An Open Rant on Elitism

Far be it for me to ever try to adulate myself above anyone else. I am no better than the next guy. There are certainly better writers than me, people who are smarter than me, people who have better ideas than me, are better Christians and theologians, etc. But in this world there exists such prejudice and such condescension that it bears being brought down to our level.

Recently I saw a meme picture of a girl sitting on a bed with the caption "Saying you don't read makes you look stupid, not cool."

My first impulse, as a man with mild add/dyslexia who does not relish the thought of a 1000 page novel, was offense. I have often said I don't read for pleasure. I don't enjoy it because I read at speaking speeds, and have read far too many books for school. I am burned out and simply no longer find enjoyment in the chore of reading fiction for recreation. I read to educate myself and to keep up with current events because it is the best way to do so. But it isn't something that I enjoy. And that does not make me stupid or even appear stupid.

  Someone pointed out that it was probably intended for youth who believe it is more cool not to read than it ever would be to read. While this may have been the original intent, that is not how it comes across.

It comes across as yet another condescending remark from a reader elite that is constantly ruining movies for the rest of us.

No I don't think that all people who read recreationally are elitist or condescending. But certainly it seems that the outspoken hoard of them certainly are. How many times have we heard "the book was much better than the movie" ringing in our ears until they bleed with disappointment in all of Hollywood's film adaptations? In my opinion, all too many.

It is even worse when this condescension comes from a fellow believer. Because Christ taught us to be humble. And elitism and condescension are the antithesis of humility. The one person in human history with the bragging rights to condescend to the rest of us was and remains Christ himself. And yet when he corrects us he does so out of love and humility. When he tells us to go and sin no more it is after having not thrown the first stone.

In His infinitely wise and immortal words, I encourage you all to go and do likewise.