NationStates Jolt Archive

Most American children would say that the news is "too depressing, who wants to hear about that" or "sooooo boring." Yet, these children from Lebanon, one of the most violent countries on Earth, actually seem to CARE about what goes on around them, even though they are at least seven years younger than the majority of people I heard say the above quotes.

Video: http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1054wmv&ak=null

Transcript: http://www.memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=1054

I have also heard reports of children saying that they had "no obligation" to watch the news until they are old enough to vote. It is a very ignorant worldview, because nobody is "obligated"...

Is America becoming sheltered, ignorant, and selfish? Is there a glorification of stupidity among Americans, particularly younger ones? Are Americans becoming "lazy"? Why is this? I know that this is a very "straightforward" question, but this is something Americans should discuss. If your are not from America though, feel free to join.

You elected Bush. Twice. What more evidence is needed that America is Ignorant?

Becoming? More like "is, and has been for a while now."

I also reccomend reading that thread on how Americans know more about the Simpsons than they do their First Amendment rights.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=471197

Why do you all think we are ignorant? (I'll add a poll while I'm at it).

Is America becoming sheltered, ignorant, and selfish?
No. A country cannot become sheltered, ignorant, or selfish. In fact, countries have no personality traits. However, American citizens are not only sheltered ignorant, and selfish, but have been so for the past 10-20 years at least.

Does that help? ;)

Is America becoming sheltered, ignorant, and selfish? Is there a glorification of stupidity among Americans, particularly younger ones? Are Americans becoming "lazy"? Why is this? I know that this is a very "straightforward" question, but this is something Americans should discuss. If your are not from America though, feel free to join.

I must agree with the weight of opinion here.

I believe that even Bush had never travelled outside the USA before his election and that the majority of US citizens do not even own a passport.

The USA has long been the world's biggest village - Royston Vasey has a long way to go!

It's not unusual from a historical perspective for a stable, economically well-to-do nation to become somewhat apathetic about politics. There are, after all, many other things to attract the interest of younger people. Another factor at work here is the sheer size of the US. When you realize that you are just one of many millions ( whether consciously or unconsciously ), it tends to make you think that your "contribution" is correspondingly small.

It's not unusual from a historical perspective for a stable, economically well-to-do nation to become somewhat apathetic about politics. There are, after all, many other things to attract the interest of younger people. Another factor at work here is the sheer size of the US. When you realize that you are just one of many millions ( whether consciously or unconsciously ), it tends to make you think that your "contribution" is correspondingly small.

Any other responses?

Ignorance is a natural side effect of being overindulged, overfed, overprivileged, and over-everythinged in relation to the rest of the world. Unenlightened self-interest is the M.O. of the average American, and the Average American is exactly who we have in charge. Someone who claims a mandate after winning barely 51% of the vote.

Corporations bought, sold and divided this nation up among themselves a long time ago, and the folly of allowing that to happen is only now becoming even a tiny regret in the vast, commercial-soaked, consumerist conscience of my nation.

I'd rather be inside in a decent system than outside of the one we have now, but that's the choice my nation has forced me to make; and that's the situation an ignorant and increasingly sedentary (mentally as well as physically) population has allowed to be made for them.

In short, we're getting what we deserve. At the very least, the descent into chaos will be amusing, if not rewarding. Kinda like the majority of our society.

As the kid of a diplomat, I can say there is a big difference between myself and American kids. When I went on a trip to the states recently, I said I lived in Panama, and here are a few of the wonderful responses they gave me:


Panama, isn't that a state?
Is there grass in Panama?
Are there schools in Panama?


So on and so forth. It's sad, really. If we keep at our current pace, America is going to become rather insular, and then one day it will basically cut off all ties with the outside world that it can cut off without descending into chaos, and just sit there.

Why do you all think we are ignorant? (I'll add a poll while I'm at it).
Because you asked if America is becoming ignorant.

It's not unusual from a historical perspective for a stable, economically well-to-do nation to become somewhat apathetic about politics. There are, after all, many other things to attract the interest of younger people. Another factor at work here is the sheer size of the US. When you realize that you are just one of many millions ( whether consciously or unconsciously ), it tends to make you think that your "contribution" is correspondingly small.


I have yet to see a child put down his Legos to go watch the evening news. tsk.What is wrong with them???

You elected Bush. Twice. What more evidence is needed that America is Ignorant?

Some would argue that he didn't actually win. For that matter, what real difference is there between either of the "big two" (Democrat, Republican) in the USA? I see them as the same evil wrapped in different cloth. For all their "differences" each one manages to violate their oath to serve in their own special way.

One of the favourite comedians here is the horrible, half-retarded Larry the Cable Guy. That's enough evidence really.

Most American children would say that the news is "too depressing, who wants to hear about that" or "sooooo boring." Yet, these children from Lebanon, one of the most violent countries on Earth, actually seem to CARE about what goes on around them, even though they are at least seven years younger than the majority of people I heard say the above quotes.

Video: http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1054wmv&ak=null

Transcript: http://www.memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=1054

I have also heard reports of children saying that they had "no obligation" to watch the news until they are old enough to vote. It is a very ignorant worldview, because nobody is "obligated"...

Is America becoming sheltered, ignorant, and selfish? Is there a glorification of stupidity among Americans, particularly younger ones? Are Americans becoming "lazy"? Why is this? I know that this is a very "straightforward" question, but this is something Americans should discuss. If your are not from America though, feel free to join.


well america used to be not so ignorant.. now that theyve gotten soooooooo confotable in being the biggst power in the world they think they can do the fuck they want.. and also most of americans watch the news for info, and the news mostly tells lies!!!! such as in the movie bowling for columbine it shows that every nits on CNN atleast 1 person was attacked..killed...raped etc.. so its not the people its the way the the govourment wants the people to be so no1 can say "hey look our president is being a total idiot! lets vote not to vote for him this year" also they WANT peoploe to be racist against black people because also on the news it show about 90% that black people did this.. did that..

One of the favourite comedians here is the horrible, half-retarded Larry the Cable Guy. That's enough evidence really.


Yeah, he's funny because he's so dumb. Or pretends to be or whatever. I dont think Einstein would have been much of a success in the comedy clubs.

Yeah, he's funny because he's so dumb. Or pretends to be or whatever. I dont think Einstein would have been much of a success in the comedy clubs.That's the problem. People like stupidity. There's not enough intellegent comedy anymore. The problem is cultural.

Americans are ignorant, and yes I am one. I tend to think of myself outside of that stereotype though. But, I would like to point out, that it was the states with the lowest average IQ levels that voted for Bush....

Bush is ignorant, the whole country is ignorant, but I love it here. I think you would have to attribute atleast some of our ignorance to the massive size of our country, there is enough domestic news to last a lifetime. But, I tend to rely on the BBC website to give me my international news.

But I really don't think your going to find the ignorant american masses on this forum.

I love that more Americans have posted that we're ignorant than non-Americans... Shows you what kind of person posts on NS and it makes me happy. Everyday I see the ignorance and it makes me CRAZY... well not THAT crazy, but it makes you want to grab the guy at Safeway and shake him violently kind of crazy...

Give a couple years tho- I'm betting we'll be seeing an economic recession here in a bit, if not WW3, something will shake us up... or maybe our younger population who is more "in touch" with the rest of the world will actually make a difference... who knows... I just don't think the majority of us realise how good we have it...

Of course Americans are thick, it is a natural result of becoming "stable." The average American is in no danger of suffering a great loss (that he can see anyway) and has nothing to prove, and so he sits around and does nothing.
When safety and security become the overriding desires of a people, they will decay into nothing.

You elected Bush. Twice. What more evidence is needed that America is Ignorant?

Actually, we elected Gore in 2000, but thats another issue altogether.

I have yet to see a child put down his Legos to go watch the evening news. tsk.What is wrong with them???
Exactly. They shoud all be beaten regularly and forced to watch reruns of The Beverly Hillbillies! :eek:

You elected Bush. Twice. What more evidence is needed that America is Ignorant?

(thank goodness we did... if Gore had won we might have suffered several more 9/11s before he got his response to the terrorist threat from his precious lock box and if Kerry had won, Saddam might be back in power -- or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately. That, and our taxes would be higher -- under both Gore and Kerry, which means the economy would have taken longer to recover from Tech Bust and 9/11)

Of course Americans are thick, it is a natural result of becoming "stable." The average American is in no danger of suffering a great loss (that he can see anyway) and has nothing to prove, and so he sits around and does nothing.
When safety and security become the overriding desires of a people, they will decay into nothing.
I don't think this is limited to Americans. The ignorance you witness in Britain is depressing, too, and I think you're about right on the 'why'.

Actually, we elected Gore in 2000, but thats another issue altogether.

lol, not according to Florida election statutes. But I'm not here to talk about the fact that according to Florida statutes on the books at that time, the recount went on way too long, and the leftist Florida Supreme Court legislated from the bench and overturned the time limits on a recount.

Why do so many posts lately start by stating a strawmanlike position?

Yet, these children from Lebanon, one of the most violent countries on Earth, actually seem to CARE about what goes on around them, even though they are at least seven years younger than the majority of people I heard say the above quotes.

Its interesting that you chose to compare the general knowledge of the citizens of a predominantly Muslim country to that of US. Europeans (myself included) constantly go on about how Americans are disgustingly ignorant about history and current affairs.

But when I was in Egypt I was surprsied to learn that Egyptian people are incredible ignorant of tehir own history, let alone those of other nations. And I am not even talking about pre-Islamic history. Taxi drivers would say that the Muslims came to Egypt 500 years ago (way off the mark). I am sure that any American taxi driver would know what the significance of 1776 is to their own history.

The reason Americans know so little about history and the outside world is because they see so little of it. Their are no old buildings in American cities, and unlike most European cities, there are few people from other parts of the world (except neighbouring countries like Mexico or Puerto Rico). It is not their fault that they do not get much inspiration to learn about other cultures or histories.

carry on! the early morning rant is out of the way.

as to the question posed in this thread, i'd say: yes. But kids take cues from their parents... if parents spend half their time arguing over what brand of water to buy, the kid isn't going to care much about places outside their own.

well america used to be not so ignorant.. now that theyve gotten soooooooo confotable in being the biggst power in the world they think they can do the fuck they want.. and also most of americans watch the news for info, and the news mostly tells lies!!!! such as in the movie bowling for columbine it shows that every nits on CNN atleast 1 person was attacked..killed...raped etc.. so its not the people its the way the the govourment wants the people to be so no1 can say "hey look our president is being a total idiot! lets vote not to vote for him this year" also they WANT peoploe to be racist against black people because also on the news it show about 90% that black people did this.. did that..
WTF, over? You would help us to understand what you are trying to say if you spent just a bit of time trying to make yourself comprehensible.

The Cold War taught the values of sheltered ignorance. The 80's reinforced it with apathy and megaconsumerism. It's been a very involved process of nurturing since then.

Why do so many posts lately start by stating a strawmanlike position?
Um ... to create controversy? ;)

Well I recently saw a blip that said Americans know more about the Simpsons then they do the Constitution.

So yes we are rather ignorant.

(thank goodness we did... if Gore had won we might have suffered several more 9/11s before he got his response to the terrorist threat from his precious lock box and if Kerry had won, Saddam might be back in power -- or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately. That, and our taxes would be higher -- under both Gore and Kerry, which means the economy would have taken longer to recover from Tech Bust and 9/11)



What the hell do you mean "more 9/11's"? I don't see any evidence that would even come close to indicate this. The is the same ignorance the thread starter was talking about. Many of those in the Middle East made claims of violence if Bush got elected.

I don't think you realize that most countries don't feel we have the friggin' right to bust in there and do what we "think" needs to be done. This has been a problem for over half of America's history and it really gained momentum after Teddy Roosevelt after extending the Monroe Doctrine. Shit, that doctrine only covers the Western Hempisphere anyways.

Don't come in here acting like some authority. You can't claim to know what would have happened if Kerry was elected, since he never was. The troops have no power here, they're being fiddled around by politicians, and the politicians are failing horribly since this cute little "democracy" in Iraq is already threatened by civil war. I think the death toll of Iraqi citizens has sky rocketed -after- Saddam's fall either way.

As far as taxes, under the Clinton administration we actually had a balanced budget. An increase in taxes? Hell, if Bush is smart he'll increase taxes because we're billions of dollars in debt.

So don't even go there. Of course, you'd like to think putting Bush in office was a good idea.

Igorance is bliss.

I have yet to see a child put down his Legos to go watch the evening news. tsk.What is wrong with them???

Can't you play with lego whilst watching the news?

That's what I'd do if Lego weren't so damn expensive. :mad:

With America, I assume you mean the USA. In that case, America has always been ignorant, it is not becoming more so. The general knowledge of the average American is appalling; especially when it comes to Geography, History and World Affairs/Politics. Its a country of specialization; you become an expert in 1 field and concentrate on it, and don't care about anything else. You will meet people that know about every little screw and bolt in their car, yet have no clue what the capital of Germany is for example. For the economy this is fine, and the US does well as we all know...however as personal life satisfaction, the average American misses out on a lot, as he/she simply doesn't know better.

You elected Bush. Twice. What more evidence is needed that America is Ignorant?

Shows how ignorant you are, particularly when Americans don't directly vote for the President either way.

*smacks you upside your head* The Electoral College elected Bush, if you knew what you were talking about you might know this. :rolleyes: Not only that, but the public vote was split, and for the most part so was the Electoral College.

AMERICA IS NOT A DEMOCRACY.

Thankfully I'm not ignorant and going to a university has given me insight. Don't keep bitching on the US when we're not even a true democracy, we're a mixed goverment with forms of oligarchy, monarchy, and democracy.

I have to agree, that the majority of Americans are "Ignorant". I'm American myself, and I know that. But you have to realize that there are many Americans that aren't ignorant. The problem is that the ignorant draw attention to themselves, as we all know that The Sore Thumb sticks out among the other one, and it draws more attention. So all that most people see of America is George Bush mispronouncing words... (It's Noo-Clee-Ar, Stupid ;) )and the people that midlessly support him. There are many people here in America that aren't dim-witted and travel, (I've been to 3 other continents) and discuss things intellectually.


This is coming from an 11 year old boy, so you don't have to take me seriously.

America isn't ignorant it may seem so from a European prospective but the thing is the lack of interest is more due to an isolation from events like you wouldn't expect a European to know who the Indian prime minister is

there is also the factor that America is very important and thus people show an interest in learning about the nation and keeping up to date on it whereas a less important nation will not be of interest

Voted Yes. We voted in GWB twice. Pretty much proves it.

I don't think that America's that much worse than the rest of the Western World. Look at the culture in Britain now, where more people watched the the painfully stupid "Big Brother" than watched the topical news show "Have I got News For You". Increasing stupidity and ignorance is far from an American thing. Okay, so it might be slightly worse in America, but I think geographical location has as much to do with that as anything. The Americans shouldn't be lambasted for this.

(thank goodness we did... if Gore had won we might have suffered several more 9/11s before he got his response to the terrorist threat from his precious lock box and if Kerry had won, Saddam might be back in power -- or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately. That, and our taxes would be higher -- under both Gore and Kerry, which means the economy would have taken longer to recover from Tech Bust and 9/11)

If the terrorists want to attack us they will, that's just something we'll have to live with. As far as Bush's response, I think him sitting there not doing a thing for several minutes after being informed says enough.

As for Iraq, we should never have gone over there. Sure some may argue they helped terrorists, but hell if we attack every country that helps terrorists we'll be busy for decades. As far as Saddam being back in power, would that be such a bad thing? He seemed to be able to rule the country better than we can do.

I find it interesting that people get so outraged by terrorists from other countries, but when our own citizens bomb buildings etc we don't really get all that upset.

As far as taxes, we should have higher taxes (and more punitive taxes for the rich.) We should also stop spending money on stuff we don't need/use. How many trailors did we buy after the hurricane that didn't even get used? How about Bush paying More money a day to cruise lines for people to just stay on the boats (no meals etc included) than what the cruise line charged a week cruise package? Lets also not forget the billions he gave the oil industry even after they were bragging they had so much money they didn't know how to spend it. Although I really shouldn't just blame him, its also our other government officials.

Back to the main topic, yes most of our citizens aren't that bright, but when you look at our school systems and our news you can see why. Sure we don't watch the news, they'd rather talk about the VP accidentally shooting someone than about the real issues.

Another interesting thing about our country: Whenever the issue of Gay Marriage comes up, most people start talking about how it's a sacred thing. Yet most marriages in our country last what? Maybe 3-4 years. Don't even get me started on the TV shows like "Who wants to marry a Millionare?" and others like it.

Anyway that just my view on things I'm sure some will disagree (probably most.)

Voted Yes. We voted in GWB twice. Pretty much proves it.

As has been stated before, no we didn't. I still think he should be charged with treason after the whole first election thing but oh well.

Personally I voted for Kerry because I KNEW that Bush was bad for the US. Also, most american run news organizations are becoming more bias by the day, only reporting on what the Government wants us to know about what is going on in Iraq and Afganistan (yes, long time since it's been on the news but what the hell, figured i would bring it up anyways).

Also, the whole thing about Bush wanting to tear down the National Forests so his buddy, the VP, can get more money from the oil that is under the ground there and the whole wanting to take more land away from the Native Americans (land that is supposed to be theirs by Treaties) and getting rid of the whole "Reservation" system for the Natives, basically taking away what is left of their heritage.



So yes, a large majority of the nation has become ignorant, but there are still the small minority of us who really care what happens and wished that Bush never did the stupid shit that he did when he was first elected into office.

(thank goodness we did... if Gore had won we might have suffered several more 9/11s before he got his response to the terrorist threat from his precious lock box and if Kerry had won, Saddam might be back in power -- or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately. That, and our taxes would be higher -- under both Gore and Kerry, which means the economy would have taken longer to recover from Tech Bust and 9/11)

I never did understand where this idea that Gore would have hidden under a desk on 9-11 came from. He was very hawkish in congress, one of a handful of Democrats that supported the 1991 Gulf War.


and I got news for you, the troops are going to leave Iraq "before their job is done" with or without Kerry. Bush's neo-Wilsonian utopia is a clusterfuck and its becoming increasingly difficult for his side to spin into victory. WHEN the civil war breaks out there, we're going to start seeing US troops packing up and shipping out.

(

If the terrorists want to attack us they will, that's just something we'll have to live with. As far as Bush's response, I think him sitting there not doing a thing for several minutes after being informed says enough. Yeah FDR didn't jump up instantly and start directing efforts when he learned Pearl Harbor was bombed...maybe stopping and thinking for a moment isn't something we should attack Bush for. If he did stop and think more, we'd all probably be in a better state right now.

As for Iraq, we should never have gone over there. Sure some may argue they helped terrorists, but hell if we attack every country that helps terrorists we'll be busy for decades. As far as Saddam being back in power, would that be such a bad thing? He seemed to be able to rule the country better than we can do. Yeah, we shouldn't have gone into that.

I find it interesting that people get so outraged by terrorists from other countries, but when our own citizens bomb buildings etc we don't really get all that upset. It was sad that we were so apethitic that Timothy McVeigh just walked out of that courtroom innocent...oh wait.


Back to the main topic, yes most of our citizens aren't that bright, but when you look at our school systems and our news you can see why. Sure we don't watch the news, they'd rather talk about the VP accidentally shooting someone than about the real issues. Pretty much covers it.

Yes America is ignorant and allot of other horrible things

But so is every other country in the world past present or future.

All countries have horrible traits.

And if you think other wise you are the ignorant one.

America's still pretty kick ass though.

we have the most bad ass, out of control, firepower induced sociaty in the history of man kind. Sure we lose wars, but we do it in hardass style with lots of extremeness that no other countries can compare too. And in ANY conventional war, America would whoop the shit out of any opponent.

(thank goodness we did... if Gore had won we might have suffered several more 9/11s before he got his response to the terrorist threat from his precious lock box and if Kerry had won, Saddam might be back in power -- or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately. That, and our taxes would be higher -- under both Gore and Kerry, which means the economy would have taken longer to recover from Tech Bust and 9/11)

In the months after Bush took office, there were several energy summits.

In that time, there was one terrorism summit, at the beginning of September. The administrations response was that terrorism wasn't as much as a threat as it was made out to be by Clinton, and decided to fut funding. Additionally, many top officials have stated that Bush ignored their requests for more support for antiterrorism pre 9-11.

Seeing how Gore worked with Clinton in an administration that took terrorism more seriously than Bush, I doubt that there'd be several 9/11 style attacks.

a few reads for you...:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/03/22/clarke.bush/

www.salon.com/politics/feature/2001/09/12/bush/

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB116/

I don't feel like getting more for you to read, after a point it's up to you to pull your head out of the sand...

There are a lot of rational, intelligent people in the US.

Just, there are also a lot of people who only hear what they want to hear and disregard dissenting viewpoints, assuming nobody could ever possibly be right except them.

I think the problem is that, most issues seem so distanced from people. We've been spoiled so long, we've come to think we're entitled to a certain standard of lifestyle. So, real issues seem two dimensional to some of us -- we hardly see them as real.

And unfortunately, political candidates tend to win by using that kind of lifestyle entitlement to their advantage. Bush and company tend to just tell people what they want to hear, caring not whether or not it's true, so long as it's 'truthy'.

And people believe whatever they say because what they say makes them happy and makes them feel good about themselves.

ok, I'll play along.

Sure America is STUPID. They are idiots. I hate America. America is stupid because George W. Bush is stupid. And retarded. And because Republicans are stupid. Of course if John Kerry were elected president that would have shown that America was not really stupid after all and if Democrats could win elections in this country then we would all be much smarter. I think because people disagree with me that they are ignorant.


I don't think all that. Just making a point.

In the months after Bush took office, there were several energy summits.

In that time, there was one terrorism summit, at the beginning of September. The administrations response was that terrorism wasn't as much as a threat as it was made out to be by Clinton, and decided to fut funding. Additionally, many top officials have stated that Bush ignored their requests for more support for antiterrorism pre 9-11.

Seeing how Gore worked with Clinton in an administration that took terrorism more seriously than Bush, I doubt that there'd be several 9/11 style attacks.

a few reads for you...:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/03/22/clarke.bush/

www.salon.com/politics/feature/2001/09/12/bush/

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB116/

I don't feel like getting more for you to read, after a point it's up to you to pull your head out of the sand...
Guys, let's not turn this into a war on politics, or it'll become a flamefest...

Yeah FDR didn't jump up instantly and start directing efforts when he learned Pearl Harbor was bombed...maybe stopping and thinking for a moment isn't something we should attack Bush for. If he did stop and think more, we'd all probably be in a better state right now.

Don't you need congressional approval to declare war? America declared war the next day after Pearl Harbor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World_War#Asia:_The_United_States_enters_the_war
Then again, war is usually bad, so it would've been best not to enter for a few minutes.

It is kind of bad the Bush sat there for a while. It would have been more helpful if he actually thought while reading the book that he was reading to the kids.

(thank goodness we did... if Gore had won we might have suffered several more 9/11s before he got his response to the terrorist threat from his precious lock box and if Kerry had won, Saddam might be back in power -- or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately. That, and our taxes would be higher -- under both Gore and Kerry, which means the economy would have taken longer to recover from Tech Bust and 9/11)

(i.e. evil NS liberals don't like my president so I'm going to whine a lot, and spew the BS that's been shoved down my throat by my party to make me believe that the other side is evil. WAHHHH! WAAAAAHHH!!)

-America as a country, is not ignorant, just misguided by an overdependance on religion. In that, my country is no better than an Arab Muslim theocracy.

-Americans, however, have a tendancy to be ignorant. There is still a minority of the educated and informed, but most people here tend to only be educated on or interested in a few pet issues. Such as Nascar.

-America as a country, is not ignorant, just misguided by an overdependance on religion. In that, my country is no better than an Arab Muslim theocracy.

-Americans, however, have a tendancy to be ignorant. There is still a minority of the educated and informed, but most people here tend to only be educated on or interested in a few pet issues. Such as Nascar.

The main problem is that almost any time a member of the educated minority tries to render an opinion they get shouted down as "Lib'ral city ayleets" and other crap like that. This country simply isn't valuing education and intelligence as it once did. I don't know when/where it happened, but it's been a steadily building trend that shows no sign of stopping.

Don't you need congressional approval to declare war? America declared war the next day after Pearl Harbor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World_War#Asia:_The_United_States_enters_the_war
Then again, war is usually bad, so it would've been best not to enter for a few minutes.

It is kind of bad the Bush sat there for a while. It would have been more helpful if he actually thought while reading the book that he was reading to the kids.
Yes you do need congressional approval for war, I was using FDR as the example that instantaneously making decisions at the moment that an act of war happens will just lead to problems... how ever there are huge differences between terrorists running planes into buildings and another nation's navy devastating your own. Also you can't say that Bush wasn't thinking while reading the children's book, for the sole fact that no one can ever be sure of what another person is thinking.

Please get back to the main topic...

Allcoolnamesaretaken, nobody can say that an entire people is ignorant. Here's another way to rephrase the question, to prevent petty political squabbles:

Are Americans ready for massive global change of any sort? Why or why not?

Yes you do need congressional approval for war, I was using FDR as the example that instantaneously making decisions at the moment that an act of war happens will just lead to problems... how ever there are huge differences between terrorists running planes into buildings and another nation's navy devastating your own. Also you can't say that Bush wasn't thinking while reading the children's book, for the sole fact that no one can ever be sure of what another person is thinking.
I see. I guess it would be bad if decisions could be made right there on the spot and bending to the leaders every whim.

Some would argue that he didn't actually win. For that matter, what real difference is there between either of the "big two" (Democrat, Republican) in the USA? I see them as the same evil wrapped in different cloth. For all their "differences" each one manages to violate their oath to serve in their own special way.

Id have to agree with that, either one will find a way to screw over the citizens in one way or another, and get some benefit for themselves.

GET BACK TO THE MAIN TOPIC!

I don't think that America's that much worse than the rest of the Western World. Look at the culture in Britain now, where more people watched the the painfully stupid "Big Brother" than watched the topical news show "Have I got News For You". Increasing stupidity and ignorance is far from an American thing. Okay, so it might be slightly worse in America, but I think geographical location has as much to do with that as anything. The Americans shouldn't be lambasted for this.

Good comment. If europeans know more about other european countries than we do its because theyre able to go there and what happens there is relevent to them. However as previously pointed out by someone, "america thinks it can do whatever it wants", and as far as I can tell it can. Therefore elections/events in other countries dont mean much since nothing they do can affect the US (or at least it seems that way).

A bunch of people have been talking about how Americans are ignorant, and they give the lack of interest in news as an example. Is that really fair though? Because all news channels have the philosophy that bad news is news and good news is no news. Can you deny that (with the exception of "breaking news")? Maybe every once in a while, but we only get one side of every single issue. Look at the War in Iraq. When's the last time anyone heard anything good about that in the news? I know several people in the military (one's a colonel and was there when Saddam's statue was taken down) and they say that the general attitude there is absolutely nothing like what the news say it is. If you ask me, there's some of the ignorance for you- either that or bias, one or the other.
Are they the way to keep up with world affairs, however? Sure! What the heck else is there? So you can't really judge the ignorance of a country's citizens based on how much they know from the news.
Now in other ways Americans are very ignorant- I'll admit that freely. I mean, it's true- I'm even saying that as a Bush supporter (yes there are some of us even in Oregon).

What I'm saying is to be careful what you're judging the citizens of a country by.

As a Brit, I do have to say that Americans are ignorant of what goes on in the wider world. This is not an uninformed statement. Over the years I have worked with Americans, spent time in America and have many American friends. What I am not sure about, though is if this "ignorance" is due to atitude or education. I lean toward it being one of education.

My sister has lived in the States for the last eight years and very often, I will mention something that has been on the news about world affairs, even things on the scale of the tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands of ppl, and she simply didn't know a thing about it. The news in the States or atleast where she lives, simply had not covered it. I have satellite TV and so have access to TV stations from around the world. One thing that stands out about the American media is that more often than not, they do not cover a story until and unless it involves Americans. A perfect example of this was the disapearance of the American student in Aruba. That story was covered on a daily basis for MONTHS but the tsunami got a little atention for a couple of days and was forgotten. Even though this was a catastrophe on an enourmous scale.

I once had a conversation with an American friend that quite simply stunned me. I can't remember how the subject came up but in conversation I had mentioned Prince Charles. the rest of the conversation went as follows....

Prince Charles?

You know, Prince Charles, the Queen's Son?

Who's Queen?

Our Queen. The Queen of England.

You have a Queen?

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Perhaps someone could answer this question for me, and I don't mean this in a sarcastic way. It's a genuine question. What are Americans taught in history class? In the UK, we're taught global history. For example, when I was at school a large segment of history class was devoted to the American Civil War and other foreign history. Not just British.

It stands to reason that if schools do not encourage an interest in foreign affairs and the media shows no interest in anything outside of America unless it involves American citizens, then Americans WILL be ignorant of what goes on in the wider world.

Yes, because the Democrats' and Republicans' leaderships are willing to dumb down their constituencies to ensure that they maintain their grip on their individual strongholds. They're willing to sacrifice our global economic future and our role in the world economy for political power.

Perhaps someone could answer this question for me, and I don't mean this in a sarcastic way. It's a genuine question. What are Americans taught in history class? In the UK, we're taught global history. For example, when I was at school a large segment of history class was devoted to the American Civil War and other foreign history. Not just British..

In my school US history was generally the only focus of our classes; world history was an elective and AP European history (which I took, along with AP US) was an AP class that usually required one to take AP US beforehand. Much of our basic educational system is America-centric; pretty much anything outside of the US is taught as either an elective or and advanced-placement class.

I think it would be very appropriate to say, "I'm surrounded by idiots," when you live in America. One day America will be jolted out of apathy and start to care about what's going on, but not this day. Too many people would rather watch Entertainment Tonight instead of CNN.

Thanks for answering that for me, Vetalia. That's what I suspected but never had it confirmed. It would seem then, that the problem, if it is a problem, cannot be changed by atitude adjustment but needs to be addresed in school. If children are not even informed there IS a world outside of America, then how are they expected to show an interest in it?

(thank goodness we did... if Gore had won we might have suffered several more 9/11s before he got his response to the terrorist threat from his precious lock box and if Kerry had won, Saddam might be back in power -- or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately. That, and our taxes would be higher -- under both Gore and Kerry, which means the economy would have taken longer to recover from Tech Bust and 9/11)

HERE'S YOUR EXAMPLE, FOLKS!!!

this poster believes he can predict an alternate future.

As for Sadam still being in power, WHO PUT HIM THERE in the first place??? (you showed your ignorance here, big time)

And as for higher taxes....HOW IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK BUSH IS GONNA PAY FOR THIS WAR ON TERROR??? WHOSE MONEY IS PAYING HALLIBURTON??

maybe the taxes FOR THE RICH are lower now, but it's all gonna catch up to us and bite us in the ass. The Republicans are famous for talking about fiscal responsibility and then putting the country in so much debt that the Democrats have to raise taxes to pay for the pork the Republicans handed out.

Living proof of American's ignorance to make comments like that.

What a total generalization of the American people. You're going to find people like this in every country around the globe. My answer is a resounding NO.

or the troops might have left before their job was finished adequately.

I guess you missed Afghanistan not being finished.....

HERE'S YOUR EXAMPLE, FOLKS!!!

this poster believes he can predict an alternate future.

As for Sadam still being in power, WHO PUT HIM THERE in the first place??? (you showed your ignorance here, big time)


He wasn't put in power by anyone. The CIA supported his rise through the army ranks in the 1970s, but Saddam assumed power through the resignation of President al-Bakr in 1979. The US had nothing to do with al-Bakr's resignation or choice of a successor.

Were that it was only America...

I think many Americans are indeed ignorant, and young people DO commonly think that stupidity is "cool". How else can you explain fratboys in college harassing people? What about the "smart kids" getting beaten up? I was one of the damn "smart kids", and trust me, I was FAR from being socially inept, yet I was still harassed and beaten up.

Yes, people do seem to avoid the news at all costs. When Alito was confirmed, I was in a bad mood for days, and when people asked why, I told them "Alito was confirmed. I'm pissed."...the immediate response was "Huh? Who's Ali...whateverthefuck?..confirmed for what?"

:headbang:

Generally, yes the American people are ignorant to what goes on in the rest of the world- that's why we kill each other over a traffic incident, but specifically you can't brand us ignorant. We may have some of the least ignorant, most tolerant minds out there... however few.

I answered yes, because when I go out to dinner where I live or where I grew up the average person is ignorant not only to international issues, but often national issues as well... seriously, ask the guy ringing up your groceries if he can explain the potential problem with our social security system, hell, ask your coworkers... sometimes its scary...

I guess a lot of people see the "problems" as something they shouldn't have to deal with and that the government should fix- a kind of "whats the government for then?" attitude...

I'm not sure what the rest of the world is like. I suspect that many non-Americans are also ignorant. It's probably worse here because we've become complacent. We're busy just living our lives and aren't interested in the rest of the world. Also, the TV media is very US-centric at best, and just plain crap at worst. They talked a lot about how bad Hurricane Katrina was, but said very little about the Pakistan earthquake or the Asian tsunami. Not to mention all the hoopla about whats-her-name in Aruba!

America's been ignorant for a long time.

Evidence: people bought into the Truman doctrine. Nice move.

America's disdain for education will be her undoing.

I'm not sure what the rest of the world is like. I suspect that many non-Americans are also ignorant. It's probably worse here because we've become complacent. We're busy just living our lives and aren't interested in the rest of the world. Also, the TV media is very US-centric at best, and just plain crap at worst. They talked a lot about how bad Hurricane Katrina was, but said very little about the Pakistan earthquake or the Asian tsunami. Not to mention all the hoopla about whats-her-name in Aruba!


Oh good, I'm not the only one who got sick and tired of hearing about that bitch in Aruba.

Using the definition of ignorant as having a lack of knowledge, then YES americans are very ignorant.
Ask them about some other country in the world, and they have no idea even where it is. (Mind you, many Canadian children and adults are the same, but not to the same degree.) They have no idea of vital information that makes their country operate.
If it has nothing to do with the United States of America, then it has nothing to do with what happens in the world. Very self-centered.
The news media is partially to blame for this along with their own degree of ego in feeling they are the best and they deserve what they have and no one and nothing will stand in their way in getting it.




And I'm tired of that dead chick in Aruba, too!!!!!!

I think many Americans are indeed ignorant, and young people DO commonly think that stupidity is "cool". How else can you explain fratboys in college harassing people? What about the "smart kids" getting beaten up? I was one of the damn "smart kids", and trust me, I was FAR from being socially inept, yet I was still harassed and beaten up.

I definitely think the average American is becoming more and more ignorant. I've had kids tell me they deliberately got questions wrong on tests so that they wouldn't get beaten up. Me, I never had a problem with that because my parents had the sense to get me into martial arts, and one broken nose, and one bully-headfirst-into-a-full-trashcan later, nobody messed with me, or anyone around me.

BUT many of you are assuming that watching the news is going to get you to be less ignorant. :confused: If you've seen american news programs, you CAN'T seriously think that will help. They put on ten minutes of a fire in an apartment building, but yet never mention Alito or the Supreme Court the entire process thorugh. They will talk about the "big storm coming" (which these last few days turned out to be about 10 snowflakes, followed by a bunch of rain where I am) and never bother to mention the huge civil war raging 10,000 miles away. Granted, they are very into "human interest stories" like mudslides wiping out villages, but tin-pot dictators wiping out villages doesn't even get a slip of paper, much less ten seconds' air time. It's not news, it's entertainment.

If you need further proof, just look at http://www.moreontrivia.com/playbyplay.php?gid=228 and/or other's of these. (Knock yourself out, but they're funnier on the radio - these are just transcripts.)