If you have not been following Jeopardy for the last ten days, you have missed an amazing display of talent and democracy. Ryan Long hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and after becoming Jeopardy champion on May 13th, he has held steady thwarting all attempts to dethrone him. His winning streak is now at 11 games.
 |
| Ryan Long |
What makes Ryan's run so impressive? His profile doesn't fit what the "stereotypical" image many people have of someone who displays a strong intellect. Many contestants on Jeopardy are professors, lawyers, computer programmers, etc. These and many other positions are associated with intelligence and and high-cognitive skills. But Ryan goes against that perception. He is a rideshare driver. Sadly, we live in a society where people dismiss participants in the gig economy as not being "smart enough." Historian Richard Hofstatder observed that for many Americans, "Intellect is resented as a form of power or privilege." The vast number of "reality tv programs" on the air now seems to prove this. Ryan shows that anyone outside of that circle can possess, display and apply intellect. I wrote earlier this year about a wonderful program that highlights the artistic talent of airport workers in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida airport. It is wonderful to see that talent is celebrated in all facets of American society. We need to do much more of it.
I am rooting for him as it is nice to see that someone from outside of academe can display an intellect that far too many people associate with a certain sector of the professional landscape.
No comments:
Post a Comment