Its like intelligence is regarded as elitist, conceited, cowardly, subversive, even effeminate. Any evidence of intelligence not applied to commercial pursuits is discouraged by the culture and its folklore. Look at the stereotypes in our popular media, the nerd, the dweeb, the mad scientist, the socially inept and physically unattractive "brain" with the stereotypical frail physique, clumsy mannerisms and thick glasses. Intellectuals are often described as' "Smart, but with no common sense.", as if the two were mutually exclusive.

This is obvious and disturbing to people of other cultures who are often indoctrinated from birth of the value of the life of the mind, of education and culture. I picked up on it in high school. My cousin, who came from Cuba at age 15 remarked upon it immediately upon arriving. It is so obvious, except to Americans themselves.

Still, Americans aren't intrinsically any dumber or smarter than anyone else, and the best of us soon learn the rules of the game and pick our friends accordingly, as well as learn the way to behave to avoid social ostracism, if not outright bullying.

I believe I know the reason for this. From day one, settlers and immigrants to "the colonies" arrived here after centuries of economic and social oppression by a landed (and well educated) aristocracy. But the New World offered economic opportunity (particular property) to all social classes, and there was relatively less political bullying by an aristocratic elite. The outward signs of aristocracy (fancy manners, education, cultured accents) were rejected, even by those who came by them naturally. In England, the upper classes had posh accents; here, people tended to speak in gutter or rural patois, even if they knew better. To someone who speaks good English, but was brought up with another tongue in rural Dixie, this is painfully obvious. You'd be surprised how quickly I can slip into a redneck accent when I have to.

There is no shortage of smart people in America, they've just learned to keep it to themselves, and their social influence is more restricted. Those who choose to exercise their influence over others quickly learn to hide the outward signs of whatever intelligence they may have.