The source explores the surprising phenomenon of "stupid people becoming successful," challenging the common belief that success inherently equates to high intelligence. It delves into the Dunning-Kruger effect, explaining how overconfidence in those with limited knowledge can propel them forward, while highly competent individuals may be hampered by self-doubt. The text argues that confidence often triumphs over competence in a society that rewards bravado and salesmanship, particularly within a capitalist framework that favors "doers over thinkers" and can incentivize a lack of empathy. Finally, the source highlights nepotism and inherited wealth as significant, non-intellectual factors contributing to success, asserting that starting with a "massive leg up" often outweighs natural talent or intelligence.

After spending five years living abroad, the speaker reflects on how their perspective on the United States has significantly changed, highlighting aspects of US culture that feel "toxic af" compared to other developed nations. They contrast the proactive and caring response of the Taiwanese government to a natural disaster with the chaotic and fragmented reaction to wildfires in California, suggesting a difference in how governments handle crises. The speaker also expresses a profound realization of the lack of safety and prevalence of disturbing events that have become normalized in the US, a stark contrast to the feeling of security experienced while living elsewhere. This newfound understanding of what safety feels like makes returning to the US challenging, as they feel a constant need to be on guard.

How The Crips Gang Actually Works | How Crime Works | Insider

Warning: This piece contains inappropriate language for children.  This isn’t an easy piece to write, for reasons that will shortly become clear, but I know it’s time to explain myself on an issue surrounded by toxicity. I write this without any desire to add to that toxicity. For people who don’t know: last December I tweeted […]

A new VCU study identifies “a distinctly American phenomenon” as mortality among 25 to 64 year-olds increases and U.S. life expectancy continues to fall.

The Bechdel test (/ˈbɛkdəl/ BEK-dəl) asks whether a work of fiction features at least two women or girls who talk to each other about something other than a man or boy.