Is being book-smart underrated by society?

I hasten to add that I am not practically smart at all and there are many on EP much smarter than I. However, I do read and (no s**t Sherlock) I do have something of an interest in politics. Most people don't find these things that important though. Some give you respect for that but most people don't seem to value it at all.

I have managed to meet like minded people on here and I have friends in a London book club. Becoming a political activist IRL has also been good for me. Most of those who I meet though still see me as a boring geek. Living in a big city I can find people I have common ground with but getting on with 'average' people I sometimes find hard. At the work canteen I zone-out because I have zero interest in reality TV, celebrity gossip or office intrigue. I know I shouldn't care and I usually don't but sometimes it is annoying not to be respected for something that you think should be valued. Any thoughts?