It counts as work, even though I don't have an object to show for it. As I've mentioned in more specific terms in an earlier post, I often get the impression that many of my acquaintances don't respect what I do, and my being at Vanderbilt likely doesn't help.
I think for a living. Everybody thinks--why should certain people get paid for it? That answer is simple. I read complex books, they inspire complex thoughts, and I communicate those thoughts to students and colleagues clearly and economically. It's difficult, it's necessary, and not everyone can do it.
Apparently, believing the last two sentences means I fit one of America's most pejorative categories: the elitist intellectual.
Now, let's see if I can say this without whining. Far more people heap scorn on elitist intellectual types than vice versa. This is true in public and private discourse. I could cite dozens of examples. (Someone once told me that being my friend made her feel stupid, so she couldn't be my friend anymore. And we were both adults at the time.) Of course, academics are sometimes snottish assholes. You can find assholes who think they're better than others in every profession.
The category of elitist intellectual reminds me of namecalling on the playground. I hope that at some point, public and private discourse will move on to more pressing issues than whether someone is a stuck-up dork.
3 comments:
and yet some people seek out those who are intellectuals and can provide challenging conversation. will you be my friend, dear blogger? :)
We all hope Kimberly's elitist intellectualism is tempered by her husband's desire to drink beer, play with his dog, and drive his truck around.
Of course, I'll be your friend, J-P.
And, Sam, it may be that nothing can temper my e.i. Not even Gretchen Wilson.
Post a Comment