There is a tendency for TV shows to depict intellectually gifted individuals as socially awkward and/or deficient in other areas (Big Bang Theory is a popular example). I suspect that it comes from TV producers’ ideas of equity.
I wholeheartedly agree. I will call this an example of "othering" gifted individuals. A few more TV series come to mind:
1)
Doogie Howser, MD (1989-1993)
. . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doogie_Howser,_M.D.2)
Touch (2012-2013)
. . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touch_(American_TV_series)3)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (2014)
. . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signed,_Sealed,_Delivered_(TV_series)4)
The Good Doctor (2017-2021)
. . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Doctor_(TV_series)In real life, I’ve observed intellectually gifted individuals struggle with the majority because the latter fail to grasp, and therefore appreciate, the positives of novel and/or unconventional ideas, so the depicted social dynamics ring true, but for different underlying reasons.
Well said, and excellent observation. Did you know... several years after SENG was founded, the focus appeared to change from explaining/presenting giftedness and gifted individuals to the world at large in a positive light and thereby encouraging the world at large to support the emotional needs of the gifted (for validation, affirmation, appropriate academic placement/pacing, inclusion with intellectual peers)... to focusing on how the minority (intellectually gifted individuals) must adapt to the expectations of the majority culture (aka average intelligence). Essentially a change
from educating the world's perception of gifted individuals and encouraging acceptance and appreciation of diverse intellectual strengths
to fixing the gifted individuals.
