From: dpipes@spica.srg (Dave Pipes x4552)
Subject: Re: Mensa (was Re: Kinesiology - how I heard about it)
Organization: just me
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 92 18:18:46 GMT
Followup-To: sci.skeptic

In article <1992Aug21.205320.2080@cco.caltech.edu> keith@cco.caltech.edu (Keith Allan Schneider) writes:
>dpipes@spica.srg (Dave Pipes x4552) writes:
>
>[lots of stuff deleted]
>
>>>The IQ isn't meaning less, but MENSA is.  That is, the IQ has some merit
>>>for some abilities, but MENSA exists only for self-flattery and egotism.
>>>
>>>keith
>>>
>>Oh, this is interesting.  So support groups for those who test well below
>>average on the IQ scale - homes for the retarded, say - exist for what
>>reason?  After all, they are just as different as Mensans vis a vis the
>>IQ test, only in the other direction.
>
>So, are you saying that Mensa is a support group?  Besides, these groups
>encouarge mainstreaming.  Does Mesna do such? 

Mensa sponsors lots of "open" social events...guests welcome...like dinners,
parties, etc.  So I think they do "mainstream".  I have known people to join
because they needed a support group.
>
>>I suspect that you have never had to deal with any of the psychological
>>effects associated with growing up different.  After all, if you test out
>>average, you are surrounded by others who are likely very near you in ability
>>who can understand you and have no reason to think you are "different".
>
>Your suspicions are incorrect.  I grew up in a small, rural town.  I was
>"different."  This, however, did not motivate me to join a group consiting
>of people who enjoy flauting their gifts. 

Where exactly does Mensa state that it exists to allow people to "flaunt their
gifts?"  As far as being different, I am the first to admit that experiences
vary.  Mine was bad.  I guess yours was not as bad.
>
>>Some of us had very different experiences, whether or not we were tested.
>>Sometimes, a group like Mensa can help people adjust to the "real world".
>>Sometimes an IQ test, which was used to single someone out as different,
>>can provide them access to others who have had the same experiences.
>
>I don't think that people should see the results of their IQ test.
>What would be the purpose?  Besides. if you analyze the motivations
>of the people joining the group, I think that you will see self-flattery
>and not usually a desire for emotional support.

I agree with the first part.  A lot of my troubles came from opening up my
scores to teachers and administrators, which very quickly resulted in a 
lot of attention which naturally drew the animosity of some kids.

The second part is a stereotyped reaction.  Most of the members - not all -
that I know did not join for self-flattery.  Just because some did you cannot
ascribe that behavior to all.
>
>>I find your comments very sad and narrow-minded.  I have however seen it
>>many times while growing up, usually just before someone took a swing at
>>me for being different.
>
>>It is good to know that those who have problems adjusting to life because
>>they are highly intelligent should have no place to get together to talk
>>things over.  Thank you for that insight.  
>
>Again, is Mensa a support group?  Does every "intelligent" person have
>"problems adjusting to life?"  You are again making incorrect assumptions
>as to the nature of the Mensa group.

For some people, it is a support group.  This is not an incorrect assumption,
it is a fact, based on the reports of several people that I know.
>
>>		David Pipes
>>who does not belong to Mensa
>
>If you think it is so great, then why not join?
>
>keith
>
Assumptions again.  If I thought it was great, I would join.  I just think it
is useful, for some people.

		David Pipes

Newsgroups: sci.skeptic,talk.origins