Anti-Intellectual Lobbying

It seems like most progressive causes in SL (Bill of Rights, player-run moderation, reformation of land auctions, binding democratic votes) are opposed not by the Lindens or by special interest groups (land barons, forum junkies) that might suffer from the changes but by a crowd of anti-intellectuals, who irrationally resist change.

Much like scientific education in the U.S. is hobbled by those who push for the teaching of irrational theories like "intelligent design", is SL's growth being slowed by a similar group of anti-intellectuals?

~Ulrika~

Way to go.

I KNOW this won't end well.

I agree!

Unless I see the majority disagree, then I disagree! Because i'm stupid!

Luddites rock!

I'm a moron!

Ulrika,
I am less intellectual because I don't want to deal with politics in a digital, fake, pixel world that was created for recreation?

One might counter your arguement simply by asking, "are those who wish to push politics, reform and so called progressive change on the rest of us just trying to fullfil a void and stop having a feeling that you actually never accomplished anything in your pitiful real lives and need this place to feel important?"

I respect you Ulrika, but your insults on those who disagree with you are down right uncalled for.

*shakes head*

Is this the comedy thread? I need to know because I heard a good joke the other day.

I'll bet you're really fun at parties.



My guess, Beau is according to some, the answer is yes. It gets really tiring when some folks here on the forum set themselves on some sort of pedestal and look down their noses at us peons. Ulrika is a prime example.

Well yeah I am a peon, but that is besides the point.

Lobbying by anti-intellectuals would only be a concern if by "lobbying" you mean "posting in the forums" and only if the Lindens actually decide policy based on forum opinions.

I dont see much real world lobbying by those types of folks I just see them (attempting) to tear things down occaisionaly. The serious lobbying is done on the part of the "free market" folks (business interests in your poll), and hopefully the Lindens dont listen to that crap, but maybe they do.

I think (unless this was a troll ), that you need to define what you mean by lobbying and set off the poll with a discussion of what you see as the "lobbying structure" (bad term I know), that currently exists, and what types of lobbying goes on etc. before your result would have a lot of meaning.

By that I mean that I definitely *do* see a lot of loud, anti-intellectuals filling up space on the forums, but I am unsure if that really qualifies as "lobbying" per se.

Additionaly, some of these "anti-intellectuals" have recently been seen taking over political groups and twisting them to their own (most likely meaningless) ends, which although intended as a joke, makes them actual participants in a political process. So one could argue that *more* folks lately (even anti-intellectuals), are getting involved in the political side of SL, which is not usually a bad thing.

I am an anti-intellectual because I know SL is pretend?

Yes.

Next question?

Nah we're just the lesser of two evils.. seems we have the choice between non and psuedo.

Disagree and be a labelled a anti-intellectual, regardless of actual intellect. I can only wonder how a person can be so narrow-minded as to actually believe only their opinion is correct. Threads like this will further polarize people, not bring them together in fellowship to improve our SL experience.

*sighs and waits for the inevitable mud slinging to ensue*

angel

Why do you consider the term anti-intellectual to be insulting? The term does not imply that one has less intellect. Anti-intellectual , in this case, refers to people who argue their
points through emotion rather than intellect. Judging from the above post one might assume you deal more in emotion.

I guess one could assume that. THose who have been around these forums as long or longer than me reading her post probably know better though.

Lets look at you....ohhh yeah, a Ulrika supporter. One might assume you will try to twist anything to help support her points.


Main Entry: an·ti-in·tel·lec·tu·al
Pronunciation: -"in-t&l-'ek-ch(&-w)&l, -'ek-shw&l
Function: adjective
: opposing or hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach


I dont know exactly how to translate that but it doesnt sound like a compliment or a fair judgement on those who do not support governement.

Until this ridiculous Ad Hominem post, I had some respect for you for some of the things you said. Now I find this definition to fit extremely well to you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll

Someone needs to explain to me what an "Anti-Intellectual" is.

If I feel that all of the SL political discussions are just the meanderings of some bloviators and aren't worthy of serious discussion does that make me an "anti-intellectual"?

And why is it that people like Ulrika _assume_ that when people oppose the so-called "intellectuals" proposals and comments that we're assumed to be somehow stupid or not "intellectual".

This entire thread is like some exercise in mental masturbation. People like Ulrika have a deep seated need to feel superior and will stoop to anything to get that satisfaction.

But what I've found is that these self proclaimed smart people usually aren't any smarter than anyone else and are often trying to hide their own inadequacies and fears.

Oh and Ulrika, I'll be happy to give you the flame job you so richly deserve. Just go ahead and push my buttons.

This still will not end well Kendra and you KNOW it too. The recent stream of posts IMHO have been engineered to incite and agitate.

And the hits just keep on coming!

How is one to determine when a poster uses the term anti-intellectual, when it is meant as a person who responds emotionally versus intellectually? Isn't it dependent upon the speaker to make themselves understood, not the responsibility of the reader to guess at what was meant? Perhaps the thread starter could define exactly what she means when she posts potentially inflammatory statements? Again, please note i said potentially.

angel

Anyone who's followed her posts knows exactly what she means.

It's perjorative.

Signed,

A lowly peon.

YES! In a thread that will soon be filled with folks upset about the use of the word "anti-intellectual", you truly have demonstrated understanding. I'm just so tickled and impressed.

I also agree that MJW was overtaken and disarmed by this same group through the strategic removal of officers. It is proof that there is an irrational counter-political movement (this seems less offensive than "anti-intellectual" that seeks to dismantle political debate and organizations.

~Ulrika~

Please everyone, stop being stupid and opposing Ulrika, in no particular order. The sooner we all agree the sooner this will go away and we can get back to the status quo.

Ulrika, you are so right about whatever it is you are saying. All the people who say you are arrogant and self-absorbed are either jealous or to dumb to know how to agree.

Aren't there some snapzilla snapshots you should be rating or something?