Unlocking Hidden Intellectualism through Gerald Graff's Perspective

1. Why does Graff start with the example about Warner?

Graff started with Warner's example to illustrate how a former background can affect a person's present intellectual abilities.

2. What did sports give Graff that religion gave to Warner? Make a list.

a. To understand the basics of how to make an argument.
b. Evaluate different types of evidence.
c. Connect the dots between particulars and generalizations.
d. Summarily describe the views of others and
e. Communicate with others about ideas.

Answer:

Gerald Graff started his article on Hidden Intellectualism with the example of Warner who had a Pentecostal background but was now a strong atheist. There is a sharp contrast between these two backgrounds because both have very opposing views. But Warner recognized the fact that indeed, his Pentecostal background which was saturated with arguments about beliefs helped him develop his intellectual prowess and ability to question matters. Sports gave the same advantage to Gerald Graff for he noted that as a child who loved sports more than books, he argued a lot with his mates about certain things they considered unfair in the course of play. These series of arguments during sports was gradually shaping him to develop his ability to question things. From there too, he developed the five abilities listed above.

Gerald Graff starts with the example of Warner to highlight the presence of hidden intellectual potential. Sports provided Graff with a sense of audience, passion for analysis, and ability to connect with ideas and people, similar to what religion gave Warner.

Graff starts with the example about Warner in "Hidden Intellectualism" to illustrate the concept of hidden or unacknowledged intellectual potential. Warner's expertise in sports demonstrates that intellectual abilities can be present in unexpected areas. Graff explains that sports gave him a sense of audience, a passion for analysis and argumentation, and an ability to connect with ideas and people. He suggests that religion gave Warner a similar sense of audience, the opportunity to analyze and debate theological concepts, and a sense of belonging and connection to others.

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