Gerald Graff's Hidden Intellectualism

In Gerald Graff's Hidden Intellectualism, Graff attests that intellect does not only exist in the scholarly form of thinking. Graff insists that knowledge can also take the form of "street smarts." Graff makes a very persuasive argument, it seems to be a sound, strong argument for the authors point. He not only lists exactly what he is talking about, but also what could help other; specifically how street smarts can very well be more intellectual than book smarts.
Gerald Graff's essay, "Hidden Intellectualism," is to show how schools are missing out on a valuable opportunity to encourage students to learn more academically however that may be. Graff feels that utilizing what he calls "street smarts" is an effective way to relate to students and to make it easier to get on a level that the students may understand. Graff's theory is an effective way to use student's interests to engage them in school so they will not be bored or worse and not even attend class. I agree with Graff because if a student is more interested in the lesson that is being taught, they are more likely to pay attention and actually learn something and be engaged in their education. He uses the following examples to define topics that would be street smart: "cars, dating, clothing fashions, sports, TV, or video games".
Graff, the author points out that there is a huge gap between the unreal and pale world of school books and teachings and the real events of life. He goes into depth about his own life and how he grew up. He states that he was more interested in sports than Shakespeare. He talks about how he wanted to fit in with the "hoods" and also try to be smart, but not show it too much, for fear of being beat up. These are excellent examples of how schools should try to tap into these hidden intellectualisms. Which is more common than not to play the so called dumb roll, by tapping into the hidden intellectualisms it my decreases the fear of not wanting to come off “too smart” for fear of...