Intelligence leading to stupidity...

I'm not sure what causes this phenomenon, but I've witnessed in my years of work in a higher education institution that the more "book smart" many people are, the less common sense the appear to possess. Now,
I can't claim that everyone with a graduate degree has this affliction, because they don't. I'm unclear as to the life circumstances that cause individuals of extreme intelligence to so completely lack the very basic of appropriate human behavior. But in my personal experience in this area of work, one either has a "normal" level of common sense, or you just don't have the slightest clue about social maturity and appropriate behavior.

I wish I had some answers. This immaturity can range from slightly rude and inappropriate comments to outright emotional and psychological abuse. It can be difficult at times to stay calm and not take the abuse personally, which would be allowing these individuals to destroy your confidence in yourself. Sometimes it really hurts, and they don't appear to be aware of it, or if they are aware, they don't care.

I've never met any other group of individuals with such an over-inflated ego. The comments they tend to make are centered around getting their way at any cost. Your feelings are of no concern. They make unbelievably hurtful and inappropriate (verbally and in writing which can be sent to entire work units). I hate to say that my four year old son shows more maturity and empathy than these grown adults. It's completely and utterly absurd and unacceptable.

The worst part of all of this, is that because of these individuals positions, no one seems to stand up and say ENOUGH! I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TREAT ME WITH SUCH DISRESPECT. However, I've made a decision; after years of not confronting these individuals when they choose me as their unwilling target, I'm going to stand up (figuratively speaking) and say enough. I know I do a good job, and I have every right to demand respect from those I work with.

It's so true that you teach people how to treat you. By remaining silent, I allow these individuals to chip away at my self-confidence. This leads to poor quality work, less enjoyment in what I do, low morale, and unwillingness to do anything to assist these individuals with work related issues, and heightened levels of anxiety. I've had enough. I certainly have no intention of lowering myself to their level with petty insults and temper tantrums. These appear to be their area of expertise. But I will stand up and let it be known when they cross the line with me. I deserve respect. I work hard and try to be open to change and new ideas. I don't always succeed, but I always do my best. So the next time I'm verbally attached by the overly large children I work with, I need to remember, this is their problem not mine. I need to see these attacks for what they really are, a very sad person's attempt at getting attention. When I think of it in these terms it makes me curious as to what happened in their lives that they believe this is how you get what you want. Could it be cultural? Were they treated in a similar fashion? Were they only taught to respond to petty immaturity by mimicking the behavior? Or, has their higher level education given them a sense of entitlement that makes them feel like they can treat others no better than crap stuck to the bottom of their shoes?

My belief, I could care less how much formal education you do or do not have. We are all a part of the human family, and as such, we treat others with the same level of respect you wish to be treated. No ifs, ands, or buts. No one can change the behavior of others (no matter how hard I wish I could), but we all get in this world that which we give. I know that for every hurtful and malicious act these individuals commit, it will return to them in some form in kind. So, it will be challenging, but a challenge I'm willing to take on. I'm a strong woman, and I will endeavor to respond with tact and professionalism. No longer will I respond to their actions with silence, but with the courage and confidence I know I hold within myself. No one can take these away from me unless I give them permission to do so; that permission has now been permanently revoked.

Demon possession...are you serious?

Why do so many people who otherwise seem perfectly intelligent believe in demon possession? I watched a show the other night called Beyond Belief. They were discussing demons as if that was the answer to all of the problems in the world. Apparently, according to those interviewed, certain habits such as drugs and drinking open the door for Satan and his demons to run amuck from within the afflicted person. One, who is actually a famous singer in a heavy metal band, actually believes that certain mantra meditations opens the doors for demons. Really? Can you possibly be more absurd? And of course he also grouped black magic and witchcraft into the same category. It's fairly obvious that these people just don't have a clue. Wake up and join the twenty first century! We are not living in the times of the Puritans when everything bad in the world can be blamed on curses, demons, and witchcraft. We should be smarter than this...

They also interviewed a Pastor who claims to cast demons out of his parishioners every Sunday. These people calmly attend their Sunday service, and towards the end, begin writhing on the floor, screaming obscenities and incoherent babble, and vomit in paper bags to "expel the demons" that are obviously taken up residence within them. I'm sorry, but are you kidding? The fact that people honestly believe that demons are the cause of their woes is astonishing to me.

Has no one considered taking any responsibility for their own lives? Lets not take action to make any positive changes in your life, just blame it all on Satan and his minions. They've been an easy scapegoat for centuries. And why is it, that every time the absurd belief in demons, curses, and evil appear, the Catholic Church is never far behind? Not that I don't believe in evil. I do believe that there are people in this world who are inherently evil. Something is just so wrong with their makeup and brain, that they embody all that is horrible and evil. But those are individuals who are mentally disturbed, not possessed.

Curses have certainly been around for ages, but they only seem to hold any real power if the one supposedly being cursed believes in them. And demons, well, I'm just not convinced. Every living thing on this planet and beyond has a life essence which can affect the world. Our emotions and actions to those emotions can make major changes in our realities...for good or bad. But I don't think demons exist, only our own emotions and wills taking shape in our lives. Restless souls and energies may occasionally go bump in the night, but demons are not the answer.

And what's even more extraordinary is that those who really do believe in the load of bull actually experience a level of positive change in their lives, or at least that's what they say publicly. Talk about the power of belief in action. But I can't see that this is a healthy way to deal with your issues. These people are living in a delusional world where they blame outside forces. You can't make positive changes in your life through blame, but rather by taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions. Eventually this way of living and dealing with life is going to backfire on these people, and then all hell is really going to break loose.

My advice for the demon afflicted...stop blaming and start looking within yourself for healthy positive change. Eat well, exercise, get regular check-ups, and get a therapist! Living in a delusional demon world will only fracture your psyche, and those who believe in this absurd junk are already a bit cracked as it is.