CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

One of the alarming issues in our society today is discrimination.

Discrimination is treating or proposing to treat, someone unfavorably

because of a personal characteristic. One great form of discrimination is

“Ssmart-shaming’’ or mocking someone for being witty and intellectual. As

defined by Hofstadter (1963), intellect examines, ponders, wonders,

theorizes, criticizes, and imagines. It is the critical, creative, and

contemplative side of mind. However, intellect is not praised, instead it is

shamed. Thus, it is common that intelligent ones receive negative

comments for sharing their logical thoughts. Smart-shaming is a way of

making a person feel uncomfortable and ashamed for who they are and

what they are capable of. It is the act of belittling someone whose opinions

and knowledge are too much to comprehend.

In a country that education is of great worth among its individuals,

there appears to be a growing trend of constructing negative comments

and expressions to people who have high intelligence or are vital thinkers

enhence, the term “smart-shaming.” Expressions like “Ikaw na magaling!”

or “Edi wow!” Ikaw na matalino! Edi ako na bobo. Nosebleed ako, may pa-

English English pang nalalaman. If you are the type that puts an original

idea in conversations then you’ve probably heard these expressions before.

It seems that for a lot of unique thought that you have will be answered

with a sarcastic self-depreciative statement or a quick dismissive “edi

wow” that effectively closes any further discussion of the idea; not only

does it discourage thoughtful conversation, it can also serve as a ridicule

to a person who thinks differently. Or at least that’s how people who find

themselves in the receiving end of these expressions feel about it. Over the

intention of making fun, it's dissatisfactory however sensible

conversations get halted by such responses; rather than participating

individuals in serious conversations.

The National Statistics Office’s 2010 Census of Population and

Housing shows that 97.5 percent or 69.8 million of the 71.5 million

Filipinos aged ten year old and above are literate or can read and write.

Considering the high rate of basic literacy within the country, Filipinos

mustn't accept the more ability to just read and write. Filipinos usually

say “Nosebleed!” once somebody fluently speaks English, as if the language

is incredibly new their ears and isn't the second language of the country.
However, this could not be the case considering that the Philippines was

named because the best country in business English proficiency for the

years 2012 and 2013 by the worldwide English Corporation, posting

higher results than that of the US and UK. Smart shaming is a

manifestation of how we value the pursuit of knowledge. With a fast access

to immense information, particularly with the net, everybody has no

excuse to not explore and learn things that are foreign to oneself. a

country’s growth vastly depends on its individuals. Intelligent minds mean

the continual growth and development of nation.

So where is this all boiling down to? That it is not because of

animosity nor distrust does a Filipino say “edi wow” or “masyado kang

nag-iisip” but rather simply because that’s the only way they know how to

respond to alien ‘intellectual’ content, without realizing that it is

considered offensive by a lot of ‘intellectuals’. In fact, it is more likely that

the Filipino who openly say “wag ka masyado mag-isip” to have good

intentions; it is because they want the ‘intellectual’ to fit in more with

society and not come out as a weirdo.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to identify and determine the implications of

smart-shaming to selected student of Alangilan Intergrated School (AIS)

students specifically it sought to answer the following question:

1. Have you experience smart shaming?

2. What do you feel when you are smart shaming?

3. Why are you smart shaming?

4. What are the cause and effect of smart shaming?

5. Have you ever smart shame someone?

6. How do you avoid smart shame?

7. Do teachers in charge help you to surpass smart-

shaming?

8. How do you avoid smart shame?

9. Where do you think smart shaming started?

Scope and Delimitation

This phenomenological qualitative study aimed to determine the

implications of smart shaming among select students of Alangilan

Intergrated school Specifically, it determine how (AIS) students feel when

smart-shamed. The interview will conduct to ten respondents selected

participants for the school year 2020-2021. using purposeful sampling

wherein participants are selected or sought after based on pre-selected

criteria based on the research question

 Conceptual Framework

Independent Dependent
Variable Variable

vv vv

Academic Performance
Smart-Shaming

Moderator
Variable

*Sex
vv

*Grade Level

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram showing the relationship between variables

Theoretical Framework

Theories are use to support the study in order to gain and

strengthen the credibility of the data gathere. It will be a guide

throughout the completion of the research study. The theories that

were incline in the study are the “Kapwa” theory of Virgilio Enriquez,

“Multiple Intelligence”

Theory of Howard Gardner and “Strain Theory” of Robert

Merton. Knowing that intellectuals are innovative and experimental

in their own objectives and means. This theory supports the study

because it gives an understanding that smart-shaming happens

because the intellectuals who are innovative and experimental are

somehow resisting what the society is used to, defying the norms,

culture and tradition

Significant of the study

Students. Because they can express their feelings about experiencing

smart-shaming. Also, this research can improve the student’s personality

and/or attitude.

Parents. because it can be used by parents as a guide to help their child/

children to deal and cope up from smart-shaming. Also, it can be a way

for parents to realize their children’s stand and struggles.

Teachers. in gaining an understanding on their students’ struggles. It will

also give them strategies on how to handle this situation and approach the

students who are involve with this type of discrimination.

Researchers. to have knowledge and awareness on smart-shaming. It will

also help them to grow in understanding that judging or mocking others

for their characteristic causes bad effect on their academic involvement,

self-esteem and socialization.

Future researchers. since the result of the study will serve as a source of

information and reference or guide in conducting their research regarding

the topic of “Smart-shaming”.

 Definition of terms

Anti-intellectualism is the belief that intellect and reason are less

important than actions and emotions in solving practical problems and

understanding reality.

Crab-mentality is an attitude of some Filipinos toward the success

of others. They won’t be happy for that person, instead they will bring that

person down.

Discrimination is the unjust treatment of people’s differences

especially in the grounds of smart-shaming.

Implications is the effect of smart-shaming to honor students’

academic performance, self- esteem, and socialization.

Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge, skills and

abilities in natural setting. The main reason why honor students are smart-

shamed.
 Know-it-all are the honor students or intelligent ones who experience

smart-shaming from people of the society.

Mediocrity is the state of some Filipinos being mediocre and settling

for what something that is usual and common.

Mocking is one of the ways of making fun or shaming the intellectuals

in a cruel way.

Rampant is the way smart-shaming is spreading and raging

vigorously in the society.

Smart-shaming is the act of mocking someone for being witty and

intelligent.
 CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature

Smart-shaming means a group of people mocking someone for being

smarter than them. Actual smart-shaming takes place in school, where

some of the more confident, less intelligent kids will mock their more

studious peers. These scenarios often happen during class recitation

wherein intelligent ones would share their mindful thoughts or even when

they would want to share further examples of their topic. Same goes

through when their text papers are returned and students will start

comparing each other’s scores. The smarter ones would be teased or made

fun of for their high grades. In addition, (Pieraz, 2018) said that even in

normal conversation with friends, the smart one will get poor and rude

remarks once he/she shared facts either simple or complex. He or she may

get glares when giving a rich and strong opinion about something. Lastly,

the most popular thing is when correcting someone, the smart ones are

not only judged but also made fun of.

This rampant trend of smart-shaming people is also referred to as

anti-intellectualism. According to Sison (2015), “Anti-intellectualism is

defined as the hostility and mistrust of intellectual pursuit. Those who

present a typical way of thinking deemed a danger to normality, and are

considered outsiders with little empathy for the rest of the population.”

This is where the idea of having more critical and logical thinking means

these people are elitist or arrogant. It is as if society says that being smart

is a bad thing.

In thousands of public schools in the United States and Western

Europe, “defactualization” is expanding exponentially. This trend is called

a modern form of anti-intellectualism. In this type of environment, those

with the facts behind them often do not prevail. Instead, debates are won

by those with the loudest mouths and the Machiavellian ability to

manipulate the emotions of others. As a result, the vast majority of

students at both the high school and university level hold views based on

a dearth of evidence and a plethora of biased opinions. Some people tend

to just go with the flow without even thinking critically about the topic

especially when they do not really know much about it. They choose to be

uninformed and uncritical; they reject facts in favor of opinions. It seems

like aesthetics are now more important than the art of appreciating true

substance (Jeynes, 2015).

 This flow is also a widespread on the Republic of China.

Confucianism may no longer be the ruling ideology of China, but anti-

intellectualism remains to be a dominant force in Chinese life. Instead of

some Chinese indulging themselves on critical, creative, and

contemplative thinking, they appear to choose to be uncritical, uncreative,

and unreflective. Unsurprisingly, the social science research of ancient

and contemporary scholars tends to be descriptive and repetitive. It also

lacks in analytical insight, theoretical innovation, methodological

accuracy, and critical engagement with related literature because such

intellectual pursuits carry the risk of offending governmental and scholarly

authorities (Tao, 2016).

In the Philippine setting, smart-shaming is prevalent. As if

intelligence is no longer a blessing, it is more like a curse. It should be

something to be proud of and not to be ashamed of. Technically, some

Filipinos do not like the idea of having someone better or smarter than

they are. Crab- mentality they say. If someone cannot have it, everybody

should not. That instead of encouraging to continue the pursuit of

knowledge and sharing of new ideas they would mock and tease the

intelligent ones. Another thing is Filipinos settle on ordinariness and

mediocrity to the point that they would just believe things without further

research. They prefer things that are already done. They would prefer

gossip than facts. Once they hear philosophical answers or statements,

they would shame the person. Instead of being curious, they will attack
those who are and that is tragic. Having different thoughts or sharing

strong opinions is not really entertained that is why the intelligent ones

suspend their reasoning. These are the people who think and are not afraid

to question authority when they know that something is wrong

(CynthiaAP, 2016).

This smart-shaming case of few Filipinos partially shows their

ignorance. This does not mean that they are unintelligent but it means

that they tend to see intelligence as a negative trait. One undeniable

example is during elections of Philippine Politics. Some of them seem to

see intelligence as a negative quality of a candidate just like what they say

happened before during the 1992 presidential elections. Senator Miriam

Santiago lost against Fidel Ramos because some perceived her strong

personality and high intelligence skeptically. On the contrary, few Filipinos

voted for candidates who are just known for their popularity in the showbiz

industry and not by their capability and intelligence. They do not like the

idea of having ‘too smart’ officials because it intimidates them.

(Rnm, 2015).

According to Brown (2006), shame causes people to feel “trapped,

powerless, and isolated”. These emotions cause severe sadness to those

being shamed to the point that they would also feel ashamed, withdrawn
and doubtful of themselves. Despite experiencing sorrow because of smart-

shaming, victims still are concerned to those who make fun of them.

In accordance with this, Tripathy (2017) stated that when a student

fails in class and gets low marks. He or she tends to compare himself or

herself with the intellectuals and considers oneself a small person as a

result inferiority feeling increases. Thus, somehow leading him or her to

shame others. This individual feels the superiority once he or she have

humiliated the intellectuals. The sense of inferiority also applies to the

intellectuals wherein they may feel inferior when they were shamed but

still they are academically superior. Somehow, society has power over an

individual; the power to control, hurt, and curse him/her in any possible

way.

According to Pillos (2019) stated this as an exact example of when

smart-shaming usually happens. This article the history and culture of

smart-shaming was discussed in details by giving examples. The

occurrences are found similar because classroom discussions are the

platform where the honor students actually express their thoughts. The

author also discussed that even if this event seems normal, careless

remarks can penetrate through the recipient like a double-edged sword,

making one feel withdrawn or doubtful about his or her own intellectual
competencies. It remorsefully is smart-shaming at its worst and most

detrimental state in which people consider typical and this unhealthy

concept has been injected into the culture far too deep than people actually

know. “Pabibo calling” is very common nowadays. In fact,

According to Salas (2017) considered “pabibo” as a starter pack of

people who are unaware that the trend of smart-shaming actually damage

victims. The author then discussed that if not for the thinkers – the

“pabibos” – people will not actually experience the benefits of the ideologies

they have created. An example is Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero who

used his intelligence to free his country from colonizers who was eventually

killed for his thoughts. In the present times, the people whom the society

considers as “pabibo,” also experience the “killings” but in the form of the

trend called smart-shaming. Imagine what these “pabibos” can contribute

to society if only they were recognized.

According to Effects of Cyberbullying (n.d), cyberbullying can cause

someone to feel completely engulfed which might lead to several feelings of

embarrassment. Several kids feel unable to divulge heart's contents to

associate adult as a result of they feel sheepish and ponder whether they'll

be judged, told to ignore it or shut their account that they could not wish
to try and do. Also, smart-shaming through cyber bullying affects their

everyday lives and maybe a constant supply of distress and worry.

According to the theory of Maslow (1945) called Dynamics of

Psychological Security/ Insecurity which stated that, “People the first to

identify the concept of psychological security, in which psychological

insecurity is the contrasting feeling of expecting risk or danger to oneself”.

To further explain, in Maslow’s study, psychological security/insecurity,

is the feeling of safety and freedom from fear and anxiety so, the person

who smart shame others possess insecurity that makes them contrast on

what feeling they used to the concept of anticipated emotional hurt or

sadness to operationalize psychological insecurity. The ones who smart-

shame feel withdrawn and insecure of themselves and to satisfy it, they

tend to shame people who have the qualities they do not possess.

According to the study of Scanlon (1972) namely Freedom of

Expression, he stated that “the doctrine of freedom of expression is

generally thought to single out a class of protected acts which it holds to

be immune from restriction to which others acts are subject.” This theory

explains that freedom of expression is a manifestation of individual

autonomy in the effect of freedom from totalitarian mind control. The

victims of this activity tend to lose their freedom because they prevent
themselves from reciting and speaking up. The sole reason is that they are

sick tired of being shamed.

According to Merton (1968), explained this one through the Strain

Theory. The smarts’ freedom of intellectual expression is seen by the

society as something deviant. Something that they were not used to.

According to Secillano (2016), smart-shaming hinders a person from

trailing intellectual growth dreading they might be imitated because of it.

Knowledge and intelligence is power and people should not be mocked

because of the knowledge they have gained and learned. Insinuating that

students who experience such were somehow scared of the judgment from

others so they just keep their ideas to themselves. Unknowingly, the

information they can probably impart can actually help but they do not

get the chance to share it due to their fear of being perceived as a know-

it-all. This is supported by the Affective Filter Hypothesis.

According to Krashen (1982), the affective filter is one obstacle that

manifests itself throughout language acquisition. It is a 'screen' that is

influenced by emotional variables which will prevent learning. This

theoretic filter does not impact attainment directly however, rather

prevents input from reaching the language acquisition a part of the brain.

Consistent with Krashen the affective filter is prompted by many

alternative variables as well as anxiety, self-confidence, motivation and

stress.

According to Secillano (2016) discussed that smart shaming can

lead to people not pursuing something they are actually passionate about.

Meaning overthinking lead to higher levels of worry in regards to academic

tasks since an individual gets out of focus Leadership Dependence does

not really have a good effect at all. It is unfortunate that this culture exists.

There are some group members who are paralyzed by leadership

dependence usually ask what they should do instead of thinking critically

themselves. This causes negative impacts on the group because some

members fail to share their thoughts and opinions. This may be due to

being intimidated or simply because some members feel totally confident

that they would pass, knowing that they have a smart and responsible

leader. (How to Avoid Leadership Dependence, n.d) Shaming that can

lower one’s self-esteem and make him or her feel less empowered and

inferior. Little things that almost everyone does such as apologizing for

being truthful, giving into negative self-talk, or comparing oneself to others

have the power to lower confidence levels in a pretty significant way

Stember (2018).
It states that self-esteem can be reduced anytime and anywhere by simply

doing little things that may affect other people's lives.

According to Rose (2018), every time a person speaks badly about

himself or herself like “you can’t do anything right” a person reduces his

or her own esteem. Rose also added that "Words matter, and constantly

criticizing oneself for simply being human erodes self-esteem." This entails

that every little word that will come out from the lips will have a great

impact on one’s view of himself.

According to Kogan (2019), receiving a compliment feels great. This

gives people the same positive boost as receiving cash. The health and

happiness benefits of the compliment can help them increase self-esteem.

Compliments really are one of the easiest two-way streets available in

terms of spreading happiness. The more a person gives and receives

compliments, the more he or she feels glad. This states that praising people

gives a positive view and leads people to a happy and healthy life.

According to Bhugra (2016), Social discrimination is defined as

sustained inequality between individuals on the basis of illness, disability,

religion, sexual orientation, or any other measures of diversity. Any of

diverse factors can lead to discriminatory behaviors, especially by those

who may have a degree of power in their hands. One factor can be the

difference in the intelligence of people. Having a higher rating of

intelligence can lead to discrimination since society nowadays tends to

judge and shame those people who possess uncommon qualities. It can

cause intellectuals to not really interact with others.

Ignoring this issue could lead to negative effects in our society.

According to Crew (2019), "The learned person’s resolve to silence himself

or herself creates a silent but forceful impact upon our country that

prevents us from progressing and instead sends us into a state of

regression. While we collectively celebrate our shared ignorance of

intellectual and national matters, we are also collectively endangering the

liberties that our heroes fought hard for over a hundred years ago." It

implies that if people continue to just ignore this issue, success and

progress might be impossible to be felt. It is because this issue leads to

several effects to an individual, a group of people or the whole country.

According to Sudhir (2016), in the journey towards success, an

individual will meet many people who are good in criticizing and will do

what it takes to take him/her down. Appreciating and Valuing Diversity

(n.d) stated that having diversity in qualities means recognizing that

everyone is unique and talented in their own ways. The society should

embrace diversity to create a progressive community. Entailing that

appreciation for these intellectuals would make them feel normal and

accepted. This would give them the liberty to freely express their thoughts

and opinions that can be used to create a positive change in the country.

According to Gardner (1963) formulated the theory of Multiple

Intelligence wherein he explained that everyone is intelligent in their own

different ways. The knowledge and acceptance of these differences could

lead to the betterment of people. Hence,

According to Bosun (2019) believed that the intellect of everyone

comes in different forms. This means that people have their own strength

and weaknesses. Instead of discouraging others for not being good at

certain aspects, people should help one another to overcome this so that

everyone can be knowledgeable and able to use it properly. It would help

make the world a better place if only everyone would accept that we all are

flawed but still capable Republic Act 10627 is the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013

and it can be protect the smart-shamed ones because smart-shaming is

an act of belittling someone. However, smart-shaming is not really

mentioned in this act. This simply suggests that lawmakers or school

authorities should create a rule to end thissilence, no matter how much

he or she wants to shut them up. There is a much better way than just

shouting and taking out anger; shut them with a unique success story.

Entailing that the intellectuals should create an environment that would

not let any negative voice reach his/her heart or mind. Not paying

attention to bad criticism is important as it can motivate oneself instantly.

But make it a point to segregate bad criticism from positive criticism, for

the latter will aid him or her in making necessary corrections in approach

to get successful. So, never underestimate the potential and never indulge

in fighting with critiques as maturity comes naturally when the price of

success is paid.

The second way to handle smart-shaming is just to take it

constructively, positively wherein two participants said the same thing.

One said: "Instead of handling it not constructively just take it constructively

‘cause if you take it constructively, it is more easeful. It will ease your

feelings. It will ease your mind, for letting your mind overthink, just do your

best and be your best because by that you’re also telling others no matter

what you say I will stand perfectly and hard." While the other one stated

that: "So what I do to handle this is comfort from my friends, comfort from

my family. So maybe next time you should avoid smart-shaming but instead

take it, make it a more sincere compliment." These statements entails that
some students prefer to take things positively to boost their confidence.

Hence, it will not just help them discount the sorrow, but will also help

them grow in the aspects of life.

According to Mindvalley (2011), confidence is not something that

can be studied like a set of conventions; confidence is a state of mind.

Being optimistic, training, knowledge and talking to other people are all

useful ways to help improve or boost confidence levels. Implying that

confidence comes from feelings of well-being, acceptance of one’s body and

mind (self-esteem), and belief in one’s own ability, skills, and experience.

The participants cope by attributing the confidence, the bullies would like

to possess. This clearly shows that intellectuals might receive

discouragement but still, they managed to convert as a source of

encouragement.

.
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study is considered to be a Qualitative Research in which

phenomenological design is used. Creswell (1994) defined qualitative

research as “an inquiry process of understanding a social or human

problem based on building a complex, holistic picture formed with words,

reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted on a natural

setting.” It expresses personal human behavior, ideas, subject, and

interest because there is a need to understand the habit and

characteristics of its relation to the study.

LOCALE OF THE STUDY

AIS is a newly converted school from Alangilan Elementary School

through the effort of the Congressman, Hon. Pedro “Loloy” Palarca

Romualdo, under the House Bill no, Five-hundred-fourty-eight entitled “

An act converting the Alangilan Elementary School in Barangay

Aalangilan to an Integrated School” and was approved by the Senate

Committee Education Chaired by Senator Eduardo Angara on Seven of

June Two-thousand-eleven.

POPULATION SIZE

Total enumeration of Junior High School students who are officially

enrolled at Alangilan Integrated School in school year 2019-2020 were the

participants of the study.

PARTICIPANTS OF THE STUDY

The respondents of the study is from selected 15 students of

Alangilan Integrated School. These students is compose of 5 males and 10

females.

GRADE LEVEL MALE FEMALE TOTAL

GRADE 8 2 3 5

GRADE 9 1 3 4

GRADE 10 2 4 6

TOTAL: 15
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

The researcher conduct data collection through interview, and

respondents answer depends on their experiences and opinion without

depending on someone’s opinion or answers. The sampling use by the

researcher is purposive sampling under non-probability sampling where

in participants are selected sought after base on Fishbowl sampling

method base on the research question.

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

The interview, which is the main method to be used is a face-to-face

interview sessions that are invariably scheduled in obliging the time of the

participants. Both participants and the researchers agreed that the

identity of the participants will remain esoteric and confidential. The data

to be gathered during the interview was documented through writing notes

and recording both audios and videos to ensure accuracy. Certain

measures were followed during the process of gathering of data.

Researchers made sure that every participant willingly agreed for the

interview and are not forced or harmed. They were comfortable and

secured about their identities and answers. After the interview proper,

researchers will go back back to the participants to assure that they

approve to share the results. All data collected are for research purposes

only and not to be taken against the participants.

DATA ANALYSIS

The data gathered were analyzed and evaluated. In order to analyze

the qualitative data, thematic analysis shall be used. This will treat the

data in which it will be drawn out from the interview. Braun and Clark

(2006) stated that thematic analysis is a foundational method of analysis

that needed to be defined and described to solidify its place in qualitative

research. Thematic analysis is a flexible data analysis plan that qualitative

researches use to generate themes from interview data. This data analysis

plan is perfect for both novice and expert qualitative researchers because

the steps are easy to follow but rigorous enough to generate meaningful

findings from the data. From the data to be collected, the data analysis

plan will help the researchers to gain and increase their knowledge and

insights. It will also empower the understanding of researchers in order to

fully understand and analyze the study because it will make the data

collected organized and results will be more clear and understandable

because this mode is systematic and process-oriented.