As Donald J. Trump famously said, “I love the poorly educated.”
From the growing usage of tools like ChatGPT, encouraging quick fixes over problem solving, many have become desensitized to learning and critical thinking, although this not entirely to blame on society as a whole.
For years, societies have progressed dramatically with an increase in public education. With progress also comes skepticism and the confusing ideology political scientists have identified as anti-intellectualism. Defined by EBSCO as a “disdain for intellectual thought…manifesting as a belief that educated individuals are out of touch with everyday life,” this trend spurs in time with a shift in political and social trends. Anti-intellectualism is currently on the rise, seen in a shift in de-funding education, and believing in false news and ‘instinct’ over scientific knowledge. Currently, this sentiment is growing in the United States under the growing influence of the Republican Party in politics, but anti-intellectualism does vary across a political spectrum.
As political and social conditions shift, so does the sentiment towards education.
Today, the Department of Education has shifted to accommodate minorities, especially impoverished communities who cannot rely on local outreach. Schools hold significance in teaching children important life skills through critical thinking. In Irvington, this is seen with year-long service projects such as CHANGE and QUEST. Trends towards anti-intellectualism have been on and off—recently, the efforts to de-fund the Department of Education signal a fluctuating high in anti-intellectualism. Mark Hetherington, a political scientist from North Carolina University says, “The ideology of anti-government gave us Trump.” Throughout history, the logic behind de-funding the Department of Education has been seen among various political leaders, specifically those from the Republican Party, who have scorned authority and promoted disbelief.
This long-occurring trend comes back to haunt those who held disdain for larger issues: climate change, political and social upheaval, all of which require experts to address them and look for solutions as they intensify. Donald Trump, an influential politician and a famous anti-intellectual, emphasizes that “he has common sense,” according to an AP News article. This dangerous mindset is not a new one.
Many anti-intellectuals may argue the sheer amount of difficulty that comes with studying intellectual subjects–such as cogitating over uncomfortable truths without inclination towards a solution. Furthermore, as Trump emphasizes, ‘We have common sense already.’ The majority of subjects that require deep thinking are humanities: in these, students are asked to contemplate, discuss, create, and solve real life problems. When students are asked to discuss larger issues relating to historical and social topics such as discrimination, they are asked to learn from mistakes and develop creatively. In doing so, a promising future towards leaders educated in deep thinking and reflection also grows, hence hindering the strength behind this argument.
As the sentiment towards intellectuals grows as a result of politicians rejecting the idea of intellectualism, many are also shifting to believe in pre-believed knowledge over researchers. Furthermore, an emphasis on STEM subjects and tangible subjects showcase this trend.
The emphasis and shift towards scientists and researchers are those responsible for conveying intellectually-driven information. Though this continues to be deterred the more common sense movements continued: after all, what is the need for expertise when we have the benefit of instinct? Ironically, this trend fluctuates the more people have become proud of their expertise, producing a confusing “epidemic of narcissism [over the amount of knowledge they have acquired]”, says political scientist Tom Nichols of US Naval War College.
At the end of the day, complex discussions serve a purpose: discussions and debates are the first step towards solving larger issues that concrete solutions cannot solve. During times of uncertainty, people must shift to believe in the word of scientists who predict and artfully discuss trends. It is evident that the importance behind deep thought, participating in political discussions, and learning communication skills are crucial for a brighter future for all.
