Intelligence Study Links Low I.Q. to Conservatism, Prejudice, Racism

[civil42806]

Wow... I learn more about Ron every day...

Thanks Troll.   I just thought this article would stimulate a little thought on the subject of intelligence vs. inclinations to racism, prejudice, and conservatism.  But no, I'm really not as intelligent as I seem to be.  As I recall, my I.Q. testing showed over 400 however. 

But, seriously, it all seems a little confusing to me, especially when someone relates the conservative thought to a lack of intelligence.  I can more clearly see an association of a lack of a certain kind of intelligence to the racist or one who is excessively prejudiced against others because of ethnicity, color, or religious beliefs.   

Surely one can assume that a racist lacks something in the mind, something that should be there.  And the same goes for the religious bigot who aggressively conveys words or actions against believers of other religions.  Surely these two types cannot be on the high end of the intelligence spectrum.

And to suggest that all conservatives are of less intelligence seems to be unfounded unless one divides the conservatives into at least two types.  In other words, to suggest that the wealthy and successful conservative businessman, who has created a huge empire via hard work and creative business decisions, is of deficient intelligence doesn’t make good sense to me.  Perhaps these types are of the conservative bent not as a consequence of deficient general intelligence, but simply because they want to sit on what they have, to keep things the same because the current scenario has been good to them.  They are watching out for what they have, and thus, conservatism.   

But to suggest, as the Brock University study seems to indicate, that perhaps some of the non-wealthy conservatives might lack on the average some measure of general intelligence might carry some weight.  In my opinion, one’s tendency to be of the conservative bent, could be either a result of one’s lack of ability to perceive and digest some of the complexities involved in arriving at good or correct opinions, which  is a condition perhaps related to a lack of general intelligence, or simply as a result of one’s lack of education.   
 
 

You actually thought your IQ was around 400?   woooooooo, explains why I get so little money when I sell my books at your store

[danem]

Thank you Ocklawaha for the response you made earlier. It said pretty much everything I wanted to say on this subject.

Sometimes I see certain threads here and only think "trolling". (in other words, provocative, divisive) And I don't like to jump in on them as I may get a little too intense, and I know I'll likely meet more of you wonderful people someday.

I will add is that in general, there are people who are both conservative and liberal who tend to be intelligent and thoughtful and have good things to say. They should listen to each other more.

[ronchamblin]

Post From Civil428906

"You actually thought your IQ was around 400?   woooooooo, explains why I get so little money when I sell my books at your store."

No.  I assumed that anyone reading my claim would know, because of the ridiculous number, that it was in total jest.  But..... I had thought, before seeing the curve posted, that the top of the curve went to around 200 instead of 145 or so.  Of course, the intelligence and I.Q. concepts are rather awkward and tricky.  Therefore, I don't put much thought into them.     

[BridgeTroll]

Post From Civil428906

Of course, the intelligence and I.Q. concepts are rather awkward and tricky.  Therefore, I don't put much thought into them.     

Yes they are.  Applying them to those in a any particular group or political party or race is even more awkward and tricky... and dangerous...

[Dog Walker]

The only thing IQ score can predict is likelihood of success in academics.  The correlation there is quite tight.  What it does not seem to predict is success in life no matter if you measure it in money, longevity, or marriage stability.

I have known Mensa members who could not hold any job other than taxi driver and a millionaire construction contractor who wasn't very bright or well educated outside his profession, but methodical, careful and absolutely trustworthy.