Eri said:
I've read a few things where people seem to be actively hostile towards said members merely for being members. Maybe, it's jealously?
I'm not hostile towards Mensa members, I am hostile towards the organisation as a whole however - It seems to actively encourage elitist ego-stroking without achieving anything for the betterment of mankind. Something I consider a huge waste given that it is, supposedly, a gathering of some of the most intelligent people in the world.
As an example, lets look at its goals(taken from wikipedia):
1. to identify and to foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity;
2. to encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence;
3. to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members
On the first note - how does pointing out someone's intelligence benefit humanity? or indeed, anyone?
Second - Self-serving tripe. In particular the 'uses' of intelligence have been obvious to mankind since we first sharpened a stick and used it to poke a sabre tooth tiger in the heart in order to avoid being eaten (if you catch my drift).
Third... Well, I'm not in it, so I've no idea if it does, indeed, achieve that, good for them if they do.
... I guess I hate Mensa for the same reason I hate it every time a University announces that it's PHD's have come up with a formula for the best way of making a bacon sandwich (actually happened at my Uni) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/6538643.stm] - It doesn't actually fucking achieve anything. It takes, supposedly, the best and brightest we have, and instead of throwing them into the fight against Disease, Hunger, and overall world suffering, it lets them sit back, play advanced sudoku, and pat themselves on the backs for being so clever.
So, no, I don't hate people for being in Mensa, or even begrudge those who want to join - end of the day, good on them, and being a member doesn't stop them from using their intellect to the benefit of everyone. However it also doesn't encourage them to use their intellect for anything either, which I think is a waste.
How do you think being a member would appear on a resume?
I imagine that would vary from job to job - it wouldn't help you in any job I've worked at, but if you're going to work in an advanced intellectual level environment it might.