What's the problem with:

[AtheistGuy]

1. Elitism:

Spoiler

Elitism is the belief or attitude that some individuals, who form an elite ? a select group of people with intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes ? are those whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern.

Every time I hear it used it's not only used incorrectly; it's used as though it were an insult. Last I checked most people were this in some way. Most of us go to a mechanic when we have trouble with our cars, we go to a dentist when we want to get rid of a cavity, and we go to a surgeon when we need an operation. So why is it that something like this has turned into such a buzz word?

2. Making a human/chimpanzee hybrid: Pretty straightforward. It's not like we're kidnapping some random woman and forcing it so have sex with a chimp. For some reason though "Ethics" prevent this from happening, regardless of how much it could teach us.

3.Ignorance: This one isn't too common but every once in a while I see people scorning others for being "Ignorant" when it comes to a certain topic. Since when was that a crime? Since when was it ever bad not to know about something. Willful ignorance is one thing, there really is no helping that. Bt plain old ignorance? Really?

 

[Hero in a half shell]

Although you have stated the dictionary definition of the word 'Elitism', they way it is used today has a rather different meaning.
It has come to have a lot more focus on the act of looking down on other people, and demeaning them, seeing yourself as superior to them.
While this actually may be true in the case of nuclear physicists and brain surgeons, who are relying on their years of experience and research in the field, it is a bad thing when the people put stock and pride in something that does not provide them with this advantage over other people's views (for example I could say that my opinion on Zero Punctuation's latest review is more valid than yours because I've got a higher post count on this website)
And this misplaced viewpoint usually then leads to exclusion of someone who is perfectly qualified for a role, because they do not fit a certain criteria that 'the elitists' all share and consider really important, like a community commitee having to be members of the local church, or earning a certain amount.

 

[AtheistGuy]

Although you have stated the dictionary definition of the word 'Elitism', they way it is used today has a rather different meaning.
It has come to have a lot more focus on the act of looking down on other people, and demeaning them, seeing yourself as superior to them.
While this actually may be true in the case of nuclear physicists and brain surgeons, who are relying on their years of experience and research in the field, it is a bad thing when the people put stock and pride in something that does not provide them with this advantage over other people's views (for example I could say that my opinion on Zero Punctuation's latest review is more valid than yours because I've got a higher post count on this website)
And this misplaced viewpoint usually then leads to exclusion of someone who is perfectly qualified for a role, because they do not fit a certain criteria that 'the elitists' all share and consider really important, like a community commitee having to be members of the local church, or earning a certain amount.

It seems like a case of Equivocation. If people want to call such acts "Elitism" then that's just fine. But there's another word that says the same thing with no confusion: "Condescension"

 

[SilentCom]

I don't use the word 'elitist' I would typically use the word arrogant.

 

[Batou667]

1. Elitism:

Spoiler

Elitism is the belief or attitude that some individuals, who form an elite ? a select group of people with intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes ? are those whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern.

Every time I hear it used it's not only used incorrectly; it's used as though it were an insult. Last I checked most people were this in some way. Most of us go to a mechanic when we have trouble with our cars, we go to a dentist when we want to get rid of a cavity, and we go to a surgeon when we need an operation. So why is it that something like this has turned into such a buzz word?

I don't think there's anything wrong with elitism, for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Some people are better *at certain things* than other people. And, yes, we live in a meritocracy - you'll be rewarded in life, financially and otherwise, for being good in your chosen field. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS.

I suspect that when most people bandy the word "elitist" around they're actually criticising an aloof or arrogant attitude, or condemning an implicit prejudice, or whatever.

2. Making a human/chimpanzee hybrid: Pretty straightforward. It's not like we're kidnapping some random woman and forcing it so have sex with a chimp. For some reason though "Ethics" prevent this from happening, regardless of how much it could teach us.

This one is a bit weird. Why would this be of benefit?

Assuming this research IS of benefit, then rest assured it has already happened, but the results haven't been publicised.

3.Ignorance: This one isn't too common but every once in a while I see people scorning others for being "Ignorant" when it comes to a certain topic. Since when was that a crime? Since when was it ever bad not to know about something. Willful ignorance is one thing, there really is no helping that. Bt plain old ignorance? Really?

Another lazy catch-all rebuttal that people sling around in debates. You're disagreeing with me on a racial matter? U R RACIST. You have a different opinion on gender issues? U R TEH SEXIST. You're questioning my culture or religion? U R BIGOTTED.

 

[AtheistGuy]

I don't think there's anything wrong with elitism, for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Some people are better *at certain things* than other people. And, yes, we live in a meritocracy - you'll be rewarded in life, financially and otherwise, for being good in your chosen field. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS.

I suspect that when most people bandy the word "elitist" around they're actually criticising an aloof or arrogant attitude, or condemning an implicit prejudice, or whatever.

I think it's high time we introduce people to the word "Condescending".

This one is a bit weird. Why would this be of benefit?

Assuming this research IS of benefit, then rest assured it has already happened, but the results haven't been publicised.

The compatibility of humans with chimpanzees. Along with the creation of a new species, it's psychology , etc.

What was the point of mentioning such research if it isn't published? That's kinda like going up to someone and saying "I have a dog. He's just not anywhere you can find him". What reason would I have to believe you?

 

[Batou667]

What was the point of mentioning such research if it isn't published? That's kinda like going up to someone and saying "I have a dog. He's just not anywhere you can find him". What reason would I have to believe you?

What I'm saying is, that I bet the government does a lot of covert research that they would never admit to due to the questionable ethics.

No proof... just call me cynical (or a conspiracy theorist).

 

[Tupolev]

It seems like a case of Equivocation.

I do not think that word means what you think it means. Equivocation is a logically fallacy whereby someone uses a phrase with more than one meaning in a misleading way.

People who use the "informal" version of "elitism" are simply using a different vocabulary than you are, typically in a context where other people understand what definition is being used (and hence, not being "misleading" at all).

If people want to call such acts "Elitism" then that's just fine. But there's another word that says the same thing with no confusion: "Condescension"

There are arguably connotation issues there. "Arrogant" might be a more accurate term in current common English use, if you want an alternative.

 

[AtheistGuy]

What was the point of mentioning such research if it isn't published? That's kinda like going up to someone and saying "I have a dog. He's just not anywhere you can find him". What reason would I have to believe you?

What I'm saying is, that I bet the government does a lot of covert research that they would never admit to due to the questionable ethics.

No proof... just call me cynical (or a conspiracy theorist).

I will go with conspiracy theorist.

I do not think that word means what you think it means. Equivocation is a logically fallacy whereby someone uses a phrase with more than one meaning in a misleading way.

People who use the "informal" version of "elitism" are simply using a different vocabulary than you are, typically in a context where other people understand what definition is being used (and hence, not being "misleading" at all).

I stand corrected then.