Hidden Intellectualism and Different Patterns of Success In the education system, students are being taught from a young age that they must achieve accomplishments in a typically structured schedule of Mathematics, Sciences, Histories, and English. Depending on the grade one is in, the schedule may vary; yet, the student’s school life still revolves around what one would call “ book smarts”. In the essay, “ Hidden Intellectualism”, written by Gerald Graff, the author states schools and colleges
In Gerald Graff’s essay Hidden Intellectualism he aims his writing towards schools, universities, teachers and the academic community. He responds to the situation of; teachers, schools and colleges overlooking intellectual potential of “street smarts”. His purpose in this essay is to acknowledge the readers that that there are different types of intellectualism and to point out flaws in the academia. The message Graff is trying to convey is that schools and teachers need to approach education in
Essay 1 Hidden Intellectualism Education is one of our Nation’s most pressing concerns as our worldwide ranking has diminished over recent years. In his short story, Hidden Intellectualism, Gerald Graff states that “We associate the educated life, the life of the mind, too narrowly and exclusively with subjects and texts we consider inherently weighty and academic” (244). Gerald argues that too many intelligent people are missing the opportunity to thrive. Gerald’s belief is that these “Street
Hidden Intellectualism Society believes there are two types of people, when it comes to dexterity.There are those who have the knowledge and skills necessary for academics. And then there are those who seem to be full of information about life itself, but do not appear to have perception, when it comes to school. I define “Book smart” as someone who is intelligent and well educated academically. For example a straight A student, or a person who can in a heart beat, give you an answer about history
Gerald Graff argues in his paper “Hidden Intellectualism,” that all students possess intellectual abilities but are often over looked and academically discarded due to them being intellectual in an unapparent way. Graff opens his paper by recounting several stories, including his own, on discovering intellectual ability in youths. The first story tells of a child who began expressing intellectual tendencies when arguing about religious studies, sparking Graff’s’ interest in the idea of hidden intellectualism
The issue being debated in the article “Hidden Intellectualism” by Gerald Graff is street smarts versus book smarts. Gerald Graff is an English professor at the University of Illinois and has written many books. The author claims that people are better off if they are more street smart than book smart. The authors is very persuasive using real life examples. I although disagree with this claim. I think that you need an equal mix of both street and book smarts. The author starts by saying that everyone
understands the reality of the intellectualism that many “street smart” people have they will preserve the importance of the individuals. This is vital for the public to understand that “Real intellectuals turn any subject, however lightweight it may seem, into grist for their mill through the thoughtful questions they bring to it, whereas a dullard will find a way to drain the interest out of the richest subject.” (Page 1) In “Hidden Intellectualism” Gerald Graff explains the overwhelming importance
“Hidden Intellectualism” by Gerald Graff Albert Einstein once said "everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole existence thinking it is stupid". There are many students who relate to that fish believing they are unintelligent and useless. Believing that they cannot possibly succeed in the education system. The education system is failing to teach students and bring out their maximum potential. Everyday thousands of students drop out of
Hidden Intellectualism In the discussion of intellectualism, an argument is whether academic intelligence is more important than “street smarts”. The standard way of thinking about intellectualism is that the only way we can be successful is if we thrive in an academic setting. In the article Hidden Intellectualism, the author, Gerald Graff, counter argues that the way we have been taught and conditioned is not the only way to be intelligent. Gerald Graff grew up in the 1950’s, hooked on sports
In Gerald Graff's short essay, “Hidden Intellectualism,” he explains people are intelligent in their own unique way, but educators must help adolescents convey their intellects into a classroom setting. Graff targets students, teachers, and administration to educate them about a hidden intellectualism that can be found outside a classroom setting. Schools and colleges might be at fault for missing the opportunity to tap into such street smarts & channel them into good academic work; Gerald Graff