The Veneer of Legitimacy in Varsity Elitism- A Response

De Maitre's comments:
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I think Intellectual Snob (IS) does have valid points but I disagree with her method of expressing them. Ultimately, intellectuals achieve their certificates through their performance in exams at the national level. They deserve credit for that. And I think IS should be more discriminatory towards the different types of intelligences that people possess.

Psychologist Howard Gardner proposes 7 different intelligences.[Read more]
1. Linguistic
2. Logical-Mathematical
3. Bodily-Kinesthetic
4. Spatial
5. Musical
6. Interpersonal
7. Intrapersonal

Another psychologist Robert J. Sternberg proposed the Triachic Theory of Intelligence
1.Componential / Analytical Subtheory
2.Experiential / Creative Subtheory
3.Practical / Contextual Subtheory

I'm more inclined towards Sternberg's theory- most graduates score very high on teh analytical score. However, they are by no means perfect, their creative and practical scores might be comparatively lower. That doesn't make them stupid. We all make stupid mistakes from time to time, regardless of our IQ or EQ.

I'm also quite intrigued with IS's methods of coping with her inferiority complex in the face of elitist Singapore. The creation of an "alter-ego", who comes from a prestigious university with a soaring career, and the expression of her views from a lofty position above common mortals. Based on Sigmund Freud's defence mechanism theory, I would associate her actions with a combination of denial, displacement, intellectualization, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, repression and sublimation.

Did she create this alter-ego as a coping mechanism? If so, its a method for her to express her feelings and thoughts from the view of an Elite. However, I find it ironic that she made such degrading remarks about the intellectual population when she herself belongs to that social unit! Somehow, I do not agree that she suffers from Elite Envy, I think she suffers from Colossal Arrogance. If she were to be someone who can't make it into ANY university at all, than yes, she suffers from Elite Envy. Because she is part of the intellectual crowd, I would label her sentiments as Colossal Arrogance where she thinks no one can match her in any way.

I have also stated my views about intellectuals in Singapore in my post "The Pursuit of Happiness". [Read Here]