Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Mainstream definition of giftedness

Thank everyone. Sorry for getting back here so late, been away for a bit and don't have time to type up a thorough answer. But I love all your comments as they all ring so true.

One thought, it doesn't seem to matter which word/phrase, there will always be all that it implies. If there is one special gifted soccer player, then by default everyone who isn't as special isn't gifted. Just plain old normal. It seems the general public is quite comfortable with the sports part of giftedness. But then lots of people do not know themselves and are in self-denial at many layers. That's my explanation of life. Ha.

Nerd works. It takes one to want to be one. It's self-depreciating enough to be P.C. and not too "elite". Although what's wrong with elitism. Shouldn't everyone want to be their best? Maybe it's the "ism" that earns the "jerk" title after it because it implies exclusion. But geeks don't really exclude anyone who want to be included. You just won't have fun with somethings nerds find satisfying and exciting. Educational enthusiast? Information addict? Curiosity driven, Nosy know-it-all's anonymous. Relentless student.

I've been hearing 'exceptional learners' used quite a bit lately. The beauty of it, I guess, is it covers both ends of the spectrum