The Intelligence 100 Meme has been making its rounds online, causing quite a stir among netizens. For those unfamiliar, this meme lists a hundred famous people known for their intelligence, ranging from Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking to Bill Gates and Elon Musk. While it may seem harmless and even informative at first glance, there’s actually a lot of hype and misinformation around the meme that we need to unpack.
Let’s start with the origins of the Intelligence 100 Meme. According to Know Your Meme, the earliest known version of the list appeared on the website List Challenges in 2015. Since then, other versions have popped up on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, with users resharing and commenting on the list. The meme has also spawned similar lists, such as the Science 100 Meme and the Literature 100 Meme.
Now, let’s dive into some of the issues surrounding the Intelligence 100 Meme. Firstly, the list is subjective and arbitrary. Who determines what makes someone “intelligent”? How do we measure intelligence? The meme provides no criteria or explanation for why these particular individuals were chosen and what makes them more intelligent than others. It’s important to note that intelligence is a complex and multifaceted concept that can’t be reduced to a simple list.
Secondly, the meme perpetuates the myth of the “genius” or the lone, exceptional individual. It reinforces the idea that intelligence is innate and predetermined, and that only a select few possess it. This ignores the role of education, environment, and societal structures in shaping intelligence. Moreover, it overlooks the contributions of communities and collaboration in intellectual achievements.
Thirdly, the meme is not diverse or representative. The list is overwhelmingly dominated by white men from Western countries. This erases the contributions and intelligence of people from other backgrounds and cultures. It also reinforces stereotypes and biases around who is considered intelligent and who is not.
So, why has the Intelligence 100 Meme gained so much traction online? It’s partly due to our fixation on lists and rankings, as well as our fascination with celebrity culture. It also speaks to our desire for quick and easy information that doesn’t require much critical thinking or analysis. However, the meme ultimately misses the mark in providing a nuanced and accurate portrayal of intelligence.
In conclusion, the Intelligence 100 Meme is a prime example of the importance of critically examining popular trends and memes. While it may seem harmless on the surface, it can perpetuate harmful myths and biases around intelligence and expertise. As consumers and creators of content, we need to be mindful of the information we consume and share, and strive for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of intelligence.
