Intellectual Elite

By Mensan
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 11:14 AM CDT

Growing up in New Iberia as an intelligent person (as measured by IQ) was difficult to say the least. We're assaulted on all sides by a public that groups intelligent folks in a pool labeled "others" and treats them with suspicion. In my case, the only way I could find a decent job was by dumbing down my resume, pretending to like sports and lying about going to church.

I think it's time for us to withdraw from the general public. Is there any town in the Acadiana area that is ruled by the intellectual elite? If not, let's discuss our options for an exclusive migration and incorporation of a new town. I can't be the only person wanting to abandon a public that has abandoned us.

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Mensan wrote on Sep 4, 2009 9:10 AM:

" D. Hertz,

Sorry I couldn't resist! "

D. Hertz wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:07 PM:

" Hey it worked! "

Mensan wrote on Sep 2, 2009 5:58 AM:

" " Where are you Mensan? Maybe he is curled up in a fetal position having an intellectual crisis. These self-proclaimed "brainy" people normally have some other difficiencies. "

Oh D. Hertz, we aren't all lucky enough to be as average as you. "

D. Hertz wrote on Aug 30, 2009 6:41 AM:

" Where are you Mensan? Maybe he is curled up in a fetal position having an intellectual crisis. These self-proclaimed "brainy" people normally have some other difficiencies. "

Thomas Aquinas wrote on Aug 27, 2009 6:58 PM:

" Perhaps Mensan is not really wanting to complain about being in the "High IQ" minority. I perceive non-guilt by association with the High IQ minority as a pre-text. That's really what its all about, now, Mensan? "

missm70538 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 6:38 PM:

" Well, you certainly got them to bite! Although I feel we are devolving and it's time for intelligent people to take a stand other than on forums, of course we all know it takes a mixture to make the world function. I also find it interesting you brought out their angst so easily:) Is it just that they need something to argue about or can they not see that it takes those that can rise above to do so? I found your post quite amusing and an interesting social experiment. Shall we weed out all the unfit, Hitler? lol. "

Sayonara wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:59 PM:

" D. Hertz
" I find it hard to believe that there are no posts to this thread. What happened, the DI is censoring again? "

Maybe people took his advice and moved away.

I moved out of New Iberia at 16, for pretty much the same reasons. You can't be part of a community that has made it clear you're not welcome.

Does anyone know, past or present, of any elected official in New Iberia that had a genius level IQ and was out of the closet about it? "

Bill Dance wrote on Aug 26, 2009 6:52 PM:

" P. T. Barnum would love it... "

wayne wrote on Aug 26, 2009 6:40 PM:

" To end this blog...ONE of the most intellectial elite has died...Kennnedy lived like you would never believe(cajun) in HyanIis Port Masse ecaped murduer(name), testified his nephew was inocent of rape...and you thought politians were bad Louisana was rotten. Wake up . The Kennnedys were the ELITE..they have NO idea what the shrimers are going through..... "

D. Hertz wrote on Aug 26, 2009 3:00 PM:

" I find it hard to believe that there are no posts to this thread. What happened, the DI is censoring again? "

Analyzer wrote on Aug 26, 2009 2:48 PM:

" That says alot about your integrity....dumbing down, pretending, lying. Perhaps your image is projecting a lack of self confidence. "

Translator wrote on Aug 24, 2009 12:44 PM:

" " "Who is John Galt?" I remember he had the answer. "

Nice one "

Translator wrote on Aug 24, 2009 12:43 PM:

" "Gawd! Just when I think it can't get any worse, along comes Bill Dance...on a par with the so-called reverend and L for being obnoxious. This forum is a trip. I used to post on the Times Picayune Sound Off forum a few years ago...now, that's the big time. They would eat your lunch."

I'm being outnumbered. On this other forum, more people agree with me. That forum is superior to this one. "

Farrow wrote on Aug 24, 2009 11:47 AM:

" >Who is John Galt?" I remember
>he had the answer. "

Objectivism is a cult, or at the very least cultish. I say forget Ayn Rand and her "philosophy" and think for oneself. "

Farrow wrote on Aug 24, 2009 11:46 AM:

" Mensan, what you are referring to is "anti-intellectualism," which to me means a sort of willful ignorance. That is, the view that "I'm poorly educated and proud of it!" It runs hand-in-hand with the view that "Anyone who doesn't make a living with their hands isn't worth anything." My advice: Just ignore such sentiments. I myself refuse to dumb-down my speech or anything else so that lesser educated people won't feel uncomfortable around me. I personally don't hang out with huntin'-fishin' good ol' boys, but why would I want to. I'd rather read. "

LibertyBelle wrote on Aug 24, 2009 9:33 AM:

" "Who is John Galt?" I remember he had the answer. "

neworleanscajun wrote on Aug 22, 2009 10:30 PM:

" Me what, Mensan? I was educated by the Jesuits.

Gawd! Just when I think it can't get any worse, along comes Bill Dance...on a par with the so-called reverend and L for being obnoxious. This forum is a trip. I used to post on the Times Picayune Sound Off forum a few years ago...now, that's the big time. They would eat your lunch. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 22, 2009 8:59 PM:

" neworleanscajun:

No, you. "

Bill Dance Outdoors wrote on Aug 22, 2009 7:14 PM:

" Forgot to point out one thing Mensan, you have omitted one big "common bond" of the masses. The knack of vowing, so to speak, the sun sets and rises over Tiger Stadium with their ONLY bond to said stadium is being able to use their intellegence to recognize it from the I-10 bridge. Like lemmings over the cliff.

Lemmings (for commons who don't know) are known for periodic mass migrations that sometimes result in mass drownings.

These remarks should help you Mensan stimulate the brains of the outstanding intelligential citizenry residing within our fine urbanize community. "

Bill Dance Fishin wrote on Aug 22, 2009 6:45 PM:

" Nice job Mensan!!!!!!!!

Hook. line and sinker...lol. "

toofless ignant Cajun wrote on Aug 22, 2009 4:53 PM:

" Is dat you BIL ?

LOL !!

My highly intelligent, super college educated BIL thinks we Cajuns are SO beneath him yet he chooses to live amongst these so called low class folks.

BTW BIL ? No one likes you because you don't bathe and you're an arrogant fool.
Your photographic memory ran out of film and you never shut up ! You're rude and boring.

Don't like it here ? Get to steppin' !! "

Intelligent Tester wrote on Aug 22, 2009 4:09 PM:

" Interesting post and replies. I have discovered through many years of testing people that "intelligent" and "smart" are not synonyms. "

MR CLEAN wrote on Aug 22, 2009 1:38 AM:

" This is obviously a farce, and since it's 'leading the league' in comments - I guess you could say things are actually 'pretty swell' in New Iberia right now.

I mean, if this garners more current attention than any other topic.....things must not be TOO bad around here. Huh? "

to pointless wrote on Aug 21, 2009 7:05 PM:

" Why are gays in New Iberia one of your list of issues? "

neworleanscajun wrote on Aug 21, 2009 5:48 PM:

" No, Mensan. That doesn't fly. Not all of the more intelligent/educated posters sound like you...and, BTW, I left out another alter ego, the infamous joker, "Pot Kettle."
I think your scenario of setting up a Pavlovian experiment on the forum is far fetched and kind of amusing. However, your politics are still wrong pretty much across the board and your lack of logical skills is dreadful.
If you ever want to meet any REALLY smart people, introduce yourself to some Jesuits. That should give you some humility, which is the beginning of real wisdom. "

Grandma wrote on Aug 21, 2009 2:02 PM:

" I remember reading somewhere that there are five kinds of intelligence. Maybe you have not received you full share. "

Percy Verance wrote on Aug 21, 2009 12:20 PM:

" Mensan,
Why don't you follow your dreams and move to Berkeley, CA. I think that you would fit in there. You know, liberal and full of yourself. "

Wow wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:57 AM:

" Good luck with the book and keep me posted. We certainly have our fair share of characters in the forum, but don't stop here. Hopefully you're following up with some true field work to build complete profiles. If they end up being real reflections that go beyond mere caricatures, that, to me, would be more provacative. Unless it's a comedy...then make us as ugly as you want. "

IHIQS wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:44 AM:

" Mensan,
Us intelligent have all moved to River Ranch in Lafayette, for as you well know, we use our great intellect to garner wealth, then show it off. Another thing you may not know is that us River Ranch society elite only pretend to be republican. We're all really democrats!
With you Mensan score we will let you rent one of the 1-BR apartments, but you must be an IHIQS member to buy one of the better houses... "

D. Hertz wrote on Aug 21, 2009 10:49 AM:

" Shouldn't your alleged intelligence make you smart enough to learn how to deal with us common folk?

Some good group therapy may prove beneficial to you. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 21, 2009 10:19 AM:

" To Wow,

Meg and Tom recognized something was up, but you were the first to put up a valid rebuttal, so you deserved the punchline.

To answer your question, yes I do write occasionally. It's mostly fiction, and I get tons of inspiration from the characters here. My next book will be based on a town very much like New Iberia and I want to make sure I include a full spectrum of characters.

These comments are a gold mine. "

Outraged wrote on Aug 21, 2009 10:19 AM:

" Mensan: Move to washington D.C. ! You will be right at HOME!!! "

Mensan wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:45 AM:

" Hertz:

It's only delusion if it's not true.

To Tom:

Just a couple of comments before yours was the punchline. Kudos for catching that.

2 Cents:

I never expected sympathy. I expected derision from all but the elite. From them I expected admonition.

neworleanscajun:

As I stated before, there are hundreds of people in New Iberia with genius level IQ. Some of us lean right and some of us lean left, but we all get labeled "liberal" on this forum. It's no surprise we "sound" alike. "

Peg wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:31 AM:

" Look heah' missa mensa , you done got da' peeples all rilled up. Dey gonna git reel mad , and den what gonna happen? Dey be riotin' an tearin up da' west end. Stop makin' da' peeples mad. "

ScubaGirl wrote on Aug 21, 2009 8:30 AM:

" The first time I read your post I thought that it was filled with arrogance, but after having reread it, I think I agree with you. Why is it that to interact with people you have to begin at such a basic level, aka sports, the latest tv shows, and other meaningless chit chat. It seems that you have to get to know most people to see if they are intelligent or not because most people hide it or fake it. The most intelligent conversations I have had with people are close friends, never new acquaintances. Sad really...... "

WHS teacher wrote on Aug 21, 2009 7:52 AM:

" You people have WAY to much time on your hands......read a book.... "

Wow wrote on Aug 21, 2009 6:35 AM:

" A two part response...must've struck a nerve. I know your original post is a baited hook, but felt it might be probable that you were a confused youngster who is looking for guidance in the wrong place in the wrong way. Apologies for being so presumptious. Thanks for the strange reminder that brilliance can take many forms. I'm curious to know if you've ever written anything outside of this forum...you know...something of real consequence? It would be a waste if you didn't. "

pointless wrote on Aug 21, 2009 2:20 AM:

" What does this have to do with sky high crime in New Iberia, bad roads, dumb schools, crooked politicians, dirty cops, sky high taxes on water, sky high property taxes, saggy pants, racism, clown show for city council, speeding, circus for parish council, gays in NI, CHS going down drain, profanity in public places, loud obscene car music, barking dogs, insane neighbors, or anything else nobody in Iberia Parish cares about one little bit? "

Tom wrote on Aug 20, 2009 7:55 PM:

" Come on Mensan. Many people fell for it. When do we get the punch line? "

My 2 Cents wrote on Aug 20, 2009 6:50 PM:

" Mensan, how smart is it that instead of gaining sympathy you get a dressing down? It is not clearly stated whether you go to church or if you just "say" you go? (It was not clear from the post). How lonely it must be at the top to exalt one's self above common folk. Pride is a sin. Perhaps you can make money tutoring? Surely one of such intelligence would be overly qualified for the common-folk jobs. Managers and higher-ups usually shy away from people they find intimidating and who might not be able to remember "their place." "

D. Hertz wrote on Aug 20, 2009 6:04 PM:

" Mensan, get some help. Your comments are suggestive of delusion. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 20, 2009 5:37 PM:

" To Wow:

One final thing. Notice the general theme of the responders on this thread. The arrogance of the responders is much more staggering than my own self admitted arrogance - they simply are not aware of it.

To think that their limited perspective provides them with the tools necessary to enlighten those in the upper tier of human mental capacity is the utter height of presumptuousness.

Of course I'm being provocative. Of course the posts are dripping with arrogance. It's a fly trap. Just take a look below. "

neworleanscajun wrote on Aug 20, 2009 5:36 PM:

" I agree with "Seen It All." "Mensan" sounds suspiciously like "Atheist," who sounds suspiciously like "LL Onjou." The common denominator is overwhelming arrogance.

Possibly the reason you had a hard time getting a job is that you have an insufferable attitude and are full of yourself. Perhaps you should google "Narcissistic Personality Order" to see if you have some of these characteristics. Understanding your problem might help you get along with others better, resulting in a more pleasant life for yourself. Good luck. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 20, 2009 5:25 PM:

" To Wow,

The point of this exercise is to see who responds. It's entertainment and a bit of enlightenment, that's all.

Yes, I do have a high opinion of myself. I don't find arrogance as repulsive as you seem to. Most of the people who post here make wildly presumptuous claims. I'm simply aware of mine.

Of course there are people smarter than I am. Somewhere between .5 to 1.5% of the population to be precise. That's hundreds of people in New Iberia alone. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 20, 2009 5:06 PM:

" Bubba,

The Mensan exam does not test for IQ past 140 or so. It is impossible to achieve the "third highest score". It is only possible to ace the test.

Someone lied to you. "

KH wrote on Aug 20, 2009 4:42 PM:

" Geez, Mensan, you sound like one of my sisters talking about the high I.Q.. There were 9 nine of us kids in the family and I guess she thinks she is the only brilliant one. She has been married 4 times. Being smart is not the problem. Being arrogant about your intteligence is. "

Barrack wrote on Aug 20, 2009 3:50 PM:

" attaboy Barney Frank!! "

Lydia wrote on Aug 20, 2009 3:39 PM:

" The intellectual elite are in Lydia...move there. "

Wow wrote on Aug 20, 2009 3:37 PM:

" Let's see...you want to escape to a place where intellectuals can co-exist in harmony without concerns about social abandonement or popularity contests. A theoretical Eutopia which only allows people with IQs over 140. It sounds like a great idea, but when it boils down to it, you're running away. What makes you think people with high IQ's will actually get along well together? You have a very high opinion of yourself and that's somewhat repulsive...don't you think you'll run into someone with the same personality in that environment? They might actually be smarter than you! GASP! "

Bubba wrote on Aug 20, 2009 3:29 PM:

" And MY whole point, which your IQ has not helped you grasp, is that your IQ is a misleading indicator of your intelligence. I achieved the third highest score ever on Mensa's exam, but refused to join. I don't know how the ability to solve meaningless word, shape, and number puzzles translates into intelligence. And furthermore, I don't know how intelligence translates into being smart. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:57 PM:

" "Can you say "would you like some fries with that?". I bet you can do it bright boy just give it a try and fulfill your destiny!"

I'm not complaining about a lack of a job. I happen to be financially successful, rich even for New Iberia standards. It's easy to get a job once you pretend to be stupid, provided you aren't stupid to begin with.

My point was that intelligent people, like any minority in New Iberia, will be more successful if they can stay in the closet about it. "

Percy Verance wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:34 PM:

" Here's an idea. Why don't you move to Berkeley, CA. I think that you would fit in great over there. You know, liberal and full of themselves. "

D. Hertz wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:33 PM:

" Hey Mensa man, tell us you are not some stinky slob with bad breath, bad b.o., smelly clothes, etc, like Bubba says. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:24 PM:

" "I'd rather be dumb, clean, and employable."

That's my whole point. "

me wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:23 PM:

" Oh mensman I do not think you are hiding it at all, I really think you do not have it to start with. Prove me wrong and go to Lafayette and get a job that shows us all how smart you really are. There are always jobs in the house cleaning and food preparation industries. Can you say "would you like some fries with that?". I bet you can do it bright boy just give it a try and fulfill your destiny! "

John Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:14 PM:

" To Menson,
Would you happen to be Uhl-----Got You! "

Phyllis Romero wrote on Aug 20, 2009 12:59 PM:

" "Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself."(Ecclesiastes 7:16) "

Bubba wrote on Aug 20, 2009 12:18 PM:

" The last Mensan I knew did not possess the common sense required to even manage his basic personal hygenic needs. He had several degrees in subjects ranging from Russian history to philosophy, yet he could not hold even the most menial of jobs due to his unkempt appearance and odor. I'd rather be dumb, clean, and employable. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 20, 2009 10:07 AM:

" "Please give us a break. Do you really think we would not hire you because you are so smart."

Yes, that is the reality. In New Iberia, the only way it's OK to be intelligent is to hide it, as clearly evidenced by the responses here. People really don't like it when they're reminded of their place on the intelligence curve, employers most of all. "

Mensan wrote on Aug 20, 2009 10:00 AM:

" " There's also this thing called intellectual snobbery. "

Oh I agree, and I'll be the first to admit it. I am an intellectual snob. Let me put it this way. The distance in IQ between the normal Joe Blow and a mentally challenged person is about 30-40 IQ points. The distance in IQ between folks like myself and the normal Joe Blow is the same. Imagine living in a city where 90% of the population is mentally challenged and you might get a glimpse of what I'm talking about. "

ZZZZzzzzz .... snore wrote on Aug 20, 2009 9:28 AM:

" Did someone say something intelligent? I read the first line and fell asleep....sorry.

Get a life and stop trying to put people down because you've developed an inferiority complex from being "too smart"....PUHLEEEZ! What are you? 16?

Go on a date...have some fun...learn to dance. Living life thinking you're too smart fo the people around you can end up lonely...and the more you do it, the worse it'll get. Either learn to deal with the fact that you're not as smart as you think you are, or move away and find out the hard way. "

SEEN It ALL wrote on Aug 20, 2009 9:08 AM:

" You sound like Atheist!!! "

wiseone wrote on Aug 20, 2009 8:51 AM:

" Please dont leave New Iberia. Stay here and save us from ourselves. "

Barney Frank wrote on Aug 20, 2009 8:04 AM:

" I know exactly what you mean!!!! "

Phyllis Romero wrote on Aug 19, 2009 10:32 PM:

" There's also this thing called intellectual snobbery. "

D. Hertz wrote on Aug 19, 2009 10:15 PM:

" Why don't you use all of this alleged intelligence to find your way up north somewhere? Maybe California wants another arrogant, pompous fruitcake among them. "

Chris Wilson wrote on Aug 19, 2009 6:28 PM:

" Can't speak for Acadiana, but Washington D.C. is ruled by the "intellectual elite" (or so they believe themselves to be)...

How pompous of you to assume you are so much better than those of us of "average" intelligence...you won't find such a place as you seek. It doesn't exist. If you were REALLY that intelligent, you would have realized that and not have written a letter filled with such arrogance.

Chris Wilson
smart AND intelligent, as defined by life and IQ. "

Taxpayer wrote on Aug 19, 2009 5:56 PM:

" Can you say, it's hard to be humble!!!
Hope this is not to simple. "

Tom wrote on Aug 19, 2009 5:36 PM:

" Had to read your post three times before I realized your intent. It will be interesting to see how others respond to your elitist comments.

Can’t wait. "

Big Daddy wrote on Aug 19, 2009 3:35 PM:

" Please give us a break. Do you really think we would not hire you because you are so smart. Probably just a smart donkey. (can't say a--) "

Truthful wrote on Aug 19, 2009 2:50 PM:

" If you are so smart (as measured by IQ), why are you coming off as being so stupid? I don't like sports. I attend church regularly. I have always submitted truthful resume infomation. For some reason, I have never had trouble finding employment.
Maybe if you were not such a sanctimonious jerk, you could find a job.
I have a great idea: why don't you withdraw into the middle of a cane field somewhere? "

MeMeG wrote on Aug 19, 2009 2:40 PM:

" You are to funny!!! I love it!!! "

Ted wrote on Aug 19, 2009 1:58 PM:

" I'll be the first to bite ...... Who the Heck do you thinkyou are? Another of the self-appointed illumaniti? It's not the smart people who arouse suspicion , it's the "in crowd" Clementine bunch who thinks they are better than the unwashed masses . Some of the smartest people I know are cr@ppy humans. Take your big brain and..... use that big imaganation ! "

artabr wrote on Aug 19, 2009 1:57 PM:

" With a high and mighty opinion of yourself such as your's, I can see why you would be so assailable.
You might want to get off your high horse, I think the altitude and hypoxia are effecting your thinking.
Just a thought. "

Forrest Gump wrote on Aug 19, 2009 1:31 PM:

" I once dated a woman who was a brunette. After a while I discovered she had blonde roots (quite a switch from the norm). The reason was, as an attractive blonde people supposedly automatically assumed she was dumb. You may have a legit complaint, but many people have problems. This guy is overweight and can't shed the weight, this guy is short, another is just plain ugly. Having to go through life with a high I.Q. is not going to garner much sympathy. Most smart people go out of their way to show it, If someone does-that-and-then-receives-backlash,-well-that-sounds-like-a-personal-problem. "

jd wrote on Aug 19, 2009 12:28 PM:

" To Mensan; if you are so intellectual, why do you only have or could find a decent job. Why are you not a doctor saving lives, or a lawyer fighting for people’s rights, or an engineer inventing
the next best power source that is cheap and clean. At the very minimum you should have career, but as you stated you have a decent JOB. I agree it is time for you to withdraw. "

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