all the inane books and movies that were published decades ago, and if you want something incredibly stupid, you should watch a "popular" movie from the 1930s or 1940s or read a "popular" novel from the 19th Century. I can assure you that they are mind-blowingly dumb.)

If anything, I think that popular entertainment today is drastically better and more stimulating than that which existed even 20 years ago, and thanks to the internet and improved means of dlivery, we have more entertainment options available to us now than ever before. (I can go home tonight, click on Hulu+, and watch Ingmar Bergman's Persona. If I wanted to watch that move even a decade ago, I would have had to hunt it down in an independent video store, and if I lived in a rural area, I would not have access to it at all.) Accordingly, I do not believe that popular culture is "dumbing us down" any more today than it ever has in the past.

Finally, I think that there are (and have always been) certain people who simply are not interested in expanding their horizons, trying new things, etc. I am not one of those people, but I understand their desire for comfort and familiarity. As long as they do not try to speak authoritatively about matters on which they have no education or experience, I am fine with them.

I dont cook, I hate the clean up.

This is only problematic if you view yourself as qualified to critique other people's cooking.

[Ack]

So I'm assuming none of ya'll consider yourselves to be counted among the 'stupid' masses, right?

No, I work in television. I make the stupid masses.

[jp1]

All this talk about how smart people are, and then you go and read twitter posts and comments sections and that whole foundation crumbles.

Is it tv shows and movies making us more dumb by what they show, or is it that they show those more because they sell more and are more popular? Most often, the stuff that does try to be smarter, doesn't sell.

Also to me, intelligence does not equal education.

That is the problem. I don't expect to find art if I visit a porn site. Twitter is not the platform for intellectually stimulating discourse. It wasn't designed for that, and it doesn't support or encourage it. Same with Facebook, and other social media sites in my opinion. That really just reinforces the argument that you can't help but be submerged in counter measures to your intelligence, unless you are proactive.

I see brilliant people every day, out in the real world, and online when I'm looking or paying attention to the right things. I see not so brilliant people as well, but they are often discouraged from engaging with those who have more knowledge because in many cases they are treated poorly when they do. How can they be expected to rise up with a boot on their face? That is the question at hand, but it is also a problem that is caused by a sect of intellectuals who discourage "stupid" people from trying to learn, rather than guiding them in the right direction. Some of the places like Twitter, yahoo comments, Facebook, etc... are filled with both problems. People embracing stupidity (JT's original thought), and people who despise it and thus refuse to encourage learning through a respectful conversation.

Here there are rare exceptions in those who will take the time to explain and educate on topics when they obviously have a deeper understanding. This is healthy discussion that leads to growth, knowledge, and encourages people to reach out. I believe this is what Bogus is trying to say. That isn't always the case here, but it is more often than it isn't. That's a rare thing when compared with other websites and communities I have witnessed.

[Jmustang1968]

I am talking the ignorance and idiocy of some posts. I have seen very intelligent posts as well, so it isnt the platform to blame.

The stupid comments and such that are often not made in an effort to seek more knowledge, nor are these people open to being educated. They just spew shit on the page and leave it at that.