Cult of Anti-Intellectualism Discussion Questions
Sederra Ross
Mrs. Wilson
English Composition 105-06
23 September 2012 The Cult of Anti-Intellectualism
Discussion Questions 1. Define the term “Cult of Victomology.” Then explain how it works as a factor in encouraging poor academic performance.
“Cult of Victomology” is defined as the black Americans fixation upon remnants of racism and resolutely downplays all signs of its demise which becomes a keystone of cultural blackness to treat victimhood not as a problem to be solved but as an identity to be nurtured. “Cult of Victomolgy” plays a major role in poor academic performance because it allows the black American to have an excuse or put the blame on racism and white society for their poor academic aptitude.
2. In paragraph #4, McWhorter writes of a “culture-internal infection.” How does this infection connect to black students’ poor test scores and poor academic achievement?
The “culture-internal infection” relates to poor test scores and academic achievement because it was founded in the roots of poverty and disfranchisement which means there is unequal distribution of education funds and resources. Furthermore it reinforces “victomolgy” and “separatism” which furthers bridges the gap between black American students and a good education, therefore leaving them with poor test scores and limited academic achievements.
3. McWhorter says in paragraph #6 that he intends to build an argument. What specifically is his argument? State in your own words.
McWhorter Argument is that black Americans are not systematically destined to do poorly in academics rather their failure to achieve success in academics is due to a generational and cultural cycle of Victomolgy, separatism, and anti-intellectual which promotes their intellectual demise.
4. In the essay McWhorter cites examples of four students. Read the four cases and list the specific problems for each student. * Senior honors thesis student
The senior honors student greatest
Mrs. Wilson
English Composition 105-06
23 September 2012 The Cult of Anti-Intellectualism
Discussion Questions 1. Define the term “Cult of Victomology.” Then explain how it works as a factor in encouraging poor academic performance.
“Cult of Victomology” is defined as the black Americans fixation upon remnants of racism and resolutely downplays all signs of its demise which becomes a keystone of cultural blackness to treat victimhood not as a problem to be solved but as an identity to be nurtured. “Cult of Victomolgy” plays a major role in poor academic performance because it allows the black American to have an excuse or put the blame on racism and white society for their poor academic aptitude.
2. In paragraph #4, McWhorter writes of a “culture-internal infection.” How does this infection connect to black students’ poor test scores and poor academic achievement?
The “culture-internal infection” relates to poor test scores and academic achievement because it was founded in the roots of poverty and disfranchisement which means there is unequal distribution of education funds and resources. Furthermore it reinforces “victomolgy” and “separatism” which furthers bridges the gap between black American students and a good education, therefore leaving them with poor test scores and limited academic achievements.
3. McWhorter says in paragraph #6 that he intends to build an argument. What specifically is his argument? State in your own words.
McWhorter Argument is that black Americans are not systematically destined to do poorly in academics rather their failure to achieve success in academics is due to a generational and cultural cycle of Victomolgy, separatism, and anti-intellectual which promotes their intellectual demise.
4. In the essay McWhorter cites examples of four students. Read the four cases and list the specific problems for each student. * Senior honors thesis student
The senior honors student greatest