Michael Eager

Question from GF: Many in Mensa react passionately to various items brought before the AMC. To what extent do you think such passion is appropriate, and under what circumstances should it be curbed?

Answer:

The fact that people do become involved and passionate about the issues which affect the Society shows that Mensa remains vibrant and alive, not the moribund creature that some would have us believe. Without passion, discussion and debate becomes mundane, boring and ultimately pointless. If you want an example of the latter, attend any utility commission meeting in your home town when the topic is sewer renovation.

In healthy debate and discussion, people passionately present their views in a cogent manner, supported by fact and logical argument. A passionate discussion about the issues at hand allows for the exchange of ideas between people who have differing opinions. This discussion of ideas and concepts serves to explore an issue and, if all goes well, results in a meeting of the minds between people who have differing viewpoints.

This is the nature of the discussion which I have generally seen at AMC meetings. There is a discussion on the issues, not the personalities. While a position may be argued passionately, credit is given to the validity of differing viewpoints. Even if a particular viewpoint does not prevail, it is seen as being honestly presented for the best of the organization. At least, this is how it should be in theory; on occasion some discussions have fallen short of this goal.

In contrast, one-sided polemics, bombast, and vitriol appear to be common on many of the Mensa-related mailing lists, and even, dare I say it, in printed publications like Going Forward. It appears that some believe that passion and bellicose behavior are one and the same. Rather than being an exchange of viewpoints, the discussion (if it can be called that) frequently turns to personal attack instead of substantive exchange.

Let's look at some of the denizens who populate these mailing lists. There's the Gullible Skeptic, who believes nothing the "Powers That Be" say but gives full credit to the most contrived stories, if they support his prejudices. There's That's My Idea and his friend, Over The Top. For any suggestion put forward, the former expounds on how he had the idea first, and much better, too. The latter only speaks in superlatives: every proposal is the worst, most damaging, most insulting, well, you get the drift. The Conspiracy Seeker looks for, and quite naturally, finds a dark conspiracy behind every action. When distortion or misstatement doesn't seem adequate, baseless conjecture is presented as fact, with the apparent belief that repetition will make it true. Then there are the Partisans, for whom it seems that the issue under discussion is far less important than whether it is propounded by one of Us or one of Them. Most characteristic about this entire menagerie is that they appear to be talking at, not with, each other. There seems little exchange of views, since there is little tolerance for differing opinions.

By nature, I am passionate about the viewpoints which I hold. Generally, I'm able to present them clearly, with what I hope is reasonable support. I'm open to hearing differing views, and if possible, will work toward common ground.

Please vote for me for Regional Vice Chair for Region 8.

—Michael J. Eager

Scott Rainey

Question from GF: If you had a magic wand that you could wave and change anything about Mensa, what would you change?

Answer:

Answer: And you want me to keep this under 1000 words? Mumble, Brumble, Mmmph! Ah… OK…

Allakazot! American Mensa Membership is now ten times what it is today (500,000 vs 50,000), and growing 8% per year. Half of these new members are between 18 and 45 years of age.

Alakazoom! Anyone under 18 who qualifies for Membership in American Mensa gets a "special youth membership" for free till they're 18 years old or out of college, courtesy of a deep pocketed organization who wants to make a good impression on bright young minds, and the rest of us.

Alakazoop! American Mensa has multiple programs for gifted children. These programs have enough money to accomplish their missions, are never hurting for volunteers, and constantly get us good press.

Alakazap! The Mensa Bulletin is 10 times thicker. In addition to our regular content, the Bulletin has become a "Bright Readers Digest" with digested reprints from publications like Scientific American, Nature, American History, JAMA, Psychology Today, etc. There is a special emphasis on articles about various aspects of human intelligence, and the special needs and gifts of the highly intelligent.

Alakazork! The American Mensa Website is a gateway into what would otherwise be expensive subscription Information Databases (Lexus, University sites, etc.)—an exclusive benefit of membership dues paid to current.

Alakazerp! American Mensa Members are surveyed regularly on matters regarding the choices and directions of the society.

Alakazeek! Members of Mensa are surveyed for their opinions on important issues of the day. These results are regularly re-published as "What Do Mensans Think?" in mainstream publications like Parade and Newsweek.

Allakazing! An annual Colloquium on matters pertaining to Gifted Children is held in each of the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the USA under joint sponsorship of American Mensa and organizations wishing to be associated with Mensa or this issue. Rather than diluting the volunteer and attendee base of the Local Groups regular RG, the GC colloquiums provide a synergistic enhancement.

Alakazam! Dues are now $27.50/year.

These interrelated fantasies don't really require a magic wand. They may all be possible without one by leveraging our existing "Mind Share" with appropriate sponsorships and alliances, and creating synergy with publications and organizations that want to be associated with us.

Good ideas are not rare in Mensa of course. What counts is the willingness to work to make them happen. Time will tell.

All the best.

—Scott Rainey
   Candidate for Re-election to Region 8 Vice Chairman