I hate it that intelligence is usually portrated as a character flaw.  It just bugs the ever-livin' hell ouf of me.  For a country that prides itself on achievement and exceptionalism, the U.S. of A. sure seems to dislike smart people.  We bow down to athletes and actors like living gods, but smart people, they just make us uncomfortable.

The anti-intellectual thread runs all through American culture.  For example, Mr. Fantastic, the smartest guy in the Marvel Comics universe is usually...