Why We Hate The Smart Kids Grant Penrod Analysis

Anti-Intellectusim: Why We Hate the Smart Kids, author Grant Penrod argues that intellectual kids are not respected in today’s society. Although he makes a valid argument with some good points, he bases his statements off of his high school experiences. In reality, the world is much different after high school. His idea of intellectual kids not being praised in society is false. This idea can be compared to the false idea that upper social classes are treated worse than middle and lower classes. Kids with high intellectual abilities are valued and can be compared to the upper social class with its access to many privileges. Penrod says that intellectuals are given negative names that can result in them being degraded by peers. These reality is that names such as “geek” or “nerd” often cause intellectuals to feel devalued. An online venter describes what he hears “A+ this and…got a 1600 on my SAT and got all AP classes next year woohoo. That’s all these people care about and don’t they have lives - damn nerds” (Penrod). Even though the venter shows signs of feeling angry, his tone towards the end of the

Their superior grades allow them to enroll in the highest level of classes which will help them to get into the most prestigious colleges. By being placed in these classes, they earn the title of being knows as intellectuals. Another advantage of being placed into higher level classes is that these students will have the best teachers. Excellent grades will also give them the opportunity to be a part of prestigious academic groups such as the National Junior Honor Society. Only kids with the best grades can get into this society, making it highly regarded and ensuring they are part of an elite group. With these good grades come the privileges of becoming part of a special group that will improve their chances when applying at competitive colleges and earning