Hidden intellectualism. Analysis Of Gerald Graff's “Hidden Intellectualism': Free Essay Example, 1057 words 2022-11-06

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Hidden intellectualism is a concept proposed by cultural theorist and critic Gerald Graff, who suggests that intellectual ability and interest can manifest in unexpected ways and places, such as in street smarts or in interests and hobbies that may not be traditionally considered "academic."

Graff argues that this hidden intellectualism is often overlooked by educators and society at large, leading to the undervaluing and underdevelopment of intellectual potential in individuals who may not fit the stereotype of the "intellectual." He cites his own experiences as a former high school student who was more interested in sports and pop culture than academics as an example of this phenomenon.

Graff's concept of hidden intellectualism challenges the traditional notion of what it means to be intelligent and suggests that intelligence is not solely dependent on grades or achievement in formal education settings. Instead, he suggests that intelligence and the desire to learn can be found in a wide range of interests and pursuits, and that educators and society should work to cultivate and support these interests rather than narrowing their focus solely to academic subjects.

One example of hidden intellectualism is the way in which certain hobbies and activities, such as playing chess or debating, can require and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Similarly, street smarts and practical knowledge, often gained through life experiences and personal interactions, can also be considered a form of intellectualism.

Graff's concept of hidden intellectualism has significant implications for education and the ways in which we evaluate and support intellectual development. By acknowledging and valuing the intellectual potential that can be found outside of traditional academic subjects, we can create a more inclusive and diverse understanding of what it means to be intelligent. This, in turn, can help to create a more equitable and just society by providing opportunities for individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds to contribute their knowledge and skills.

Summary On Gerald Graff's Article 'Hidden Intellectualism': Free Essay Example, 921 words

hidden intellectualism

By conversing about sports, and other entertaining things, he was approving his hidden intellectualism. He gives examples of participating in debates, arguments and analysis with his friends on several issues including the selection of toughest student in the class. Author emphasizes on being a street smart with little sophistication to win the race in social life. This is what Graff is trying to address, a plea to the Board of education if you will. Gerald Graff argues that most cases are because students are not exposed to subjects like music, fashion, etc, that will give them an idea or perspective for a career later on in life. Essentially, Gerald Graff Hidden Intellectualism 1238 Words 5 Pages Intellectualism is the factor of being intellect or intelligent.


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Rhetorical Analysis of Hidden Intellectualism

hidden intellectualism

He talks about how he and his friends would spend hours analyzing sports teams, movies, and toughness, but they never thought of it as intellectual work. If the entire class is disinterested in what the teacher is trying to explicate, then there is really no point in explaining it. He found sports magazines more appealing like Sports Illustrated and other sports texts. I think this is a valid point, and I agree that we should not discount the importance of street smarts. Therefore, the use of ethos has enabled Graff to provide credibility to his argument. For example, Fridman could provide data about scholarships and other types of funding for sports and other activities. This best-seller includes information on how to write an essay with strong arguments and organize a text in an understandable and transparent way.

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Hidden Intellectualism Essay (They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff)

hidden intellectualism

Too often, school is seen as a place where students must conform to a certain mold in order to be successful. He believes that if students are given the opportunity to pursue their passions, they will naturally become engaged in the material and will develop the critical thinking skills that are so valued in academic settings. Graff provides personal experiences that transformed him from street smart to academic smart intellectual. Students learn more this way than by just sitting at a desk reading or studying about something they will ultimately forget. In addition, Graff applies ethos when talking about street smarts. Most of the argument he made are from his personal experience.

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Hidden Intellectualism

hidden intellectualism

Pedagogy, 1 1 , 21-36. Several studies have recently suggested that schools and colleges are to blame for the negligence of street smarts and not transmitting them efficient scholastic work. He grew up in Chicago and when he was in primary school, he was never interested in reading books provided to him in class but instead, he was more interested in reading sports illustrated magazines and other sports articles. Graff uses pathos in a way that differentiates those that are street smart from those that are book smart. At the same time, the author does not put forward the idea that school education is unnecessary. As Graff continues his essay he says that he was on the side of being more anti-intellectual and he found that through sports he was more interested in sports then he was in school.

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Hidden Intellectualism By Gerald Graff

hidden intellectualism

The purpose of this paper is to analyze this excerpt from this book and make a summary of its crucial points. Real intellectuals turn any subject, however lightweight it may seem, into grist for their mill through the thoughtful questions they bring to it, whereas a dullard will find a way to drain the interest out of the richest subject. Graff successfully counters that the conversations he had with his friends as a youngster were more intellectually stimulating than those he has today with coworkers. There are those who have the knowledge and skills necessary for academics. Many people side with either or for their own personal reasons.

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How do you cite hidden intellectualism?

hidden intellectualism

Although some may disagree, I think that this is a powerful and important idea that should be taken into account by educators across the country. He used to live near place where the middle class and jobless people were just a few blocks away from it. Graff criticizes people who think those who are street smarts are not intellectual. It suggests a person who knows everything there is to know about anything. His overall take on educational establishments, led the way for him to believe that the school systems are missing a valuable opportunity to access their students mass amount of intelligence so that learning would be more engaging and a little bit easier. He was able to prove himself in front of those working people without damaging his respectable future.

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Hidden Intellectualism Gerald Graff Essay

hidden intellectualism

I think that classics should be at the center of the English curriculum, but I also see the need for educators to look beyond their literary history when it comes to educating children. We should not discount either one, but should instead strive for a balance between the two in our educational system. Work Cited Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein. Students can broaden their educational horizons by integrating cultural and academic studies. The author is afraid that people would not take the time out of their day to read or study for their classes. In other words a street smart person is viewed to be deficient in qualities that a book smart person already has. Graff clarifies that intellectual is often looked down upon and is labeled as being nerdy or geeky.

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Analysis Of Gerald Graff's “Hidden Intellectualism': Free Essay Example, 1057 words

hidden intellectualism

But he did not use any statistical or science data to support his position. By making this connection, we can help all students develop their hidden intellectualism and reach their full potential. Author highlights the practical aspect of the intellectualism when he says that street smart may not do well in schools but they can be brilliant in various other areas of life. Street smart is someone who is seen as well-rounded, experienced, and educated into topics surrounding them. Those subjects like cars, music, sports, fashion, etc, will benefit students now and later in life.

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