This explains a lot.

[cali]

Just to remind everyone, the average IQ in this country is 98.

98.

Ninety fucking eight.

[MineralMan]

1. Uh...that's just a number.

IQ measurements are based around an average of 100. That's central to the measuring system.

If you're trying to say that the average person is stupid, because of having an IQ lower than yours, you're wrong. It simply means that they are average in intelligence. You're just smarter than average, maybe.

So, I'm not really sure what it might be that you're trying to tell us with this OP. We know you're smarter than average. That's very nice. We're glad for you.

[hunter]

2. George Carlin:

“Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.”

I don't think it's bad, it just is. I can't ever brag that I might be less stupid than average because I've also got deep scars from all the stupid things I've done.

What I can't tolerate is stupid combined with venal, hateful, and mean.

[Brickbat]

3. Average number is average.

[ananda]

4. The very idea of IQ disgusts me to the bone.

Just another way of dividing us one from the other.

[MineralMan]

6. That's why most people never talk about their IQ or anyone else's.

I'm always really surprised if someone tells me their IQ score or mentions that they're a member of Mensa. I always think, "Really? Why would I need to know that?"

I've also never heard anyone ask anyone else what their IQ score is. It's a useless number in human interactions, really.

[ananda]

12. Weelll

Yet it's a force endemic in the society and the way we deal
with the idea of intelligence and the way we deal with others.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to get rid of testing altogether,
especially since it is used basically as a force of oppression
and a tool to dismantle or defund education for the sake of
profiteers.

There are so many kinds of intelligence anyway, and learning
really is part of our nature as well.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

5. I'm sure you think France is smarter than us

Well, guess what?

[onethatcares]

7. I'll play.

Last night I found out that "french fries" were actually invented or first made in Belgium of all places.

Paint me with the "Duh" brush on that one.

[MineralMan]

8. 'Pommes frites' doesn't include a country name.

It just means "fried potatoes." They've never been called "French fries" in France. Funny, huh? They're only called "French fries" by Americans. In England, they're "chips."

We're a weird nation, overall, I think. My favorite fries come from a deli nearby that is run by a Lebanese family. I always order the same thing there: "Two gyros; one fries." They're just "fries" to me.

[onethatcares]

10. "we're a weird nation"

I can't tell you how much I agree with that statement.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

14. Well, nothing as interesting as that.....

.....but France is 98 too.

[Rex]

9. And? Did you think it was 198?

Yeah around 100, just as normal as can be.

[PowerToThePeople]

11. It does not help when we are inundated with corporate propaganda.

Some people can work through all that, others may not be able to as easily.

[Gormy Cuss]

13. Higher than Canada (average there is 97)

and IIRC you can see the border from your house.

[REP]

15. Yeah, it used to be higher

Functioning is 70.