Buffy vs. Intellectuals

It is important to be intellectual [intelligent, reflective]

Comments Summary:

The commenters seem to agree that this value is prominently represented, they drew clear distinctions between intellectualism, being self-reflective, and various forms of intelligence. One commenter noted a number of intellectuals were represented as jerks. The positive representations are Dr. Gregory in 1997 and Jenny Calendar and Willow in 1998, with Doyle never being shown in a classroom.

[screencap credit: buffyworld.com]

Since this moment, it’s hard to find a school teacher who is not evil, a propagandist or sexually inappropriate in any of Whedon’s works. That’s a rather odd trend, considering that Joss Whedon’s mother was a teacher, he had an extremely good college experience and remains close to his college mentor, and he has received an extraordinary amount of support from academia during that time. Why do you think that is?

Your Comments:

Willow, Tara

Yes, but not always in traditional ways. Less intellectual characters are not devalued.

There are different types of intellects. Though the characters may hide it in down to earth lingo they are true intellectuals, daring to see the world, more and more as the series progresses, in different ways.

Just to be clear, I don't think the show says it is important to be intellectual in a way that frowns upon less academic forms of intelligence, just that it is something to aspire to. Also, intelligence being important isn't the same as intelligence contributing to the worth of a person, it is represented more as an asset that some naturally have, but whether it is a good thing to have is ultimately decided by what you do with it.

BTVS isn't just an action movie; it's the overnight sessions in the library researching the monsters that win the day in the end.

Willow's intelligence was a huge asset to the Scooby's, Buffy however was never very academically intelligent but this was never a hindrance on her work

Buffy is not the smartest. She got by in high school. But her character shows that you don't have to be the smartest, but if you protect your friends and the ones you love, you can be powerful.

As with being creative, the show didn't have too much to say about intelligence, actually. Giles and Willow were very smart and intellectual. Buffy and Xander were less so. However, they all proved helpful and valuable, without question.

Yes: Xander, Willow, Giles, Angel, Tara, Giles… Not so much: Buffy, Faith, Spike, Anya

Through each of the main sccobies, we see the vast number of ways that you can be intelligent and how important it can be. Not all of them take the conventional route of college and formal education, but they all learn in different ways (i.e. Xander with vocational training and Anya with capitalism and the ways of being human.) They each show how important it is not to be ignorant.

Giles.

Please note this isn't the same as being educated. I think the show was about how you could be "street smart" and it was actually superior to being academic. I think being self-reflective was difficult but important, I think that often when a character isn't reflective enough upon themselves and a villain knows more about them then they do (such as the case of early Spike or The First) is when the villain would win.

at the same time volatile emotionally and a person of action (everything turned up to 11)

Intellect certainly has many merits, but it's okay not to be academical if that is not your forte. As long as you're a good friend.

It isn't important for a hero to be intellectual, but it IS important for a hero to have an intellectual adviser/sidekick. E.g., Spock, Daniel Jackson, Giles, Willow, Wesley, Merlin, Obi-wan, Claudia, Henry Deacon, etc.

Being informed is important on the program (Giles, Research crams), but that information must be applied. Otherwise, you're "telling the 'Everybody Thinks We're Insane-os Home Journal."

X "Smart girls are so hot."… W "You couldn't have figured that out in sixth grade?"

Intelligence is crucial, but major intellectual capacity tends to be confined to a few characters, and contemplation/meditation to even fewer.

While Willow and Giles are both very intelligent and play an important role there isn't a massive emphasis on academic or intellectual achievement. Xander never goes to college and Buffy drops out.

I'd argue that although the series promotes intelligence as a good quality and something that should be developed (see Willow and Giles), the series places far more weight on the value of always trying your best, always trying to help others, and making the most of what talents or gifts you do have.

Academic ability may not be crucial, but wit, quick reflexes and insight are all important.

Buffy, though obviously intelligent (see her SAT scores), was more of a doer than a thinker. Angel's relentless brooding did him no favors. Willow's tendency to over-think caused her some problems.

This is more the Giles/watcher aspect - as well as the Willow aspect….The scooby gang is always going and doing research, as well as different knowledge of language

Buffy could sometimes be a ditz, but she was also a great general. Willow is as brainy as they come. Giles had more book smarts than most libraries. And Xander, well Xander tried really hard.

Buffy's not that smart. She gets a lot smarter as the show goes on, but she's definitely not intellectual, and school is usually overshadowed by the importance of slaying. On the other hand, Willow and Giles are extremely intelligent, which is probably the reason why they are the only ones that are a genuine help to Buffy on a regular basis.

yes, but only if intellect and logic (below) do not over-ride intuition and non-logical (or, better said), non-linear logic: buffy is never one-dimensional, as there has to be a mix——this is why the buffy/giles partnership was so important, as they brought a mix of spontaneity, creativity, and rigorous intellect

The show doesn't convey to me it's IMPORTANT but it's certainly helpful!

It's kind of a balance of brains and brawn, particularly with in the first few seasons with Willow/Giles as the brains and Buffy/Faith/Kendra as the brawns…. However, as the show progresses, Buffy realizes the importance of self-realization, which I suppose is reflective and intellectual.

...at *something,* not necessarily book-smarts.

The intellectual characters - Giles, Willow - are valued for their contributions, but Buffy and Xander are valued without those.

Not so much

Almost all of the recognizably "intellectual" people are total jerks - Travers and the Watcher's Council, Buffy's first-day-of-college professors. Or they have an evil agenda, like Maggie Walsh. Or they get teased for being stuffy, like Giles and Wesley.

Giles. Willow. Enough said.

Very much so. Not necessarily book smart but Buffy was always very witty and was brilliant with her ideas for winning battles.