How to Talk About Giftedness Part 2 of 5 - Myths of Giftedness: Equality vs. Fairness

Recap of the January 2016 Gilbert Supporters of the Gifted Guest Lecture 

How to Talk About Giftedness - PART 2

Myths of Giftedness:  Equality vs. Fairness

In order to effectively talk about giftedness we need to understand myths vs. truth. 

So, let’s bust some myths about giftedness!

Myths, their background and impact

Myths are the result of:

—  The unclear understanding of giftedness affecting the development of the whole child.

—  A culture that does not understand or know how to deal with the traits and behavior of gifted individuals

A belief in these myths:

—  Perpetuates incorrect stereotypes and prevents empathy

—  Results in emotionally harmful reactions from society

“Good intentions do as much harm as malevolence if they lack understanding” – Albert Camus

The grandest myth is that All children are gifted. 

—  MYTH:  Giftedness is equated with the potential for eminence, achievement and success. 

—  TRUTH:  All children have gifts they can develop.  However, gifted individuals have brains, psyches and nervous systems that are hard-wired in such a way that their traits are only found in a small percentage of the population.

Want to become educated about how to debunk the 10 most common myths of giftedness?  Click here to take this link to our website.

Discussing Intelligence Creates Discomfort

Why is it uncomfortable to discuss intelligence?  Because -

—  Equality is at the heart of the American value system

¡  Our feelings about human value clashes with our ability to accept that some people are born with higher levels of potential than others

—  If we correct the misperception that giftedness is required for eminence, achievement and success, then there is NO CLASH .

—  All children are equal, but they are not all the same

—  Gifted children are special needs children

Fair isn’t everyone having the same, fair is everyone having what they need.

Now that we understand the importance of each of us debunking the myths of giftedness, and the difference between fair and equal, stay tuned for part 3 of this series, How to Talk About Giftedness:  What do giftedness and men’s height have in common?