to think why is it always the straight A students that sod off and join terrorists?

[OhBuggerItAgain]

to think why is it always the straight A students that sod off and join terrorists, its never the thickies?

do they know something we don't? I mean they are obviously really bright? or not - is it like when someone dies and everyone says how lovely the person was?

I don't think it is always smart people.

There was a lad a few years back who tried to set off a suicide vest in a cafe in the UK. He had learning difficulties and had made lovely new "friends".

I'm not convinced that the highest achieving are the most intelligent, exams like GCSE and A levels only measure a narrow type of intelligence, the proliferation of teaching to the test methods (not blaming teachers for this) produces these A graders rather than any inherent intelligence. If you're good at recall and organisation you'll be good at exams.

I've found the kids that get the A grades are more likely to be highly focused types, perfectionism and rigid self-control are often features of their personalities, its more likely that type of personality will be drawn to black and white thinking and extremist causes.
Obviously not all A graders are like this before any proud Mums get the huff
Its something for the Mums of laid back drifters to be thankful for, all that time staring into space gives your kid a chance to be more reflective and less likely to be taken in by fanatics.

This one.

Perhaps they are the ones with the "get up and go" to actually follow through their convictions. Or are more confident in their opinions/beliefs.

I remember reading research that people who are very intelligent, are more likely to become totally brainwashed by cults. I wonder if this is the same dynamic?

I imagine it's either very smart, or not smart at all. But it depends on what types of intelligence one is referring to, as well. Academic ability doesn't necessarily make a person clever in terms of negotiating real life.

I think you're right, OhBuggerIt, that a fuss is being made when people are A-students - and nothing said when they're not.

The men who killed Lee Rigby could hardly be described as academic successes, could they?

Just because they are straight A students doesn't mean that they are intelligent/clever/street smart.

alternatively what Holger wrote

Also it's not that hard to get straight As at A Level. It's not a particularly good indication of cleverness, just means they probably have a good memory and a methodical nature.

The students who kill themselves or have tragic accidents grades are also mentioned if they are high achieving. I wonder if the journalists identify with them more so give them more prominence?

It's actually something that really offends me. As if a more intelligent person has more worth in life and death than someone of low to average intelligence. No it's not more of a tragedy because the person was beautiful or smart. It's a tragedy every time it happens.

I assumed it was Daily mail code for -well they don't come from a detached house, but they're not actually scum.

Getting good grades in school doesn't mean you are a nice person or less likely to be influenced by cults or religions.

Serial killers can be highly intelligent.

What I can't understand is how on earth they were allowed to board a plane unaccompanied?

Some of them are not though I remember seeing a report abput a lot of unemployed men went tp join the Islamic state it is frightening though I guess a lot of young intelligent people are idealistic looking for a cause I don't know.the young women who go worry me why would they think this is a good idea

I don't believe it is always straight A students. Wasn't there a case recently where a young man went to prison having returned from Syria and his defence was that he was below average intelligence so had been easily led? And I agree totally with what Sheba and others have said - A grades are not a good measure of intelligence.

I'm also sure they must have had some practical and financial help for their journey. But I am absolutely appalled that they were not stopped at the airport.

(Just to clarify, my last comment was about deaths/accidents/tragedies in general and not directly related to this topic of conversation)

There's a world of difference between academic intelligence, and real intelligence. Academic intelligence is getting grade As. Real intelligence is moving to a foreign country, not knowing the language, and building a business and raising 3 children who graduate without a single qualification to your name (waves at Dad). Still .

I think it takes a certain degree of thoughtfulness to research and engage with alternative and/or extremist views. The thick ones are probably sat dribbling on the sofa in front of the telly.

Part that befuddles me isn't that they were clever, but they are wearing such fashionable clothes. They do know what kind of world they're going to, right?

Haven't read the entire thread, but actually I was struck by the one in Denmark being a little thug and the ones in France being much along the same lines.

It's very similar to that which is quoted when a teenager dies in an accident or a crime. One never speaks ill of the dead so they are always "popular", the whole school will be "devastated", they "had a bright future ahead of them" etc.

My father in law survived a wartime air crash in 1945 but was widely believed to be dead. The condolence letter his squadron commander sent to his parents continues to cause him amusement to this day. He was similarly "popular", "bright" etc. An internet search recently revealed another casualty from the same squadron whose parents received a near identical letter.

In reality, the Police recognise that the vulnerable, damaged and easily led are far more at risk from being radicalised.

Rather tasteless there. That's someone's much loved and missed daughter, not something to casually make a point with. Not cool.