Is Ignorance Bliss? “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life…” (Asimov, Isaac). Many people are ignorant to the subject of anti-intellectualism or just don’t see it as a big issue. There are two definitions of anti-intellectualism, “A person opposed to or hostile toward intellectuals and the modern academic, artistic, social, religious, and other theories associated with them” and also, “A person who believes that intellect and reason are less important than actions and emotions in solving practical problems and understanding reality”
(http://www.dictionary.com/browse/anti-intellectual). Both of these definitions show that there is a clear division between the intellectual thinkers …show more content…
The arts department includes any class or activity that allows to to express your creativity, whether that be through playing music, singing, or drawing and actually creating pieces of art (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/art+department). To break down the budget cuts, it is important to understand that just under 15 years ago in 2002, the state level arts spending was at $409 million. The budgets then steeply declined in 2004 to just over $200 million. Now, they are at $134 billion. The budgets of high school sports have not had a major cut like that in over 15 years. Taking away spending from a creative output like that is making it harder for kids to get instruments or to make and plan trips for the students involved. There is evidence that playing a musical instrument and having a more creative mind and outlook on life do lead to better grades, jobs, and pay (http://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/advocacy/quick-facts). So, the fact that many people believe it is not important for schools to have these types of programs for their students is ignorance on their part. We need people with creative backgrounds working at our school districts and helping students break away from the structure of society and create free thinking environments, which are needed to help with brain …show more content…
This is with segregated groups including people involved in certain sports, clubs, or organizations such as the marching band and choir. Isn’t it ironic that schools follow that exact set up? Many people believe that there is a direct correlation between the media and how things are separated there and how school days actually go (http://www.terminally-incoherent.com/blog/2007/10/31/anti-intellectualism-on-tv/). Along with separation of clubs, there are many movies that glorify and “equate low IQ with inner goodness”, one of the most famous and successful being “Forrest Gump” (http://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/jan/15/ignorance-and-bliss-hollywood-is-cashing-in-on/). Although some see these as a harmless example, there are also movies such as “Wayne’s World”, “Dumb and Dumber”, and “The Three Stooges” that promote idiotic behavior in order to get a good
(http://www.dictionary.com/browse/anti-intellectual). Both of these definitions show that there is a clear division between the intellectual thinkers …show more content…
The arts department includes any class or activity that allows to to express your creativity, whether that be through playing music, singing, or drawing and actually creating pieces of art (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/art+department). To break down the budget cuts, it is important to understand that just under 15 years ago in 2002, the state level arts spending was at $409 million. The budgets then steeply declined in 2004 to just over $200 million. Now, they are at $134 billion. The budgets of high school sports have not had a major cut like that in over 15 years. Taking away spending from a creative output like that is making it harder for kids to get instruments or to make and plan trips for the students involved. There is evidence that playing a musical instrument and having a more creative mind and outlook on life do lead to better grades, jobs, and pay (http://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/advocacy/quick-facts). So, the fact that many people believe it is not important for schools to have these types of programs for their students is ignorance on their part. We need people with creative backgrounds working at our school districts and helping students break away from the structure of society and create free thinking environments, which are needed to help with brain …show more content…
This is with segregated groups including people involved in certain sports, clubs, or organizations such as the marching band and choir. Isn’t it ironic that schools follow that exact set up? Many people believe that there is a direct correlation between the media and how things are separated there and how school days actually go (http://www.terminally-incoherent.com/blog/2007/10/31/anti-intellectualism-on-tv/). Along with separation of clubs, there are many movies that glorify and “equate low IQ with inner goodness”, one of the most famous and successful being “Forrest Gump” (http://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/jan/15/ignorance-and-bliss-hollywood-is-cashing-in-on/). Although some see these as a harmless example, there are also movies such as “Wayne’s World”, “Dumb and Dumber”, and “The Three Stooges” that promote idiotic behavior in order to get a good