Richard Hofstadter's "Anti-Intellectualism in American Life"

 Richard Hofstadter's "Anti-Intellectualism in American Life" and its relevance today:

Hofstadter's Main Points:

• Definition of Anti-Intellectualism: Resentment and suspicion of intellectual life and those representing it, minimizing its value.
• Distinction: Differentiates anti-intellectualism from intelligence and professionalism.
• Pervasiveness: Argued anti-intellectualism was pervasive but not dominant in mid-20th century America.
• Cycles: Posited that anti-intellectualism ebbs and flows in cycles, with the 1950s (McCarthyism) as a high point.
• Sources of Resentment: Analyzed resentment towards intellectuals as experts in public affairs and ideologues.
• Historical Domains: Examined anti-intellectualism in religion, civic affairs/politics, business, and education.
• Intellectuals' Roles: Categorized intellectuals in American political history as outsiders, servants, or scapegoats.
• Myth of the Common Man: Traced the influence of this myth on the marginalization of intellectuals.
• Mystique of Practicality: Linked this concept to the polarity between business and intellect.
• Impact on Education: Showcased the increasing vocational focus of education and the preference for "character" over "mind."
• Critique of Dewey: Analyzed Dewey's progressive education philosophy and its unintended consequences.
• Egalitarianism's Drawbacks: Discussed how an overemphasis on egalitarianism in education can neglect talented students.

Relevance Today 

• Decline of Reading: Cites polls showing declining book readership as evidence of decreasing value placed on intellectual pursuits.
• Disappearance of Public Intellectuals: Notes the lack of prominent public intellectuals like Walter Lippmann or Edmund Wilson.
• Academization of Intellectuals: Argues that intellectuals have retreated into academia, using specialized language that excludes the public.
• Marginalization of Intellectuals: Contends that intellectuals have been placed far from centers of influence.
• Persistence of Anti-Intellectualism: Questions whether the cyclical nature of anti-intellectualism is still valid, suggesting it may have worsened.
• Influence of Fundamentalism: Links fundamentalism to a black-and-white worldview that damages diplomacy and scientific knowledge.
• Lack of "Brain Trusts": Observes the absence of prominent intellectual advisors in recent administrations.
• Distrust of the "Bookish": Argues that the common man distrusts intellectuals and prefers "practical" individuals.
• Vocationalization of Higher Education: Points to the increasing focus on vocational training in colleges and universities.
• Triumph of Mass Media and Athletics: Notes the growing influence of these forces and their impact on education and reading habits.
• Decline in Educational Standards: Cites poor performance of American students in international tests.
• Neglect of Talented Students: Argues that public education often neglects the needs of gifted students.
• Impact of the Internet: Suggests that the internet's emphasis on speed, accessibility, and lack of peer review can be anti-intellectual.