From: franklin@ug.cs.dal.ca (Steve Franklin)
Subject: Re: Benifits of Mensa
Organization: Math, Stats & CS, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 13:07:57 GMT

In article <1992Nov20.013602.14403@ucsu.Colorado.EDU> rakowski@rintintin.Colorado.EDU (Calvin) writes:

> (would employers be more
>   likely to hire a member of Mensa, or would he look down on the member 
>   thinking he is a know-it-all?)


Hmm, I think that this closely relates to the previous thread discussing the
anonymity of Mensa. Personally, I have been hesitant to join such groups
because of their reputations, and because of their underlying motivations.
First of all, it is quite well known that groups as such can serve as
supplements to one's ego rather than contributing to the betterment of one's
health (I'm strugglying to be gender neutral here... bare with me).
   As well, there's the question that has to be raised: Just how much will
you get out off Mensa by joining, save fueling your pomposity and
self-confidence. Perhaps the latter is a good thing. Being confident in your
intellect will inevitably affect other properties of your persona. The
question is: in a good way, or bad?
   I have often suspected that knowing one is intelligent can be a downfall.
The school system I went through made no effort to conceal the intelligence
of the "streamlined" kids, and I think this has had its adverse affects. For
instance, the characteristics seen in all well-above-average children who
have been presented their IQ's has been awfully predictable. The children
grow up to be one of two types of individuals:

a) reserved, quiet, passive individuals
   Going through school successfully, no problems with marks
   Almost insecure, perhaps just feeling segregated, aware that they are
truly different from their peers in one or another.
   They are told they are "better" in some ways, yet they don't feel any
better than anyone else, and almost feel like they're missing something.

These groups of people generally seem to have had difficulty with being
"different" to any extent, and consequently have been affected by it. 

The next group would consist mainly of:

b) Outspoken spontaneous, creative, "renegades"

   These individuals have exploited their intelligence in many ways, and
at the same time, relied on it. 
   Their marks are sometimes suffering, but rarely do exceptionally poorly
Their intelligence is their downfall, because they can often rationalize
that being so intelligent, there is little motivation for them to work hard
to keep up. However, their intelligence is also their savior, because they
do pick things up more quickly than others, and in turn learn much more in a
small period of time than others might.
   They are often socially exhuberant, because charisma and charm can often
be tied to intelligence, and the skill of the spoken word. 

This group has been told they are different, interpreted it as better, and
considered themselve "better" from the beginning moment. 
   Whether this is good or bad I leave for you to decide. Some of our best
leaders are probably nurtured from such environments...

Then of course, we have the control group (?), group c. They don't knwo how
smart they are, they're just aware that they learn things quickly, and often
placewell in their achievements.
   Some would argue that that in itself is indicative to the student of a
high inteligence. I would argue against that. Although such students and
individuals realize that they are smart, they have been given no quantative
number to summate their intelligence. Their motivations are purely
self-induced, rather than self-supporting. However, there is a danger in
this group. An intelligent child, who is never made aware of that fact, and
has never been placed in a mentally-nourishing environment will never get
the chance to exercise their mental skills, and consequently, they never
shine as they perhaps had the opportunty to.

Hmm, I could go on and on with this, but realizing that few people read my
articles anyways, I'll conclude...

   Intelligence always begins with a gift, but it can quickly be exploited
like any other resource that Man (okay, I flunked my gender=neutrality)
encounters. Inteligence is an advantage which can be used for good and bad.
Intelligence is an advantage which can be recognized or ignored.
Intelligence is an advantage that is either used or wasted. The final
question which must be answered: does Mensa feed on commercialistic and
egomaniacal principles, or does it condone healthy mental exercise and
challenge that cannot be met elsewhere? I would personally suspect that the
latter is true in most cases. However, I think that if you're living in a
small district, Mensa has little for you to share. You will have little
interaction with other Mensonian (heh, I think that's wrong) members unless
you're willing to shuttle, and will only be content with the shipment of
logic problems, brain teasers, and puzzles that are sent your way. 
   Personally, I also think that employers frown upon Mensa members for
numerous reasons. First of all, you're showing your cards. You're not
letting yoru employer COME to the conclusion that you're intelligent. You're
forcing him to expect that from you. You're saying "My inteligence is found
in no more than 1 in 50 people" (or perhaps better, from case to case).
You're also saying "I am smart, and I know it. You had better know it too".
I prefer to keep my cards covered. I know my boss will come to the
conclusion that I am/am not intellignet on his own. Why tell him that in
advance, forcing him to expect no less. 

ObAnalogy: Have you ever as a kid done the following: Told someone that you
           couldn't get them a birthday present, and noticed their 
           disappointment. Then, you say "oh, I was only kidding", and their
           face appears to light up more brightly than it ever would have 
           if you had simply passed over the gift.

ObInterpretation: Disappointment is always followed by greater pleasure.
This is analogous to my argument for mensa membership. If your boss has no
expectations, he cannot be let down. If your boss has expectations for
a high intelligence, you are risking things. First, he may not agree with
mensa's assessment. Secondly, you may only be as smart as he had
anticipated. No more, no less. Thus, there is no increased excitement for
the individual. Not good if you're trying to look as good as possible for
your employer. So, as I said, let people realize your inner traits for
themselves, and in return - you will be happier for it.

steve
-- 
aasdSteveFranklin-Subliminal Psychology Major.ks;dlasBlueJaysRULEkasdfeahsdbfl
sd;lfaswoq[eBuyMeAQuadra!!!mbnZMXCNdfsba;KdSPAMiuroqiyetIBMSuxiweuryth'ewr;mxn
qpuepriuPartyOneqtuj;,n.,xnc,kjasFlameMeNot!;lkj;lkgkjd;askElvisLivesjhfquweru
zx.cfranklin@ug.cs.dal.ca,sk;t;lrut[Superboy@ac.dal.cav.zx,Physics!eq3rwkh;oHA