Why are most Geniuses, particularly in the worl of art so shrewd and stuck up?

Question

I used to dismiss the notion that smart people and people with talent were lacking in the social graces department, but since browsing the internet and joining various forums serving the art community and the writing community in-particular, I have come to realize that it is profoundly true. The comments they make toward amateurs and "newbies" in general are completely full of disdain and unnecessary.

I've joined three writing workshops so far and one of them is built on a level system which allows a crew of moderators to debase newcomers who don't meet their "standards" of writing on a regular basis. They rationalize such behavior by stating that it's a workshop and it's all in the name of critique; however I have noticed that the only helpful and thorough critique is reserved for the highest two forums which consist of a conclave of friends and moderators, and the lowest forum is what receives most of the insulting comments. I find this illogical and counter-productive.

I am not saying that none of these comments are helpful, I am saying that the way they are dished out, the tone they are given, and the insults that they contain are not only unnecessary, but downright rude and often times discouraging. People who want to brush up on their skills, learn a new artform, or improve their work do not deserve that type of treatment. I understand that fluffy, one-liner

comments are just as useless, but someone who's working hard and trying to learn deserves better than some pre-written insulting c**p.

Answer 1

Because a lot of people with an obvious knack for anything, especially something artistic or intellectual, suffer from something I call The Rope Syndrome.

The name is derived from Alfred Hitchcock's The Rope (aduh lol), in which two highly intellectual young men kill a young boy and feel that they are innocent and that their actions were justified simply because they are "better", they are "the elite".

Elitism is very common, and we all suffer from it to a degree.  For instance, I am quite talented at bass guitar and cello, so I often find myself critiquing new musicians harder than I should.  But the difference between being a bloated ego-monger and simply an experienced critic is to at least realize, if not prevent, when you are being unfairly harsh.

P.S. it's as my grandfather always said, "the masses are asses"

Answer 2

great question...

it is true that quite a few geniuses in the art fields can seem or appear to be rude as all heck for no apparent reason at all.

to a few I have spoken with they are harsher on "newbies" <as you put it> because they see a potential in so many, but the heart/soule and/or hunger - drive - is not really there

-- if you think about it.... it seems mean... but? if you see someone's poetry, prose or art of any form and are on a forum that is for those who want to be in that field professionally and the work is "ok" nice but you -- another artist who has submitted for publishing, and/or are possibly already selling your works -- you see it is lacking... and you know how tough editors are... you want to see this person go thru life with your "kind" words of just nicely pointing out the parts "you Think to be lacking" or firmly, resoundly and empathetically let this person not suffer; telling them just where their words are naive, amaturish or lacking?

>>> secret time<<<<

an editor who turns a "wannabe" -- "newbie" away telling that person harshly, abruptly and with no noticable heart-- one who says in no uncertain terms "your work is decent, but you will never be a professional" is weeding out the hacks, wannabes and ones who have a talent and great outlet... but are not NOT the professionals.. not the "true" artists by any stretch of the imagination

those who slump

who turn away

walk and take another path

do not look down at the editor

and think or say

-what do you know-

or

-so you say-

those are not the genius

--they are wannabes, hacks-

-editors-

-peers to be too-

take the newbies

put them thru

the mill

sawblade

run the gambit-gamut

hmm

-- not the right word--

more like

the hazing

to enter the house

--world of illusion--

a place where you

--are king--

and or queen

to be a picasso

or davinci

or cruise

the next for the crown

-any top artist in field wears-

they went down

the same

-self made path-

and know

it was in

the seemingly

heartless

manner of others

in the field

and editors as well

that cut them

from

the flock

-- I am this work--

it is my curse

-- the pen could not be put away--

and every stinging word

critiquing

and every barb slung at their

heart and soule

-- your work is that after all--

built that haughtiness

prepared them for

not just

a feast

but for

the famine

too

those that went before you? know that the road is hard and should - can - only be tread on by those who are writers, artists in heart and soule <-- not cuz a cousin, mom/dad, teacher or friend said "hey that's kewl... you should go pro"

everyone can write... everyone can draw/paint and act a part <we do that daily> not everyone has the ability to reach inside and show you who or what you are where you should head what you can be... or how the world is from anothers view... not all can reach the "you" that is you

-- they want to weed those out --

pay your dues <-- basic words?

you put blinders on and

the words hurt less...

or at least push you to your best

and you realize that not always

are great artists

great writers

the geniuses

we think they are

-- just people with no 'couthe' at all --

the brilliant can also be

as rude and crude

as you or me

in nature the spider appears to be the same way --- heartless cold the way it kills/eats <even to mates> but...looking from another view; it is swift, clean and over in a flash.. and painlessly too.. and so is merciful

i hope this has been of assistance to you

much luck

-- in all you set to do--

Answer 3

The possesion of a talent in one area does not confer an automatic talent in another. In other words, just because someone is a great poet, painter, athlete or actor it does not automatically mean they know how to tie their shoelaces or use a knife and fork in polite company.

Manners are important, the very lubricant of life, and unfortunately many of the so-called 'elite' possess very little and use their positions to bolster their own egos. They are, quite simply, humans, with all the frailties of the rest of us.

All we mere mortals can do is to learn to recognise a jerk when we see one and ignore them.

(I agree with you that the art world does have a preponderance of utter plonkers, though! The funniest thing I saw was a program on television some time ago where they got a chimp to paint a load of canvasses on a bike and then invitied a roomful of art critics to the first exhibition of a NEW ARTIST. Their faces when the truth was revealed was priceless.)

Answer 4

First of all I must make it clear - I am a long way from being a genius, and I don't call myself a Poet...but, I do spend time critiquing 'newbies' work.

I have to take great care to not step on some-one's dreams, whilst also pointing out that their recent offering is lacking in many ways.

Too many young people seemed to surround themselves with 'yes-men' and friends who say...this is brilliant, make sure you copyright it so no-one will steal it etc.  This gives the burgeoning writer a false sense of worth.

When I began writing poetry....in my 50's I used to submit my poems for inspection to a friend who was a great reader of poetry....she would pull my them to pieces with great ferocity, pointing out cliches, forced rhymes, boring subject choice, whatever.  But I valued every word.  Yes, I felt hurt and sometimes demoralised.....but, now when I look at my early offerings, she was spot on and so right...thank goodness the Internet wasn't around then as I might have posted my dribble and be regretting it ever afterwards.

I don't usually critique something which is really awful as it would demoralise the writer too much. If other critics reason in the same way, a poem which has received rough treatment may have been singled out because the writer felt that, despite its flaws it had merit...ie that the poster had potential.

Answer 5

I suppose it is possible to develop an inflated opinion of oneself I you are continually lauded for your gift.  Then you act the part, feel yourself better than your fellow man, and act condescendingly.  You see, I tutor and teach writing workshops occasionally, and I have seen a very wide range of talents indeed.  The approach I take is that unless I can improve the writing of each person in that group, then I have failed, regardless of my own talents as a writer.  Yes, teaching indeed teaches the one teaching also; it teaches humility.  As for those in the art world, I profess to understand them very little.  I write out of necessity and write poetry for my own amusement, not because I am convinced that I will be raised up and placed on a pedestal next to some immortal master.  If we would only stop and think that our desire to be loved, to be appreciated, resides in the breast of every living person, we would I think approach them with kindness, with empathy, with understanding.  We are all in this together...

Let me add that occasionally those who consider themselves geniuses, when they encounter the real thing, become infuriated and post drivel that is even more derivative and inane than their usual half-baked offerings.  They have been made aware of their real place in the world, right along side the rest of us, and they don't appreciate being awakened from their dream...

Answer 6

   They believe they are advancing Literacy. If it makes you mad you'll improve, or shows you that you don't know a word, a thought, an ideal.

or else they are just egotisical jurks, that get their kicks in making other feel less and them all that. As for me a point is a point no matter how you arrive there, but i like the level im on but maybe they're right i could improve, but just don't make me mad to do it, because I won't.

There really no need for too much technical writing where u have to take a translating course to figure out a simple statement. Although if we didn't try an improve in liceracy we would all still be reading "Watch Spot Jump and Jane watched Spot too. Where should liceracy end. and aren't their new ways of conveying a message. idk wht do u thx?