The title to this article has probably struck some interests. It’s very easy to put someone in a box and label it stupid. It may sound like something only 4th graders would do, but that’s incorrect. In every facet of life we’re constantly judging people based on a set of standard rules. How does he look? What does she say? We’re quick to draw conclusions about these matters but in these strings of text I’ll attempt to deepen your opinions about this matter and help you understand the truth about so called dumb people.
When is someone perceived as dumb?
The first myth is that some people are plain stupid; nobody is dumb by default! I will do this one better even by saying that everyone is and can be stupid at some level. The key is in how people perceive you as a human being. The first impressions you make here is key. Imagine a rich and wise businessman lost in Africa, where the run of the day is completely different, one can quickly look upon him and call him stupid. After all he’s making dodgy decisions that the locals would never make.
See what happened there? There is a gap in knowledge between the locals and the rich businessman, leading to disbelieve, leading to the label dumb or stupid. Put the African locals on Wall Street and the tables are turned. In conclusion: a person is perceived dumb when there’s a gap of knowledge leading to either party making dodgy decisions.
Everybody is smart, and dumb
Using the above logics as a rule you’ve probably already come to the conclusion that every single human being is both smart and dumb depending on context. A young teen may not be good at math or history, yet she’s the smart one when cosmetics are involved. Her knowledge simply connects with that particular subject and it would be wise to make a profession off of it.
Why are some individuals called dumb more often than others? That’s simply a case of mismatched skillset between individual and society’s current standards. We expect people to behave and act a curtain way and are quick to judge when the do’s and don’ts fail to match the image in our minds. Know that the most innovative designers and geniuses have a mindset completely off from society, helping them to come up with radical, life changing, ideas.
Crazy people
When the mismatch of knowledge and mannerisms between two individuals reach extreme, they may consider each other as crazy. An individual goes to bed at noon, never buys bread and only pays in cash because she doesn’t believe in plastic money. She’s crazy right? It’s perfectly natural to think that way but look at it more closely from a neutral bird’s eye view. The only offset is that her actions and beliefs don’t match with the default in any way. When these extreme differences occur, we often judge one as being crazy.
Avoid it
This is a very tricky one and will require some thought and effort. The key here is to analyze your own strengths and find a match with the person you’re trying to convey. However sometimes the beam of words won’t suit your particular qualities, in that case you should flatten the conversation. Don’t try to go in depth about a subject you’re not familiar with. When possible immediately alter the topic of conversation.
Everyone can be perceived as either dumb or smart. It’s a matter of matching skillset and avoiding subjects you know nothing about. When your knowledge completely conflicts with society, people will call you crazy. But you know what? The crazy ones that believe often make the biggest contribution to society of all. Cherish your individuality and don’t care what others think, it’s highly subjective anyway.