From what I’ve gathered from conservative family members who’ve relentlessly teased me for going to a “liberal indoctrination center”, there seems to be a general disdain for “intellectuals” (AKA arrogant academics) among people who feel completely unheard and left behind in this country. Also, I will admit that far too many academics tend to “talk down to” people, rather than talk to them as intelligent individuals. Now, that’s really biting them (or, more accurately, us) in the ass. 

As much as I like to joke about how stupid people are, those are largely just jokes. On a more serious note, everyone does stupid shit all the time, but nobody is actually stupid. 

Everyone is capable of learning really complex things, no matter who they are or where they are from. Every person you run into knows at least one thing you know nothing about!

In fact, I’d argue that most conspiracy theorists are incredibly intelligent. They’re just going through hell, financially, spiritually, physically, etc, and have little to no social life to keep them from sliding off the cliff.  

However, far too many academics fail to realize this, let alone utilize this knowledge to help people that seem “too stupid” and/or “too bullheaded” to understand science, or anything that’s being taught in universities these days. And those academics (and the universities they’re part of) aren’t exactly quiet about their disdain for the average Joe (here’s just a couple articles that help to illustrate my point). 

Hell, as a university student myself, I’ve experienced this “academic elitism” first-hand, several times. And, it’s probably a big reason why I feel so… alone… on campus, to put it lightly. 

It’s also a big reason why I’m afraid to continue my journey as a student; why I’m often tempted to drop out of university altogether and pursue something else.