Reply #9: Well, first of all [View All]

[michaelwb]

First, you would need an accurate and unbiased definition of what is an intellectual.

We have already seen in this thread a typical false dichotomy of intellectuals who support my argument = true intellectuals. Those who do not support my argument = pseudo-intellectuals.

Given that has already appeared as a key concept I question the value of even giving an example.

And frankly, I find it hard to believe that you have not seen academics and writers (which I'll use as a base definition) appear in the media with such attitudes. Heck working in a liberal academic setting I see plenty of foundation-consulting experts who are interviewed by the press who can barely conceal their intellectuals' burden (latter day white man burden) - the need to guide those masses.

Every time you see a public discourse involving "social engineering" of the poor and working class (how many children they have, how they raise them, how they spend their money, where they live, etc.) you are having an argument based on such an assumption. Yet the concept of doing the same for the middle and upper classes somehow escapes this people - because they are caught in the same value system as their peers.

It is equally tied up into our culture's/media's assumption that the middle class lifestyles, values and appearance are the "norm" and everyone should be aiming for it, etc.