Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Intelligence, pretentiousness, and the sometimes simulataneous occurence of both

Lately, I've started noticing more and more of a shift in what classifies a person as 'cool'. The focus has changed greatly from what once included many different aspects of someone's personality. Typically, I don't really give a rat's ass about what anyone has to say about me and for the most part this holds true. However, the apathetic droll of seemingly jealous peers has managed to irk me, to say the least. The fact that a person who is regarded as intelligent is not allowed to practice or exercise this intelligence is entirely bemusing. Are those with athletic, musical, or other talents not allowed to establish those talents as not only personality traits but cornerstones of their being? As a musician myself, I have never received the label of a "try-hard" for playing or singing along, or making it known that, "hey, it's cool that you dig music, because I also play". As a former soccer player, and someone who still enjoys the sport immensely, I have never found myself labeled a "know-it-all" for talking about my favorite team or a big play. How, then, is any logical presumption of pretentiousness formed simply due to one intelligent person, talented in math, writing, science, etc., and that person labeled a try-hard? Why is it that the girl who wholeheartedly enjoys reading and posts the occasional Instagram of herself, with a book and some coffee, labeled "hipster"? When making these assumptions and settling on your pretenses, ask yourself a very simple question: is this person negatively affecting my experience on this planet? If the answer is no, which, in most cases, it will be, do the rest of the intelligent, educated opinion-forming people a favor and kindly subdue yourself.
I, like most people accused of being try-hards, hipsters, or any other form of language meant to demean a bright, passionate person, will assure you that I truly do not care about your judgment. Spare us, for we are simple creatures fueled by a love of the written word and a hatred for ignorance.
Ignorance is a cancer among our age group as most prefer to spout the first strain of random bullshit that comes into our minds. I will admit, I have and will continue to do this occasionally. However, I am also the type of person that if I am not understanding something, I will use my supercomputer of a smartphone to search Google for clarification. I've read the phrase, "since when does big words equal smart" (direct quote, notice the subject-predicate conflict) and thought to myself, "well, Self, would it not be much easier to Google these big words and expand oneself, rather than tweet ignorance?" To which Self replies, "of course it would, Self, because then learning happens".
Benjamin Franklin puts it this way: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest"
Although, old Ben was probably a try-hard hipster who flaunted a feigned sense of intelligence, after all.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Upon hearing many requests from friends and others that I should begin blogging, I've finally taken initiative in creating something to write my frequent rants and sometimes misguided attempts at inspiring a revolutionary mindset among my twitter followers. Frankly, 140 characters have proved insufficient in truly and accurately voicing my thoughts and opinions. My goal in writing this blog is not to gain followers or incite change in the world. It is simply to inspire thought, gain writing experience, and serve as a place that harbors discussion.
Practice is necessary in any talent or hobby if one wishes to become better at that talent or hobby, and that is what I am attempting to achieve in use of this blog. Followers, comments, etc. are more than welcome, however I do understand that opinions are like assholes: everyone has one and most of them stink.