01 October, 2007
Playing Dumb
As you can likely tell by the title of this blog, I have been often accused of feeling superior to others. This is partly true. But it also depends upon which criteria you are using. There have been many times I have been sitting in a classroom or meeting or social gathering and thought to myself "Man, I am really out of my element here". If it comes to almost any kind of home or automotive repair, I am almost completely inept. I got excited just because I was able to change my outlets and have them still work. To be fair, there are many other things I do feel I am "superior" in. Yet the point of this particular post is not to establish or unestablish (is that a word? It is now) my superiority over others. No, the point is, do I (or anyone else) have a responsibility to "act dumber" just to make others feel comfortable? I would argue no. While you should also not rub it in some one's face that you know more than them or can do something they can't you also shouldn't feel obligated to act like an idiot just to boost their ego. One of the problems with society today is that people are WAY too concerned with offending someone else. I have news for you. No matter what you do or say, someone, somewhere is going to be offended. We have a problem when the majority tries to appease the minority (and I am not talking about race here). It seems we are forced to appeal to the lowest common denominator. While it's fine to try and include as many people as possible it's really not fair for those who are "superior" to have to settle for mediocrity. Everyone should want to try to better themselves in at least one area of their life. Everyone should strive to be considered "superior" and not just be content to be one of the mindless, status quo masses. If that viewpoint makes me sound superior, well.... I can live with it.
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3 comments:
Is it playing "dumb" or merely being gracious and classy, not to make more apparent the offending person's shortcomings.I have found that being "superior" is quite like being "normal", it is all relative.Is one "superior" when he/she is within the confines of their own peer group. When I am with my peers, we are all of the same intellectual level, as well as similar likes, dislikes and behaviors. On the occasion that one my have to venture into dissimilar group situations, I refer back to my opening statement.A "superior" person would and should be able to maintain a certain level of decorum, which would allow them to let a person of lesser education or class distinction some dignity.How much of an inconvience is it to give them your undivided attention or to relate the same message trying to be convyed to them, but in layman's terms? Yes it is seemingly a didious task at times, but in the long run, by doing so, you in more subtle terms show your "superiority."
Well said my learned friend, well said indeed. And to you michigan man as well. But in my experience when I have been in situations where I was being offended by someones "superiority" I have found the best way for me to come to equal terms with them. Is to beat the living crap out of them!
Sometimes violence is the answer.
That should be on a bumper sticker: Sometimes violence is the answer.
Of course, I think having that bumper sticker on your car might make you the victim of violence, but nonetheless.
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