The Hidden Intellectualism: Discovering the True Value of Street Smarts
In his essay titled “Hidden Intellectualism,” Gerald Graff argues that many people wrongly consider street smarts in our society to be anti-intellectual, and that such people often overlook the academic potential of these sharp-witted individuals. Graff believes that the tendency to discredit street smarts arises from a common misconception about what it truly means to be intellectual.
The Context of Intellectualism
According to Graff, people often believe that to be intellectual, one must be inclined towards abstract ideas and concepts, and should have an innate love for reading challenging texts. There is, however, a false assumption built into this belief, which is that intellectualism is limited to the realm of academia.
Graff suggests that hidden intellectualism exists in everyday life, where it often goes unrecognized. He gives an example of his own intellectual development and argues that he was inspired to pursue academics after discovering his hidden intellectualism, which was embodied in his passion for sports. Graff maintains that street smarts play a crucial role in shaping one’s academic development.
The Role of Street Smarts in Academics
Graff argues that those who possess street smarts and are passionate about particular subjects, such as sports and music, often have an edge over those who are primarily academic. He holds that these individuals have developed a degree of critical thinking and analytical skills through their experience, which can be arguably more substantial than what is learned through traditional academic coursework.
Graff suggests that educators should take note of these qualities in their students and assess them as a valuable form of intellectualism. By doing this, educators can help students broaden their horizons and pursue educational careers.
Conclusion
Graff’s essay is a thought-provoking account of the way in which we misunderstand the nature of intellectualism. It challenges our traditionally held beliefs of what it means to be intellectual and encourages us to recognize the hidden intellectualism that lies within each of us.
In conclusion, street smarts are an essential component of intellectualism that should be acknowledged and celebrated, rather than ignored. By doing so, we can cultivate a more inclusive, mentally diverse society, where everyone’s strengths are given a chance to shine.
