ENGL 101 Harvard University Hidden Intellectualism Response Paper

After reading Gerald Graff’s “Hidden Intellectualism,” (attached) compose a paragraph in response to a point he makes in the context of his overall argument. Be sure to clarify the point he makes by citing a relevant passage from the essay in your paragraph and explain its meaning with an example to illustrate. If you have an actual example, great; however, you can give an hypothetical example as long as you provide enough detail. The key is always in the details when you illustrate.

Here’s an example (no, you can’t use this quote):

Gerald Graff claims that “everyone knows some young person who is impressively ‘street smart’ but does poorly in school” (248); he’s not wrong. Not so long ago there was the universal belief that hyperactive children just didn’t have the brains for concentrated and effective thinking. They would be destined for a future in some minimum wage career; just push them through the education system long enough for a high school diploma and then shove them out the door. Kirk Williams walked out on his own before he could finish. The problem was he knew he couldn’t finish. Between the dyslexia that hindered his ability to read and his ADHD that made it impossible for him to concentrate long enough to read the gobbledegook in textbooks, he felt like a complete failure. Yet outside the confines of a formal education, he was remarkably astute with electronics and mechanics. With nothing but a curiosity to try and no teacher looming over his shoulder, he rigged a push-button system that turned on the stereo, played records, and opened the bedroom door. He also rigged the radio to play just by sitting on the bed – spare parts, no manuals, no instructor. Just the ardent drive of a 15-year-old kid eager to figure out how shit worked. That curiosity developed a knowledge and a sense of self-assurance that would enable him to start a car repair business on his own in his garage. Three miles from that house, he later bought a commercial property and expanded his business and even bought another one. Today, the property alone is worth two million dollars. Kirk may have done poorly in school, but he was certainly “street smart” enough to still use his head.