Notes

1. If I had come across this article, Anti-intellectualism and the 'Dumbing Down' of America, by Ray Williams, in the Psychology Times, I likely would not have read it. I may have briefly grazed over it, but I certainly wouldn't have read it in it's entirety and written my own response to it, or even question more than one or two statements made within the article. This is presumably because my "aversion to reading anything of substance and addiction to digital 'crap' via social media (Question 3)." While I don't believe I fall under the 'aversion to reading anything of substance' category, I certainly fall under the 'addiction to digital "crap" via social media' category. I wouldn't have read this article on my own because I don't often take interest in reading about those who neglect intellectuality, but rather find interest in reading about those who believe in the contrary and their beliefs. 

2. I believe Asimov's statement, "There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge (Question 2)." is pointing out that many Americans choose to stay uneducated, narrow-minded, and parochial. These beliefs are often echoed by those who choose to dive into communities that reflect similar, niche beliefs. I believe what Asimov meant towards the end of this quote, is that because we live in a Democratic society, those who are affected by their want for ignorance and unwillingness to see other's points of view, often believe they're exercising their own democratic right, just as those who don't follow this narrow-minded ideology. It seems that Asimov does not value their anti-intellectual beliefs in a valuable light, understandably. 

3. My reaction to Bauerlein's assertion is one of like-minded belief. I too believe that constant scrolling on an iPhone through TikTok and other mediums of social media consumption at a young age can certainly dumb down an entire generation's youth. Being a toddler and constantly wanting to watch Cocomelon on YouTube, play games for hours on end, cannot be healthy for our youth in terms of lowering media consumption and encouraging intellectuality. The amount of time spent on social media by our youth, let alone the lessening length of attention spans absolutely plays a roll in the dumbing down of America, and unfortunately perpetuates Anti-intellectualism in a round-a-bout way. 

4. I believe that Journalist Charles Pierce, after analyzing his perspective, meant that anyone can represent themselves as an expert in a certain area, especially when the viewer is overwhelmed by this newfound topic. Those who represent themselves as experts can of course have valuable opinions, but in this day and age, anyone can disguise themselves as an expert in the context of social media. These 'experts' certainly could have ulterior motives, as mentioned by Pierce, stating that the rise of "Idiot America" represents for-profit, as well as for political advantage in the pursuit of power. I've heard a similar opinion before, being that there are a multitude of benefits to dumbing down our youth as a whole, and find it hard not to agree. I obviously recognize that those who are true credited experts offer actual value in many ways, but I often see the public believing whatever so-called 'expert' they see on social media. 

5. The problem behind training people on how to get jobs, instead of properly educating them, stated by Catherline Liu, is rooted in the lack of drive for better understanding and gaining actual intellect, along with the skills to apply said intellect in many other areas of life. Instead, universities have been focused on the monetary results of education, instead of actual education. What I mean by 'actual education', is the want to become highly educated, for example developing problem solving skills, people skills, time management skills, the ability to understand complex ideas, and even further your ability to learn as a whole. Instead, universities have been forced into streamlining student's collegiate paths singularly focused on employment. The problem therefore is the lack of reward for developing intellectually, in comparison to the reward of developing job-attaining skills in University.

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7. Speaking from experience, having been apart of many 'nerdy' clubs throughout my schooling, I can say that 'nerds' and 'geeks' certainly are made fun of in our culture. I understand that's anecdotal evidence, but in my experience I find it to be true. Obviously I've heard the typical trope that 'nerds' and 'geeks' are picked on, but I believe that unfortunately in our society, it's true. Those who seem to be more 'nerd-like' in our culture seem to run into being made fun of more often. Just because it's a common trope, doesn't mean that it's untrue in reality. The reality of parts of our society picking on those who have nerd-like qualities goes to show just how surface level we are as humans. We're quick to pick on those who we perceive as lesser than us, and even quicker to judge. All for the sake of being accepted ourselves, or even subconsciously making yourself feel better by putting others down. In my eyes, this shows how superficial our culture, especially in our youth, can be. 

8. I agree with John W. Traphagan, in that our cultural values as a country aren't often as rooted in intelligence in comparison to several Asian countries. I find their dedication to intelligence and valuing teachers much more noble than what parts of our society have to come value. Strictly in accordance to pay structure for teachers in Japan, and how they receive higher salaries, is a clear example of one Asian country valuing those who teach our youth significantly more than those who do so in the United States. I think the suspicion and disdain for educational professionals in the United States is quite disgusting, and should actually be the inverse in the majority of cases. As a whole, if the United States valued our teachers more, this would instill more respect among the youth, and increase the drive to become properly educated. 

9. Religion in some areas absolutely plays a roll in the idea of Anti-intellectualism. I believe religion, in some cases Christianity, can manifest itself in odd ways, resulting in oddly narrow-minded beliefs. Not to directly target Christianity, but I've personally experienced many similar properties to Anti-intellectualism, within a few strong-minded subsets of Christianity. A glaring example of certain Christians who publicly say they "hate gays", is quite fitting. Considering those who hold those beliefs often choose stay uneducated in those areas, similar to Anti-intellectualism.

10. I believe the comment in question doesn't validate what's actually wrong with the argument they're making. Rather than hushing the "angry dummies", actively supporting groups working towards the right direction is more profitable in time than restricting the overly loud voices. While their personal attacks and forced opposition to opposing views may be troublesome, stooping to their level doesn't properly demonstrate a successful differing opinion, but instead giving them more ammunition to be upset with. 

11. The irony within the statement demonstrates exactly what it is attempting to prevent. The article proposes an addressment of anti-intellectualism, and how combating such principles requires intellectual engagement in it of itself. Ironically propagating a call to action, using the inverse of Anti-intellectualism the article is arguing against.