No. People naturally compete against each other. It is a lot more obvious during adolescence, but competition is what made evolution work.

Keep in mind, Social Darwinism being involved with evolution is only theory; as is evolution it's self.

So what exactly is the point of intelligence if we can't even overcome our emotions (thus, Survival of the Fittest), and work towards unity? I believe competition in academics is one of the most pointless ideas yet. Everyone should be given the exact same opportunities, and that includes the chance to exceed one's own intellectual limits that almost appear to be placed by the social hierarchy within schools themselves.

It is -wrong- to classifiy intelligence within social structures, as is giving the so-called 'gifted' more opportunity than 'average' students.

P.S. I use the terms 'gifted' and 'average' strictly in theory, and against my own good judgement.

By the way, when you said that "gifted" or "smarter" students would talk fancy words to less "intelligent" ones, you are wrong, that is a stereotype created for telivison (same with the nerds, and jocks, and prepies)

Well, that's not entirely true. Those with a more diverse vocabulary tend to intimidate others. It's not a sin to know a lot of words, it's just a habit by some to use more descriptive words.

I am guessing by this post that you either didn't go to elementary school, didn't test above average in anything academic, or just didn't pay attention.

Flame, much?

Perception is a powerful tool, do not misjudge it with biased statements such as that.

I've been to 2 seperate elemenarty schools (I moved) there was nothing in either that was suggested on TV, I get honors I'll let you know!
The middle school I went to was nothing like the ones on TV. if the TV show writers wanted an acurate middle school settings, they would include swearing, not mentaly ill teachers, smokers, assholes, whores, gays, and lesbians

So you never beat on a kid or were beaten or threatened or harassed because of academic aptitude? You must be in a much nicer environment than me, or anyone I've come into contact with.

I love the way most of the posters here are trying to act smart now. Ha it makes me laugh inside. Typical insecure people.

Well he isn't wrong, a lot of movies/tv shows do stereotype...

I had a mentally ill teacher, I knew smokers, most of the kids were assholes (and still are), there were a few "whorish" girls, there were kids who were gay but didn't know it/didn't develop yet.

Shut up that just doesn't make sense...

That's nice, but flaming and acting like an eight-year old won't make you look intelligent.

I have personally never witnessed another be harassed due to his/her academic achievements. That's an overly used cliche', to be honest.