Den of the Beastly Bear
Hi Folks!
In today's pejorative I'd like to discuss the dichotomy between education and intelligence.
Just because they were able to me memorize some information just long enough to pass a test, doesn't mean they are smart.
Now let me start by saying, I don't think I'm all that smart...slightly above average at best. I am however cursed with at least a modicum of common sense.
That, and a decent vocabulary.
Neither of which, you may have noticed...are all that "common" these days.
As an example:
I was working for GM at the Pontiac Assembly plant, we built Pickup trucks.
GM had instituted a program whereby Engineers would spend time in Assembly plants in supervisory positions. To see just how what they do, affects changes on the plant floor and the assembly process.
I was working on the "Final" line, which is where the vehicle is almost "done" and ready to roll off the line.
We had an "Engineering program" boss named Kevin.
Mid-thirties with a double major in engineering and mathematics, so one would assume an intelligent guy.
And he may have been, however analytical thinking was definitely not his strong suit.
One day we had a truck come down the line, it was a manual transmission truck but somehow the cab had an automatic transmission carpet installed. What that means to you laymen is that there was no hole for the gear shift lever. So, when the guy who's job it was to do so couldn't complete his job, he called the supervisor over.
Kevin nearly lost his mind!
Now this is not a tough fix...but not one we do on the fly, on the line.
Yet Kevin was freaking out...
I was working the next job up the line so had a front row seat for the meltdown.
I asked what the problem was, and when he explained what was wrong I was a little confused why this was causing the level of panic exhibited. So I prompted him to continue with an unconcerned:
"Uh huh..."
"Well I know they can fix it in repair..." He replied snippily, like I just called him stupid.
"But we can't get it off the line TO repair!"
"Why not?" I asked, honestly puzzled. Was there something else wrong he hadn't told me?
"Obviously," he said, in full condescension mode
"because we have no way to put it in gear!!!"
After all, I'm just a stupid line worker...no double major here!
"Use the pusher" I said ( the pusher is a battery powered devise we use to move a truck that won't start. You put the truck in neutral and push it with the "pusher". Takes two people, but clears the line.)
"It's not an automatic, we can't put it in neutral" he said, as if I'd just confirmed my ignorance to him.
"You don't need to put it in neutral, it's a manual transmission... push in the clutch, start it up so you have power steering and breaks and use the "pusher" to get it off the line."
Still looking at me like I'm a bug in his presence, he opened his mouth to say something...and I could see the tumblers falling into place.
He closed his mouth, spun on his heel and stomped away...upset at being taken back to school! Lol
What kills me, is the automatic assumption by those college educated...that because I am not, they have encountered an inferior intellect.
Do not assume I in any way mean ALL those college educated.
But if you've ever told someone:
"Let me explain it so you can understand it..."
Then yeah, I'm talking about you!
When I worked for Perry Drugs, as a Semi driver. We were expanding rapidly, acquiring stores all over the state. My boss Harold was setting up routes and delivery times. He was explaining one of his newest creations to a group of us, step by step...when I noticed a glaring error in his plan.
I held up my hand for acknowledgement and said:
"Um excuse me Harold, but I don't think..."
"You don't get paid to think," he cut me off "you're a strong back, you let the strong mind do the thinking!"
Well Alrighty Then...
I made him pay for that statement, over and over and over again.
And every time I broke it off in his ass, I reminded him of that conversation. But those are stories for another day.
Be Well!
Beastly Bear
