NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

The geographical confusion of Americans can be solved with one little thing: a better education in schools.

The joke is on you. You didn't bother to read all of their sign.

"Free Tibet... from the concept of a fixed geographical location".

The geographical confusion of Americans can be solved with one little thing: a better education in schools.

True. I hated when people would whine about getting a geography test in schools. It disgusts me that so many people in my country don't know where Tibet is, and didn't (and in some cases, still don't) know where Iraq is when the second Gulf War started.

Of course, I've always been fascinated by maps and geography, so my opinion may be biased.

It isn't geographical confusion. It's called being uninformed and/or not caring.

In all honesty, why should I know where Tibet is on a map?

When I travel I make sure I know where places are in relation to one another, what paths I will take, and how to get from point A to B, C, and D. But why should anyone have to be able to point to an arbitrary location on a map?

Though it would make sense to know where a place is if you are protesting about it.

It isn't geographical confusion. It's called being uninformed and/or not caring.

In all honesty, why should I know where Tibet is on a map?

When I travel I make sure I know where places are in relation to one another, what paths I will take, and how to get from point A to B, C, and D. But why should anyone have to be able to point to an arbitrary location on a map?

Though it would make sense to know where a place is if you are protesting about it.

Bann-ed, in my opinion, you´re better than what your words up there show. Your statement is silly and disappointing.

Why would I need to know where a certain country is? Easy, so I don´t look like an illiterate twit to others when I´m asked. If one claims to be educated, having, at least, a general sense of geography is essential.

True. I hated when people would whine about getting a geography test in schools. It disgusts me that so many people in my country don't know where Tibet is, and didn't (and in some cases, still don't) know where Iraq is when the second Gulf War started.

Of course, I've always been fascinated by maps and geography, so my opinion may be biased.

I don´t think your opinion is biased, you´re just not part of the common denominator and that´s great. Kudos to you for not fitting a stereotype.;)

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o170/psychoticmongooses/miss-south-carolina.jpg

/approves

Bann-ed, in my opinion, you´re better than what your words up there show. Your statement is silly and disappointing.

Obviously I don't think so, or I wouldn't have posted it. :p

Why would I need to know where a certain country is? Easy, so I don´t look like an illiterate twit to others when I´m asked. If one claims to be educated, having, at least, a general sense of geography is essential.

"On the periodic table, what is the third transition metal from the top left?"
I have no idea personally.

Were these people claiming to be educated? If so, about what? There are so many fields of study it is impossible, literally impossible, to know it all.

If I am to spend my life memorizing facts just so when someone comes up to me and asks me a question I don't sound like an illiterate twit, then I'd just be a literate twit.(Since I can read and all)

Knowing something just for the sake of knowing is worthless in my opinion.

But knowing something because you need to/it is relevant to your actions/it would greatly improve your life and the lives of others if you did, is important.

It isn't geographical confusion. It's called being uninformed and/or not caring.

In all honesty, why should I know where Tibet is on a map?

When I travel I make sure I know where places are in relation to one another, what paths I will take, and how to get from point A to B, C, and D. But why should anyone have to be able to point to an arbitrary location on a map?

Though it would make sense to know where a place is if you are protesting about it.

Is it arbitrary anymore when our nations' leaders take us to war in a place our citizens can't find on a map? I mean, besides the reasons for going to war in the first place being arbitrary, that is.

I'm actually with you on Tibet. I'm not really certain why I should protest in order to return the ruling Lama class back to power when these same people were perfectly happy to live in luxury while the peasant class barely scraped by in abject poverty. And also, I know where it is on a map. Whoopee.

"On the periodic table, what is the third transition metal from the top left?"
I have no idea personally.


Vanadium.



What...?

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

China will be happy to hear this considering they don't want anyone to know where or what Tibet is. At least not until they have fully repopulated the place.

EDIT:

Intangelon makes a good point though, the original ruling class of Tibet was not much better.

Obviously I don't think so, or I wouldn't have posted it. :p


"On the periodic table, what is the third transition metal from the top left?"
I have no idea personally.

Were these people claiming to be educated? If so, about what? There are so many fields of study it is impossible, literally impossible, to know it all.

If I am to spend my life memorizing facts just so when someone comes up to me and asks me a question I don't sound like an illiterate twit, then I'd just be a literate twit.(Since I can read and all)

Knowing something just for the sake of knowing is worthless in my opinion.

But knowing something because you need to/it is relevant to your actions/it would greatly improve your life and the lives of others if you did, is important.

We greatly differ in that aspect then. And if you read my statement as you should´ve instead of fixing it like you did (;)) you would have seen that I referred to a ¨general¨ sense of the subject of geography. Knowing all there is to know about different subjects, in my opinion, make one a well rounded individual. By no means does that mean know everything there is to know about everything. That, dear, is impossible.

Vanadium.



What...?

You so Googled that.:p

Is it arbitrary anymore when our nations' leaders take us to war in a place our citizens can't find on a map? I mean, besides the reasons for going to war in the first place being arbitrary, that is.

It is probably important/relevant for a citizen of a country to know the location of the country that their nation is currently at war in.
However, knowing the location doesn't actually mean anything. It doesn't say anything in particular. Most importantly, it doesn't do anything. So other than being able to point out the location of a place on a map, it is not incredibly usefull.(For a citizen of course. Military leaders and politicians who actually make decisions should know locations of areas and how they are affected by and affect surrounding areas.) Effect? Affect? Curses...
I'm actually with you on Tibet. I'm not really certain why I should protest in order to return the ruling Lama class back to power when these same people were perfectly happy to live in luxury while the peasant class barely scraped by in abject poverty. And also, I know where it is on a map. Whoopee.
Only because it's convenient.:p

We greatly differ in that aspect then. And if you read my statement as you should´ve instead of fixing it like you did (;)) you would have seen that I referred to a ¨general¨ sense of the subject of geography.
I guess we differed on the meaning of "general" then. I would consider knowing the hemispheres, continents, and seven seas as a 'general' sense. Tibet would be more specific.
Knowing all there is to know about different subjects, in my opinion, make one a well rounded individual. By no means does that mean know everything there is to know about everything. That, dear, is impossible.
Quite.

You so Googled that.:p

Doubt it. I used to have the first part of the d-block memorized, and it wouldn't surprise me if someone else did.

I guess we differed on the meaning of "general" then. I would consider knowing the hemispheres, continents, and seven seas as a 'general' sense. Tibet would be more specific.

Must have been that.;)

Doubt it. I used to have the first part of the d-block memorized, and it wouldn't surprise me if someone else did.

No, no. I did google it.

*hangs head in shame*

Chemistry was never a particular strong topic with me.

"H2SO4 does what to skin now....?"

google earth has been quite the godsend in the quest to learn geography.

my sister (57 years old so she is from the era when people learned geography) had gotten it into her head that the netherlands is an ISLAND. we took a look on google earth and now she knows where it is.

more or less.

No, no. I did google it.

*hangs head in shame*

Chemistry was never a particular strong topic with me.

"H2SO4 does what to skin now....?"

Cheater!

Want to know something?

Chemistry was never my forté either.:p

We should give Tibet back to the Russians. So what if it has oil there, it cost us fifty million bucks! There's nothing there but a bunch of snow anyways. All its good for is being the biggest state in the Union, and pointing missiles at east Russia.

...Oh.

So, what are some other places Americans are ignorant about? Just the other day, my mum thought that Singapore was once part of China, in a situation similar to Hong Kong was.

We should give Tibet back to the Russians. So what if it has oil there, it cost us fifty million bucks! There's nothing there but a bunch of snow anyways. All its good for is being the biggest state in the Union, and pointing missiles at east Russia.

...Oh.

So, what are some other places Americans are ignorant about? Just the other day, my mum thought that Singapore was once part of China, in a situation similar to Hong Kong was.

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

Uhh.. eastern europe? Southeastern Europe?
By Serbia I think.

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

Isn't that where we got the slaves? </jk>

It's on the Adriatic, across from the Italian Peninsula.

Uhh.. eastern europe? Southeastern Europe?
By Serbia I think.

Let us check into that...

And that is correct!

I wonder if you googled it first.:p

...Oh.

So, what are some other places Americans are ignorant about? Just the other day, my mum thought that Singapore was once part of China, in a situation similar to Hong Kong was.

Singapore has a huge Chinese population. I would surmise that they will be the dominate population one day.


Just in defense of my fellow Americans I could take a map to any nation and probably find the same results. This includes Spain for our Spanish posters. ;)

Problem is that people really don't care about trivial facts like most on here do.

Let us check into that...

And that is correct!

I wonder if you googled it first.:p

Actually, I didn't. I googled it second, after I had typed the post and before I hit submit reply. I didn't want to look like an idiot if I was wrong.(Rather, seem like an idiot, can't do anything about the looking. :p)

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

Isn't it near Serbia and Croatia?

It isn't geographical confusion. It's called being uninformed and/or not caring.

In all honesty, why should I know where Tibet is on a map?

So you wouldn't look ignorant if asked where it was and you pointed at, say, Africa and said "Oh, somewhere over there in South America."

That's pretty much all you need the vast majority of facts gleaned from education for. The minority you will actually use in life with some regularity. But just because a piece of information isn't used on a daily basis doesn't mean it's useless.

When I travel I make sure I know where places are in relation to one another, what paths I will take, and how to get from point A to B, C, and D. But why should anyone have to be able to point to an arbitrary location on a map?

Well that's the thing, it's NOT arbitrary. Arbitrary locations on the map would be where you pointed if you didn't know. ;)

We greatly differ in that aspect then. And if you read my statement as you should´ve instead of fixing it like you did (;)) you would have seen that I referred to a ¨general¨ sense of the subject of geography. Knowing all there is to know about different subjects, in my opinion, make one a well rounded individual. By no means does that mean know everything there is to know about everything. That, dear, is impossible.

All knowledge is worth having.

Isn't it near Serbia and Croatia?

It is.

So you wouldn't look ignorant if asked where it was and you pointed at, say, Africa and said "Oh, somewhere over there in South America."
Assuming I didn't know.

Yes, I would look ignorant.
I wouldn't particularly care.

That's pretty much all you need the vast majority of facts gleaned from education for. The minority you will actually use in life with some regularity. But just because a piece of information isn't used on a daily basis doesn't mean it's useless.
No, not useless, but not usefull either.
Well that's the thing, it's NOT arbitrary. Arbitrary locations on the map would be where you pointed if you didn't know. ;)
*mumblemumble* :p

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

Could you find Brunei without looking it up on the net? How about Vanuatu?

google earth has been quite the godsend in the quest to learn geography.

my sister (57 years old so she is from the era when people learned geography) had gotten it into her head that the netherlands is an ISLAND. we took a look on google earth and now she knows where it is.

more or less.

Maybe thinking of the Netherlands Antilles?

Could you find Brunei without looking it up on the net? How about Vanuatu?

Yes, I studied geography extensively. Brunei is in Southeast Asia, north off the coast of Borneo.

Vanautu?

South Pacific. I did have to google that one.

Yes, I studied geography extensively. Brunei is in Southeast Asia, north off the coast of Borneo.

Vanautu?

South Pacific. I did have to google that one.

I studied Geography extensively too. Most people haven't. This holds true with America, Spain and all parts between. So kind of silly to point at people and laugh when they in all likelihood know something that you don't. I know it's a bit fun at times to poke blind fun but really what I am getting at is that I consider myself fairly intelligent. However I could meet just about anyone on the street that probably knows something I don't. That is why I personally don't sit there and stereotype because it can be quickly turned on oneself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r43yCiKlbCo


This 2 year old is amazing!!!

/thread

I studied Geography extensively too. Most people haven't. This holds true with America, Spain and all parts between. So kind of silly to point at people and laugh when they in all likelihood know something that you don't. I know it's a bit fun at times to poke blind fun but really what I am getting at is that I consider myself fairly intelligent. However I could meet just about anyone on the street that probably knows something I don't. That is why I personally don't sit there and stereotype because it can be quickly turned on oneself.

You know what, Marrakech, no one here is pointing at laughing. The exchange on this thread has been very civil. I personally am not laughing at anyone. I´m actually pointing out something that even Americans recognize. An American normally doesn´t know where some countries are in the map. Neither does a Spaniard. What can be suggested to remedy this? A good education. Frankly, your posts toward me have become increasingly despective (although civil) since I posted about the way I feel about Americans. Guess what? I have moderated that. So don´t start with me. Read throughout the thread and tell me if once have I been rude, to anyone.

Maybe thinking of the Netherlands Antilles?

no, we've been to the netherlands antilles. but it might have stuck "island" in her mind.

i dont know but looking at google earth has cemented many countries in my mind.

The geographical confusion of Americans can be solved with one little thing: a better education in schools.

Wrong. It can be solved with better geography.
I would suggest the rest of the world get rid of their petty nationalities and cultures, and refer to themselves as a single entity: Them. The United States will remain, "Us," as it is now.

no, we've been to the netherlands antilles. but it might have stuck "island" in her mind.

i dont know but looking at google earth has cemented many countries in my mind.

I have a whole wall in my office covered in a world map. It is surprising how just staring off into space and looking at it has given me a better image of the world. I can place a large portion of the planets nations to the correct spot because of an interest in maps and globes since a child.

You know what, Marrakech, no one here is pointing at laughing. The exchange on this thread has been very civil. I personally am not laughing at anyone.

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

This is what I meant.




I´m actually pointing out something that even Americans recognize. An American normally doesn´t know where some countries are in the map. Neither does a Spaniard. What can be suggested to remedy this? A good education.

Absolutely I agree.



Frankly, your posts toward me have become increasingly despective (although civil) since I posted about the way I feel about Americans. Guess what? I have moderated that. So don´t start with me. Read throughout the thread and tell me if once have I been rude, to anyone.

No I haven't been disrespectful if that is the world you were looking for. I only posted that due to your post that I injected above.

Wrong. It can be solved with better geography.
I would suggest the rest of the world get rid of their petty nationalities and cultures, and refer to themselves as a single entity: Them. The United States will remain, "Us," as it is now.

And where do you think geography´s taught at? The arcade? At Wal-mart?Education is the key. And that last statement is lame. Us, Them? Your also part of the world, aren´t you? Or is it just that because you´re from the US entitles you to make your people remain ignorant as to the rest of the planet? Check what you´re saying, mate and rectify it. That´s precisely why... you know what? This is just a waste of my time.

And where do you think geography´s taught at? The arcade? At Wal-mart?Education is the key. And that last statement is lame. Us, Them? Your also part of the world, aren´t you? Or is it just that because you´re from the US entitles you to make your people remain ignorant as to the rest of the planet? Check what you´re saying, mate and rectify it. That´s precisely why... you know what? This is just a waste of my time.
Yes. As an American, I do not have to know anything. The rest of the world...excuse me, "They" will learn it for me.

Seriously though, I was just kidding. The post was meant to make light of the stereotypical American attitude towards the rest of the world; I do agree that more geography education is necessary. I apologize for any offense it caused.

Yes. As an American, I do not have to know anything. The rest of the world...excuse me, "They" will learn it for me.

Seriously though, I was just kidding. The post was meant to make light of the stereotypical American attitude towards the rest of the world; I do agree that more geography education is necessary. I apologize for any offense it caused.

You didn´t offend me. But it was highly frustrating reading through it.:p

You didn´t offend me. But it was highly frustrating reading through it.:p

Sorry. I hope it was only frustrating because you've seen similar arguments made earnestly, and not because you think I actually believe that.

And where do you think geography´s taught at? The arcade? At Wal-mart?Education is the key. And that last statement is lame. Us, Them? Your also part of the world, aren´t you? Or is it just that because you´re from the US entitles you to make your people remain ignorant as to the rest of the planet? Check what you´re saying, mate and rectify it. That´s precisely why... you know what? This is just a waste of my time.

Sarcasm is wasted on extremist radicals, stereotyping massive nations like that, like you. You should be ashamed, claiming to be knowledgeable concerning Mother Terra, yet making blanket statements over the People in the vast Union and Her Territories, a land of immigrants and mixed peoples.

Anyone can be ignorant of geography, and knowledge in general, despite nationality, creed, race, economic status, et cetera.

I do happen to know where Montenegro is without a map, if only because I recently took a class on World War 1 which included getting a look at some of the Balkans.

I will admit, however, that there are many who do fit the stereotype. I spent several minutes in an argument with someone who apparently got all of their geographical skills from Risk.

Of course, I have a globe on my desk, so I can always "cheat" if necessary.

Sorry. I hope it was only frustrating because you've seen similar arguments made earnestly, and not because you think I actually believe that.

I don´t think you´re ignorant or anything. Actually, to be a part of NS the least you can be is ignorant. My frustration was because yes, I´ve encountered similar arguments from some people and I tend to be in disbelief at the level of insularism some they present. I don´t want to say this has only happened to me in the US, I´ve encountered similar reactions here in Spain, but in the US, not counting some individuals, the reaction has been the strongest and the least in a chance to have a positive argument.

Sarcasm is wasted on extremist radicals, stereotyping massive nations like that, like you. You should be ashamed, claiming to be knowledgeable concerning Mother Terra, yet making blanket statements over the People in the vast Union and Her Territories, a land of immigrants and mixed peoples.

Anyone can be ignorant of geography, and knowledge in general, despite nationality, creed, race, economic status, et cetera.

Yeah, reading this little tirade certifies it.

You can't judge an entire country of people like that it's really not fair. I am American and I know exactly where Tibet is as do all my friends. Just because you met some people who are ignorant does not mean that there aren't ignorant people all around the world. It's not just the United States.

You know what, Marrakech, no one here is pointing at laughing. The exchange on this thread has been very civil. I personally am not laughing at anyone. I´m actually pointing out something that even Americans recognize. An American normally doesn´t know where some countries are in the map. Neither does a Spaniard. What can be suggested to remedy this? A good education. Frankly, your posts toward me have become increasingly despective (although civil) since I posted about the way I feel about Americans. Guess what? I have moderated that. So don´t start with me. Read throughout the thread and tell me if once have I been rude, to anyone.

This brings a good discussion I had with someone to mind

The basis of the discussion was:
The viability and depth of general education needed/desired in light of the ever increasing demand for specialization in education and growing length of time of the average time one spends in school

Not saying what side I am on but the idea of increasing time spent on a topic that may or may not be necessary to the rest of their life or any decision process they are likely to come across in their life is an interesting topic

Also the growing ability for the everyday person to easily access information that they need not memorize. Even specialty educations spend a lot of time (at least in the computer field) prepping not only for the theory but the ability to find/dissect/understand that information as there is no feasible ability for someone to memorize all the information out there much less keep up with the changes.

Anyways I am going on a tangent possibly

show me a map, name a country, I can find it :D

show me a map, name a country, I can find it :D

Karajo Islands.

Karajo Islands.

You didn't show him/her a map.

Not to mention the map probably requires the names of places on it as well.

You didn't show him/her a map.

Not to mention the map probably requires the names of places on it as well.

He/she has google, right? Let him/her search for a map there.;)

I actually don't require the names.

It does help a lot though.

As for the CARAJO islands...

I didn't quite guess where they were because they are not a COUNTRY.

I'm not all knowing :p

Give me a COUNTRY and i can find it... Azerbaijan anyone?

Give me a COUNTRY and i can find it... Azerbaijan anyone?

No idea, but awesome national anthem.

The joke is on you. You didn't bother to read all of their sign.

"Free Tibet... from the concept of a fixed geographical location".

You got me there! :sniper:

And why is the thread entitled Geographically challenged Americans???


I just took two Icelandic college students to the airport who are convinced Mexico is in South America. And the sad part is the university is in Texas, Mexico is right there.

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

When I was in seventh grade a girl in my class couldn't pinpoint the Atlantic Ocean on a map. Please take a note as to my location...

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

thats because the free Tibet protesters are largely hippies, they are likely stoned out of their mind and tripping on Acid.

Ask Europians where various non-Europian countries are located. You will get similar answers. Geographical apathy/ignorance is not just in the US.

The geographical confusion of Americans can be solved with one little thing: a better education in schools.

Nah. Just give American children a globe to play with. Problem solved.

Nah. Just give American children a globe to play with. Problem solved.

no No. give American children the globe to play with. Americans should be able to wonder around and do as they please in other countries so long as it doesn't bother another American.

I remember betting a friend about the location of Portugal. He claimed that it was an island, and then changed his mind and said it was in South America. We argued for several minutes, and we shook hands, saying that he would give me $40 if it was in the Iberian peninsula, to the west of Spain. Naturally, I won, and I have yet to receive the money...he claims that Portugal is an island because the Afro-Eurasian super continent is an island. Go figure.

Interestingly enough, all the Chinese people I know are geography nuts and know all about geography save for Europe and Africa. It's quite interesting.

no No. give American children the globe to play with. Americans should be able to wonder around and do as they please in other countries so long as it doesn't bother another American.

They already do that and it still doesn't work

This insidious threat has permeated the potential top (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrsBKGpwi58) of our government!

Give me a COUNTRY and i can find it... Azerbaijan anyone?

To easy mate in between the Caspian Sea and Armenia.

Tell me where where the Maldives are?

http://imgs.sfgate.com/n/pictures/2008/05/02/english5.jpg
http://memewatch.com/thelist/archives/pix/morans.jpg
http://www.earth-dog.com/~todd/images/durrr-nazi.jpg

epic win

epic win

Someone has a high opinion of themselves, but what does that have to do with Geographically Confused Americans

When my parents went to the USA in 1993 for a wedding they were asked about thier accents and when my dad said "We are from New Zealand" the man said "Is that around Scottland or England?"

hahahahaha.

it might be different now
Maybe lord of the rings finally put us on the map.... right?

Hey you guys know where Transnistria is? haha it isnt on the map but I know where it is :P

I also know the capital cities of like ALMOST every country
I can free hand draw a map of the world.
But yeah I'm obsesed with maps and stuff haha Once I drew a map of china cause I was board in one of my classes and this girl is like "What is that supose to be?" and I'm like its china and she's like
"haha yeah cause I draw maps of china in my spare time" and then they made fun of me hahaha but ahwell

I have a whole wall in my office covered in a world map. It is surprising how just staring off into space and looking at it has given me a better image of the world. I can place a large portion of the planets nations to the correct spot because of an interest in maps and globes since a child.

I have a beautiful desktop on my Macbook though it's only Beta, basically it's a view of the entire world as by satellite that updates every half hour in terms of weather patterns and, most beautifully, day and night - I basically watch as countries sleep and wake up as darkness covers its part of the globe.

Right now, all America is dark and I can see the lights of the Eastern Seaboard, dusk is also descending on Australia and soon it will come over here to HK.

It really gives a perspective of the globe in motion.

Image (http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb281/Barringtonia_bucket/Picture1-2.png)

Learning where countries can be dull, once again technology should be able to expand our internal view of the world in visually engaging ways - I love it.

To easy mate in between the Caspian Sea and Armenia.

Tell me where where the Maldives are?

In the Indian Ocean, off the southern tip of India.

http://www.earth-dog.com/~todd/images/durrr-nazi.jpg

epic win

LMAO

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

It is depressing, but not because they are ignorant Americans (TM). One would hope they would know the vague location of the cause they were championing.

However it is not surprising, nor unique to the US. I overheard my sister recently saying "Did you know Egypt was in Africa?" to a friend :confused:

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

Ask a Spaniard where Washington DC is...

Though hilarity will ensue if you ask *anyone* where Timbuktu is. Some people will outright refuse to believe it exists (actually, once when I tried this and I told them it was in Mali I got the reply "See, I knew you made it up," funny if confusing IMO).

All knowledge is worth having.

Not really. It might be nice to know everything, but not essential. The ability to point at Italy on a map isn't going to help an American without a passport who has no vested interest in the country or plans on going there. Heck, even if they did plan on going there, the plane flies them over and they still don't need to know where it is.

Ask Europians where various non-Europian countries are located. You will get similar answers. Geographical apathy/ignorance is not just in the US.

Was that misspelling deliberate or...?

http://imgs.sfgate.com/n/pictures/2008/05/02/english5.jpg
http://memewatch.com/thelist/archives/pix/morans.jpg
http://www.earth-dog.com/~todd/images/durrr-nazi.jpg

epic win
My response.
<snip>

Don't link to pages with pornographic material. -- Sirocco

Speaking of [non]americans with imperfect geography, how many of you know that Bosnia has about a mile of seashore?

And for the record, maldives are west of the southern tip of India.

Ask a Spaniard where Washington DC is...

Washington D.C., capital of the US. It's on the East Coast, located on the borders of the Potomac River. It's bordered by Virginia and Maryland.;) Now, how did I know that?

[QUOTE=South Lorenya;13705668]Speaking of [non]americans with imperfect geography, how many of you know that Bosnia has about a mile of seashore?QUOTE]


I do. I travelled from Trieste to Dubrovnik on a coach, there were a lot of customs to go through. Italy/Slovenia Slovenia/Croatia Croatia/Bosnia Bosnia/Croatia. (Although there may not have been customs at the Bosnian corridor to the sea ... I forget)

As far as the importance of geography ... Geography = history = politics = effect on your life.

Not quite geography but a related tale. A few years back I was at the Tower of London with my Russian girlfriend when I went off to the toilet. On my return I found that she'd been accosted by two American tourists who were asking about where she came from. I intervened and answered there questions as my girlfriend's English was very good but she was struggling slightly. The American couple then complimented me on my English. Being English myself I returned the compliment and told them how good theirs was.

Washington D.C., capital of the US. It's on the East Coast, located on the borders of the Potomac River. It's bordered by Virginia and Maryland.;) Now, how did I know that?

Now... what about Timbuktu... ;)


(Even if I did give it away :p)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway. I feel the point stands that in the US geographical ignorance isn't significant more or less prevelant than elsewhere in the west.

(And Timbuktu is a much better geography bamboozler)

Now... what about Timbuktu... ;)


(Even if I did give it away :p)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway. I feel the point stands that in the US geographical ignorance isn't significant more or less prevelant than elsewhere in the west.

(And Timbuktu is a much better geography bamboozler)

If I seem to recall correctly, Timbuktu is in Africa. The west?

Hey you guys know where Transnistria is? haha it isnt on the map but I know where it is :P

Meh, try something more difficult, laddie. A separatist part of Moldova (or however this land's called in English), "Transnistria" = (rough translation) "on the other bank of Dnestr", bordering Ukraine. I have to admit I didn't remember how their capital's called.

Try Tuva or Sikkim (okay, this last one I'd lose - it's slightly more to the East than I thought).

If I seem to recall correctly, Timbuktu is in Africa. The west?

Meh, try something more difficult, laddie. A separatist part of Moldova (or however this land's called in English), "Transnistria" = (rough translation) "on the other bank of Dnestr", bordering Ukraine. I have to admit I didn't remember how their capital's called.

Try Tuva or Sikkim (okay, this last one I'd lose - it's slightly more to the East than I thought).

Timbuktu is in the West African nation of Mali, the capital of Transnistria is Tiraspol, Tuva is a quasi-independant republic within the Russian Federation; it's in extreme southern Siberia, near the Mongolian border, and Sikkim is a state in India -- it's in the foothills of the Himalayas between Nepal and Bhutan. And no, I didn't have to look this up.

Timbuktu is in the West African nation of Mali, the capital of Transnistria is Tiraspol, Tuva is a quasi-independant republic within the Russian Federation; it's in extreme southern Siberia, near the Mongolian border, and Sikkim is a state in India -- it's in the foothills of the Himalayas between Nepal and Bhutan. And no, I didn't have to look this up.

I was correct then. I still know my geography.:D

please other then the east ones everyone just goggles the stuff then replies.

Ask a tougher question like where the world goverment held gold reserves are.

please other then the east ones everyone just goggles the stuff then replies.

Ask a tougher question like where the world goverment held gold reserves are.

Very well, where are they held?:rolleyes:

I'm an American, and I enjoy Geography and maps as well. Its pretty sad that people can't point to some places on maps. I could see having trouble with a place like Uzbekistan or Andorra, though Tibet isn't really that confusing of a place to point at. Its like they didn't pay attention to anything they were taught in school.

Very well, where are they held?:rolleyes:

I am not given away the answer I asked you... quick tell me where the 20% of all gold thats in goverment hands are ?

I am not given away the answer I asked you... quick tell me where the 20% of all gold thats in goverment hands are ?

In the hands of the US government, which has been accused of manipulating it's price.

:pYes. As an American, I do not have to know anything. The rest of the world...excuse me, "They" will learn it for me.

Seriously though, I was just kidding. The post was meant to make light of the stereotypical American attitude towards the rest of the world; I do agree that more geography education is necessary. I apologize for any offense it caused.

You made it as a joke but what you point at is the true behind this. People all over the world, except for some primitives and aborigins KNOW were the USA is in the map, because of the enourmous influence the USA has in the world. So it gets very irritating when US guys dont know were you country is and DONT EVEN CARE to know.

I live in Mexico, and have been asked by a US girl were that was. :rolleyes:

Even more irritating I been asked over and over again if Mexico its part of New Mexico.

Thats why youll hear people complaining about US ignorance and lack of interest in geography.

I for my part, love to educate your kind :p

It'd be nice if Americans could first become familiar with their own country before the rest of the world. I would like to not have to explain to someone where Providence is, or that Rhode Island is indeed not an island in New York.

:p

You made it as a joke but what you point at is the true behind this. People all over the world, except for some primitives and aborigins KNOW were the USA is in the map, because of the enourmous influence the USA has in the world. So it gets very irritating when US guys dont know were you country is and DONT EVEN CARE to know.

I live in Mexico, and have been asked by a US girl were that was. :rolleyes:

Even more irritating I been asked over and over again if Mexico its part of New Mexico.

Thats why youll hear people complaining about US ignorance and lack of interest in geography.

I for my part, love to educate your kind :p


Venga hombre, pedirle a un gringo/a que sepa de geografía (claro, hay contadas excepciones a la regla, hay que ser justos) es cómo pedirle peras al olmo. Imposible!:p

In the hands of the US government, which has been accused of manipulating it's price.

not as much as it used to be.

The US goverment only has 3 times as much as any other government, Germany is in 2nd place and IMF is in 3rd place. In the 1920's it was 4 times as much as all other governments in the world combined.
don't know If the Us could manipulate prices like we did from 1920 to 1960.

10% of all world gold reserves are in the federal Reserve bank in New York(not all of which is owned by the US goverment, much is owned by other nations.
7% in Fort Knox.
5% in the swiss banking system (exactly where is unknown since the swiss wont reveal that information).

Interesting thing Ive noticed recently is Western Europe's(with the exception of Spain) gold reserves have decreased. Kinda scary considering how much value people are putting into the Euro.

not as much as it used to be.

The US goverment only has 3 times as much as any other government, Germany is in 2nd place and IMF is in 3rd place. In the 1920's it was 4 times as much as all other governments in the world combined.
don't know If the Us could manipulate prices like we did from 1920 to 1960.

10% of all world gold reserves are in the federal Reserve bank in New York(not all of which is owned by the US goverment, much is owned by other nations.
7% in Fort Knox.
5% in the swiss banking system (exactly where is unknown since the swiss wont reveal that information).

Interesting thing Ive noticed recently is Western Europe's(with the exception of Spain) gold reserves have decreased. Kinda scary considering how much value people are putting into the Euro.

Then I wasn't mistaken in assuming it's, mostly, in the hands of your government.

Spain's gold reserves will not decrease anytime soon because we still posses repositories of gold from the Spanish conquest and colonization of the Americas. Specially gold from Peru and from Mexico.

Timbuktu is in the West African nation of Mali, the capital of Transnistria is Tiraspol, Tuva is a quasi-independant republic within the Russian Federation; it's in extreme southern Siberia, near the Mongolian border, and Sikkim is a state in India -- it's in the foothills of the Himalayas between Nepal and Bhutan. And no, I didn't have to look this up.

The only reason I know where Tuva is, is because Huun-Huur-Tu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huun-Huur-Tu) are from there :D

(Just don't ask how I know who Huun-Huur-Tu are...)

Then I wasn't mistaken in assuming it's, mostly, in the hands of your government.

Spain's gold reserves will not decrease anytime soon because we still posses repositories of gold from the Spanish conquest and colonization of the Americas. Specially gold from Peru and from Mexico.

Give it back! :mad:


:p

Give it back! :mad:


:p

Never!:mad:

:p

In all honesty, why should I know where Tibet is on a map?
Knowledge comes in handy.

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

I know its near Serbia, I wouldn't be able to place it accurately on a map though.

Could you find Brunei without looking it up on the net? How about Vanuatu?

I couldn't, I've never even heard of Vanuatu to be honest. :(

"Geographically confused"...is that something like an ithsmus that thinks it's a peninsula or an island born into a continent's body? Does that make some geographies "transgeographical"?

I know its near Serbia, I wouldn't be able to place it accurately on a map though.

But you do know it's near Serbia. Some people I know would even go as far as pointing that Montenegro doesn't exist and if it does, it's by Australia or French Polynesia.

I know its near Serbia, I wouldn't be able to place it accurately on a map though.

I couldn't, I've never even heard of Vanuatu to be honest. :(

Montenegro is bordered on the north by Bosnia, on the east by Serbia (with Kosovo to the southeast), to the west by the Adriatic Sea, and to the south by Albania. Vanuatu is a chain of islands in the South Pacific, nearest neighbors are the Solomon Islands to the northeast, New Zealand to the south, Fiji to the east, and the French colony of New Caledonia to the west. And to answer Marrakech's question about Brunei, it's on the northern coast of Borneo, surrounded on three sides by Malaysia, and on the fourth by the South China Sea; the Indonesian part of Borneo lies further to the south. OK, give me more.:D

But you do know it's near Serbia. Some people I know would even go as far as pointing that Montenegro doesn't exist and if it does, it's by Australia or French Polynesia.

I used to be much better at geography (or at least Eurasian geography), but the "explosion" of little states in the Balkans since the fall of the Soviet Union has hampered my abilities somewhat, my own fault for not keeping up on it.

I used to be much better at geography (or at least Eurasian geography), but the "explosion" of little states in the Balkans since the fall of the Soviet Union has hampered my abilities somewhat, my own fault for not keeping up on it.

lol if the balkens wants me to remember where exactly all those states are they need to stop inventing new states every few weeks.

lol if the balkens wants me to remember where exactly all those states are they need to stop inventing new states every few weeks.

I don't think they care if you know where they are.

I don't think they care if you know where they are.

then how are we supposed to drop the bombs. with out accidentally hitting the Chinese embassy ???

lol if the balkens wants me to remember where exactly all those states are they need to stop inventing new states every few weeks.

Dude, for chrissakes! Learn proper grammar. Your posting is a disgrace!

Dude, for chrissakes! Learn proper grammar. Your posting is a disgrace!

Will it really get any better if his grammar improves?

Will it really get any better if his grammar improves?

I highly doubt it, but it at least would look more elegant.:p

OK, give me more.:D
Where is Saint Kitts and Nevis? Give the exact coordinates. No peeking. :)

Dude, for chrissakes! Learn proper grammar. Your posting is a disgrace!

I highly doubt it, but it at least would look more elegant.:p

It's pretty sad when your grammar gets corrected by someone who's first language is not English. "No child left behind", indeed.

It's pretty sad when your grammar gets corrected by someone who's first language is not English. "No child left behind", indeed.

It is sad, indeed. That's why one must properly learn one's own langauge and then learn a foreign one. It's sad that greed and death, being an American and all, has to be corrected in proper spelling by a Spaniard.

Where is Saint Kitts and Nevis? Give the exact coordinates. No peeking. :)

St. Kitts (Basseterre, the capital): 17 deg 18 min 2.21 sec N 62 deg 43 min 5.93 sec W
Nevis (Newcastle): 17 deg 11 min 55.95 sec N 62 deg 25 min 35.81 sec W

St. Kitts (Basseterre, the capital): 17 deg 18 min 2.21 sec N 62 deg 43 min 5.93 sec W
Nevis (Newcastle): 17 deg 11 min 55.95 sec N 62 deg 25 min 35.81 sec W
:eek: You sure you aren't a robot or somethin'? :)

Or you peeked, DID YOU???? :mad:

:p

St. Kitts (Basseterre, the capital): 17 deg 18 min 2.21 sec N 62 deg 43 min 5.93 sec W
Nevis (Newcastle): 17 deg 11 min 55.95 sec N 62 deg 25 min 35.81 sec W

You wanna make me believe you've learned these locations by heart? :upyours: :P

Tell me now where the bay of Kara-Bogaz-Gol is, smarty :P

You wanna make me believe you've learned these locations by heart? :upyours: :P

Tell me now where the bay of Kara-Bogaz-Gol is, smarty :P

It's a lake in northeastern Turkmenistan that lies just east of the Caspian Sea. The isthmus that separates it from the Caspian Sea is so thin that on many maps it appears to be part of the Caspian Sea. During very wet periods, it does become part of it.

Coordinates please?

How 'bout Montenegro, Brazil?

It's a lake in northeastern Turkmenistan that lies just east of the Caspian Sea. The isthmus that separates it from the Caspian Sea is so thin that on many maps it appears to be part of the Caspian Sea. During very wet periods, it does become part of it.

Lake Śniardwy? :PPP

Now's your turn to ask! Ask me something!

Lake Śniardwy? :PPP

Now's your turn to ask! Ask me something!

Poland's largest lake. It's not far from the Lithuanian border.

OK, here's yours: Llullaillaco?

I pride myself in being very geographically astute (that includes modern and ancient geographical terms). And yes, I'm an American.

Poland's largest lake. It's not far from the Lithuanian border.

OK, here's yours: Llullaillaco?

:upyours::headbang::sniper::gundge::mp5::upyours:

Almost. I knew it's gotta be something in South America, only expected a city, not a mountain.

Penguin Island? Broken Hill? Semo La?

Chemistry was never a particular strong topic with me.

"H2SO4 does what to skin now....?"

Dissolves it.

Ask an American where Montenegro is and wait for their answers. Hilarity will surely ensue.

Hmm, that wouldn't be what used to be Yugoslavia, would it?

Are all Spaniards arrogance incarnate?

Dissolves it.

So the arm of my lab partner found out. :(

*Forgive me Steve*

Are all Spaniards arrogance incarnate?

Not as much as all Americans´ arrogance is.

Not as much as all Americans´ arrogance is.

I resemble that remark.

I resemble that remark.

If you happen to think you do...

All knowledge is worth having.

You wouldn't say this if you've ever seen a reality show. Some things just aren't worth it.

What's the key for running a single command in Toad for Oracle?

You don't know? Well, then you better learn or you run the risk of looking like an illiterate twit.

:upyours::headbang::sniper::gundge::mp5::upyours:

Almost. I knew it's gotta be something in South America, only expected a city, not a mountain.

Penguin Island? Broken Hill? Semo La?

There are two Penguin Islands: one is just off Perth, Australia, the other is in the South Shetland Islands, off Antarctica.

Broken Hill is a town in New South Wales, Australia.

Semo La is a mountain pass in Tibet. It leads to Mount Kailash.


Next --

1. Yaren

2. Nagorno-Karabakh

3. Vorkuta

http://www.earth-dog.com/~todd/images/durrr-nazi.jpg
Ask Jesse Owens.

Even more irritating I been asked over and over again if Mexico its part of New Mexico. :p

Can you blame Americans for asking that, when it seems that even the Mexican army has trouble figuring out what's yours and what's ours?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=1&q=mexican+army+crossing+into+the+US&spell=1

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

We had a geography pop quiz in ninth grade a few years back. We were handed a blank map of the U.S., and asked to fill in all the states. I was the only one to get more that 30 correct (and I got them all). To be an ass, I put the capitals on as well.

That is the state of education in this country. No ninth graders in a class of 25 could name even 2/3s of the state, except for one jackass.

It'd be nice if Americans could first become familiar with their own country before the rest of the world. I would like to not have to explain to someone where Providence is, or that Rhode Island is indeed not an island in New York.

Course not. You're New Englanders. We're Mid-Atlantic Staters.

*waves north*

It'd be nice if Americans could first become familiar with their own country before the rest of the world. I would like to not have to explain to someone where Providence is, or that Rhode Island is indeed not an island in New York.

Or that you can't drive to Hawaii...

Venga hombre, pedirle a un gringo/a que sepa de geografía (claro, hay contadas excepciones a la regla, hay que ser justos) es cómo pedirle peras al olmo. Imposible!:p

Right, you're not being rude by saying asking Americans about geography is like asking an elm tree to produce pears.

Please continue to act wounded when it's pointed out that you're continuing to pass remarks.

Right, you're not being rude by saying asking Americans about geography is like asking an elm tree to produce pears.

Please continue to act wounded when it's pointed out that you're continuing to pass remarks.

I´m going to assume that you believe otherwise. I still stand by my point.

It'd be nice if Americans could first become familiar with their own country before the rest of the world. I would like to not have to explain to someone where Providence is, or that Rhode Island is indeed not an island in New York.

It might have helped if the founders of Rhode Island had known what an Island is.

I´m going to assume that you believe otherwise. I still stand by my point.

I take you don't know the keys to press to run a single query in Toad for Oracle? Why are Spaniards so ignorant? They never know the answer to that question when I ask them. Nor the ingredients to Thousand Island dressing. Nor the formula for glue on sticky notes. Illiterate twits.

I´m going to assume that you believe otherwise. I still stand by my point.

Then it should be perfectly fine to say to expect Spaniards to have manners is to believe that pigs can sing.

Then it should be perfectly fine to say to expect Spaniards to have manners is to believe that pigs can sing.

I've always found it amusing why people use relatively trivial knowledge as the cotter pin for their self-esteem. It doesn't change whether it's geography or music trivia or movie quotes or any other bit of knowledge that isn't relevant to one's life. Hell, history is by FAR more relevant, since it's an important context for current events and rarely do people say, "What? You don't know what day of the week Martin Luther King was killed on?"

I take you don't know the keys to press to run a single query in Toad for Oracle? Why are Spaniards so ignorant? They never know the answer to that question when I ask them. Nor the ingredients to Thousand Island dressing. Nor the formula for glue on sticky notes. Illiterate twits.

We could say the same thing about you, Yanks.:rolleyes:

Then it should be perfectly fine to say to expect Spaniards to have manners is to believe that pigs can sing.

Oh, you will believe whatever you like to, sweetheart. In the meantime, I will still believe that finding an American that knows how to even locate his/her state on a map is like asking an elm tree to give forth pears.

Oh, you will believe whatever you like to, sweetheart. In the meantime, I will still believe that finding an American that knows how to even locate his/her state on a map is like asking an elm tree to give forth pears.

Eh?
I can find my state on a map and I don't even need those boundary lines either.

Oh, you will believe whatever you like to, sweetheart. In the meantime, I will still believe that finding an American that knows how to even locate his/her state on a map is like asking an elm tree to give forth pears.

How is that logical?

Prejudice is not cool, not cool at all.

How many Americans do you know?

Eh?
I can find my state on a map and I don't even need those boundary lines either.

Can you find your house with Google Earth without using boundaries, starting from the global view?

Proof (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE) that stupidity is not just an American problem.

How is that logical?

Prejudice is not cool, not cool at all.

How many Americans do you know?

Apply that yourself. It´s prejudice when a foreigner does it right? Oh, but when Americans do it is alright.

I know many. I maintain contact with many of the friends I had when I was living in MI.

Well, I really hate to say this, but some people are really really, geographically confused. I've done this many, many times, even since the 90's.
Americans are strange people, I was at a Free Tibet protest in SF recently, and I tried a trick I saw on TV, I asked them where Tibet was, the results were hilarious. They pointed to Mongolia, Ukraine, Korea, and Indonesia.
Pretty Ironic, that they don't even know where tibet is!
I've noticed that Americans really need to brush up on their geography skills, and I really think the time is now, so we don't look like Protesting Ignoramuses.

Well ya see, right there is your trouble. In selecting people at "a Free Tibet protest in SF" to query you basically selected from among leftists and it's a well-known fact that leftists of any nationality are most charitably described as very, um, *knowledge-challenged*. For example, one prominent leftist named Obama has recently gone on record as believing America has 57 states. Kinda shows what *his* time spent studying abroad was worth, don't it? ^_~

Apply that yourself. It´s prejudice when a foreigner does it right? Oh, but when Americans do it is alright.

I know many. I maintain contact with many of the friends I had when I was living in MI.

Once again, huh? What does that have to do with you being prejudiced? That's totally irrelevant.

So, how many of your friends can find MI on the map?

Well ya see, right there is your trouble. In selecting people at "a Free Tibet protest in SF" to query you basically selected from among leftists and it's a well-known fact that leftists of any nationality are most charitably described as very, um, *knowledge-challenged*. For example, one prominent leftist named Obama has recently gone on record as believing America has 57 states. Kinda shows what *his* time spent studying abroad was worth, don't it? ^_~

Obama is center-right.

Eh?
I can find my state on a map and I don't even need those boundary lines either.

Same. I can find every single other state as well.

Once again, huh? What does that have to do with you being prejudiced? That's totally irrelevant.

So, how many of your friends can find MI on the map?

It´s irrelevant, alright. It´s irrelevant to continue this argument because it´s getting nowhere.

Almost none of them can.

Can you find your house with Google Earth without using boundaries, starting from the global view?

Yes. Look for the smog around Atlanta, then go left for 100 miles.

It might have helped if the founders of Rhode Island had known what an Island is.

Rhode Island is actually the island that contains the city of Newport. Hence the original name of the colony - Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Course not. You're New Englanders. We're Mid-Atlantic Staters.

*waves north*

*waves south*

Oh, you will believe whatever you like to, sweetheart. In the meantime, I will still believe that finding an American that knows how to even locate his/her state on a map is like asking an elm tree to give forth pears.

And darling, I will believe that Spaniards can't locate civility with two hands, three active brain cells, a flashlight, and a map.

It´s irrelevant, alright. It´s irrelevant to continue this argument because it´s getting nowhere.

Almost none of them can.

Almost none isn't none. I'll assume that, since it was posted with cynicism, you haven't found an elm tree giving forth pears. Therefore, finding an American, even in your limited experience, who knows his or her state's location is much more likely than finding an elm tree growing pears.

[/argument]

And darling, I will believe that Spaniards can't locate civility with two hands, three active brain cells, a flashlight, and a map.

As I already told you, dear Kat, you can believe whatever suits your fancy. I will do the same.;)

Oh, you will believe whatever you like to, sweetheart. In the meantime, I will still believe that finding an American that knows how to even locate his/her state on a map is like asking an elm tree to give forth pears.

And darling, I will believe that Spaniards can't locate civility with two hands, three active brain cells, a flashlight, and a map.

Ok, you two. Is this really neccessary? If you two are going to get into a fight, it better involve getting naked and getting into a giant tub filled with either jello or mud.

I think the point is that every nation has its stereotype. Americans are ignorant, Spaniards are rude, French are snotty, English are boring prudes, Germans are angry, Poles are retarded, Italians are poor and dirty, Russians are communists and in a constant state of depression, Irish are drunks, Canadians are Americans to the north, Mexicans are lazy, Australians all wrestle crocodiles on a regular basis, Japanese are fucking weird (and that's true), Chinese all like the Wongs, anyone from a middle eastern nation is a terrorist and stinks, all of Africa has aids, and the others aren't particularly worth mentioning.

Can you find your house with Google Earth without using boundaries, starting from the global view?

Probably.

I should really give that a try sometime, it sounds interesting.

Probably.

I should really give that a try sometime, it sounds interesting.

I used to be able to, but I haven't bothered trying since I moved. It was pretty easy, though, as I used to live near a river and some other pretty obvious natural landmarks. Also I used to live in one of the areas with a decent resolution.

As I already told you, dear Kat, you can believe whatever suits your fancy. I will do the same.;)

Ah, but of course it helps that what I believe has been so handily proven in the microcosm in this thread, and what you believe hasn't.

By the way, New York.... Eastern seaboard, north of New Jersey, Canada to the north, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont all to the north and east, Pennsylvania to the south and west.

Well ya see, right there is your trouble. In selecting people at "a Free Tibet protest in SF" to query you basically selected from among leftists and it's a well-known fact that leftists of any nationality are most charitably described as very, um, *knowledge-challenged*. For example, one prominent leftist named Obama has recently gone on record as believing America has 57 states. Kinda shows what *his* time spent studying abroad was worth, don't it? ^_~

I should like to point out that I am a leftist (Socialist) and I do not support 'freeing' Tibet. I also am on the Geography-Bee team in my school :D

Ok, you two. Is this really neccessary? If you two are going to get into a fight, it better involve getting naked and getting into a giant tub filled with either jello or mud.

Dear Galloism, does it look like Kat and I are fighting?

Whatever gave you that impression?

We´re debating with swords, as simple as that.

Same. I can find every single other state as well.

Let's not go overboard now. :p

On a test a few years ago on states and state capitals, I got exactly half correct.
Mind you, this wasn't even a geography test. So even if I could recognize where I think the state is, I wouldn't know the name or the capital.

We´re debating with swords, as simple as that.

:eek:

Ok, you two. Is this really neccessary? If you two are going to get into a fight, it better involve getting naked and getting into a giant tub filled with either jello or mud.

You wish. :D

I used to be able to, but I haven't bothered trying since I moved. It was pretty easy, though, as I used to live near a river and some other pretty obvious natural landmarks. Also I used to live in one of the areas with a decent resolution.

Ah.

Yea, if you live in one of those 'uncharted zones' or 'here be dragons' areas, there is almost no hope of finding your house.

Ah, but of course it helps that what I believe has been so handily proven in the microcosm in this thread, and what you believe hasn't.

By the way, New York.... Eastern seaboard, north of New Jersey, Canada to the north, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont all to the north and east, Pennsylvania to the south and west.

Proven? Hardly. But I´ll let you keep those illusions, sweetie. After all, I´m a rude Spaniard and bursting your bubble would be a horrible, horrible thing to do.

You wish. :D

Only if there's video or I am present for the event. Otherwise, if I can't see it, I really don't care.

Proven? Hardly. But I´ll let you keep those illusions, sweetie. After all, I´m a rude Spaniard and bursting your bubble would be a horrible, horrible thing to do.

You're also a troll, but who's counting?

Ah.

Yea, if you live in one of those 'uncharted zones' or 'here be dragons' areas, there is almost no hope of finding your house.

You could find the small blurred patch of gray that could possibly be your house.

Only if there's video or I am present for the event. Otherwise, if I can't see it, I really don't care.

Bah, I tire of this. I´m up for jell-o wrestling or fudge immersion. Want to fight in that, Katganistan?

You're also a troll, but who's counting?

One troll, AH HA HA!

Two trolls, AH HA HA!

http://www.mondotees.com/ProductImages/bangonicons/count.jpg

You're also a troll, but who's counting?

You seem to be.

Call a truce?

You could find the small blurred patch of gray that could possibly be your house.

Sometimes even miles of area are completely blurred. So.. I could also just point to the globe.

I wish my house was on the brink of one of those seasonal divide zones, between a picture taken in the winter and one taken in the summer or something. That would be cool...and hot.

Sometimes even miles of area are completely blurred. So.. I could also just point to the globe.

I wish my house was on the brink of one of those seasonal divide zones, between a picture taken in the winter and one taken in the summer or something. That would be cool...and hot.

Eh. The hi-res zones aren't all they're cracked up to be. It's ever so slightly creepy when you can see your car parked in the driveway.

You seem to be.

Call a truce?

It would seem the civil thing to do.

*shakes hands*

It would seem the civil thing to do.

*shakes hands*

Indeed.

*shakes hands too*

Eh. The hi-res zones aren't all they're cracked up to be. It's ever so slightly creepy when you can see your car parked in the driveway.

I feel the need to post this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPgV6-gnQaE)

It would seem the civil thing to do.

*shakes hands*

So does Nanatsu have 4 brain cells, three arms, two flashlights, or two maps?

I feel the need to post this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPgV6-gnQaE)

Not quite that hi-res.

So does Nanatsu have 4 brain cells, three arms, two flashlights, or two maps?

*http://th106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/RiverIsMyGoddess/icons/th_smiley_fishslap.gif´s Rhyno*

We could say the same thing about you, Yanks.:rolleyes:

Kind of missing the point though it's hitting you in the face. See, it would illogical and, thus, stupid to criticize all Spaniards because you can't tell me trivial facts. Not only can I find my home on a map. I can find every place I've EVER worked on a map. After 8 years in the military and over a decade of travelling and consulting, this is no small feat.

But, but, that's impossible. I'm an American, and my doing so would smash your fallacies all to hell. Again, what's the keystroke for running a single query in Toad for Oracle? You must now. As you say, not knowing things that aren't relevant to your life means you're an illiterate twit. So, why, friend, do you avoid the question?

So does Nanatsu have 4 brain cells, three arms, two flashlights, or two maps?

Perhaps she is not representative of all Spaniards.... or more likely the stereotype of being rude is not one size fits all. ;)

Perhaps she is not representative of all Spaniards.... or more likely the stereotype of being rude is not one size fits all. ;)

Or perhaps stereotypes are based in some truth, and thus Americans are generally ignorant of many things, geography included, and Spaniards also generally come off as rude to others.

Perhaps she is not representative of all Spaniards.... or more likely the stereotype of being rude is not one size fits all. ;)

Dear God, no!!! Stereotypes are always true. Black people can jump over buildings and white people can't dance. Jews horde money and Germans try to kill them for it. Spaniards all support the oppression of the Basque. Americans don't believe Muslims deserve rights.

It's all true. I read about it online.

Or perhaps stereotypes are based in some truth, and thus Americans are generally ignorant of many things, geography included, and Spaniards also generally come off as rude to others.

And that one about white people and melanin levels.

Kind of missing the point though it's hitting you in the face. See, it would illogical and, thus, stupid to criticize all Spaniards because you can't tell me trivial facts. Not only can I find my home on a map. I can find every place I've EVER worked on a map. After 8 years in the military and over a decade of travelling and consulting, this is no small feat.

But, but, that's impossible. I'm an American, and my doing so would smash your fallacies all to hell. Again, what's the keystroke for running a single query in Toad for Oracle? You must now. As you say, not knowing things that aren't relevant to your life means you're an illiterate twit. So, why, friend, do you avoid the question?

I´m not avoiding your question. I base my posts on my own experience with Americans. Your wounded pride just wants you to see that I´m generalizing, when I´m not. Not all Americans are ignorant to geography, but the great majority are.

Now, your powers of invention are fantastic because if I recall correctly, my statement was that a well versed person should know a little bit about everything.

Irrelevant things, like Toad for Oracle does not mean a thing to me so I don´t put stock on it.

Trivial facts... do you consider knowing where Tibet is if you´re protesting it, a trivial fact? A trivial fact would be knowing how many soldiers were in a Star Wars film. Do consider it a trivial fact that students, many students in the US don´t know where Mexico is, after all, it´s your neighbor to the South? But I´m the one who doesn´t want to see the truth, right? Yeah...

Spaniards all support the oppression of the Basque.

I knew this white teacher who supported the oppression of the Basque, once.

Not all Americans are ignorant to geography, but the great majority are.
Do consider it a trivial fact that students, many students in the US don´t know where Mexico is, after all, it´s your neighbor to the South?

Do you have an easy to navigate, preferably pie-graph sort of source for these?

I am geniunely interested because it sounds as fanciful as Tibet, the country-in-the-clouds

Or perhaps stereotypes are based in some truth, and thus Americans are generally ignorant of many things, geography included, and Spaniards also generally come off as rude to others.

Everyone is generally ignorant of many things. I've never met anyone I couldn't teach things to and that couldn't teach me things. I've met people who can't read particularly well but could tell me how to tend sheep better than I can evaluate data. I've met people who can't operate a computer but could make a guitar do things I can only dream about, and do.

Simple world views belong in simple minds. I'd like to think the people here are better than that.

I knew this white teacher who supported the oppression of the Basque, once.

Hispanic-white? You know, a sort of off-white?

Dear God, no!!! Stereotypes are always true. Black people can jump over buildings and white people can't dance. Jews horde money and Germans try to kill them for it. Spaniards all support the oppression of the Basque. Americans don't believe Muslims deserve rights.

It's all true. I read about it online.

On the contrary, Jacobia. Spaniards do not all support the oppression of the Basque. If it were up to me, I would grant Euskal Herriá it´s independence, just like I would love to see Asturias independent too.

Everyone is generally ignorant of many things. I've never met anyone I couldn't teach things to and that couldn't teach me things. I've met people who can't read particularly well but could tell me how to tend sheep better than I can evaluate data. I've met people who can't operate a computer but could make a guitar do things I can only dream about, and do.

Simple world views belong in simple minds. I'd like to think the people here are better than that.

Your logic is faulty. Tending sheep and playing the guitar are not skills that are both easily accessible and also easily applicable to daily life except to very specific groups of people. One's national and international geography is both easily accessible, as one hears it in the news repeatedly and presumably goes on vacation to places other than the Wal-Mart down the street, and readily applied by anyone who cares enough to do it.

Fallacious logic comes from fallacious minds.

Hispanic-white? You know, a sort of off-white?

Hate to burst your bubble, but there are a variety of levels of melanin present in persons who speak Spanish from very dark, to cafe au lait, to fairer than I am.

Hispanic-white? You know, a sort of off-white?

Nope. Caucasian all the way. She was a Spanish teacher, though. Not Spanish at all, though.

Oh, you will believe whatever you like to, sweetheart. In the meantime, I will still believe that finding an American that knows how to even locate his/her state on a map is like asking an elm tree to give forth pears.

*cat hiss*

Apply that yourself. It´s prejudice when a foreigner does it right? Oh, but when Americans do it is alright.

Nope. Wrong both places.

Ah.

Yea, if you live in one of those 'uncharted zones' or 'here be dragons' areas, there is almost no hope of finding your house.

Goddammit.

I´m not avoiding your question. I base my posts on my own experience with Americans. Your wounded pride just wants you to see that I´m generalizing, when I´m not. Not all Americans are ignorant to geography, but the great majority are.

Now, your powers of invention are fantastic because if I recall correctly, my statement was that a well versed person should know a little bit about everything.

Irrelevant things, like Toad for Oracle does not mean a thing to me so I don´t put stock on it.

Trivial facts... do you consider knowing where Tibet is if you´re protesting it, a trivial fact? A trivial fact would be knowing how many soldiers were in a Star Wars film. Do consider it a trivial fact that students, many students in the US don´t know where Mexico is, after all, it´s your neighbor to the South? But I´m the one who doesn´t want to see the truth, right? Yeah...

I'm not entirely sure what you expect. You make negative blanket statements about Americans, maybe throw in a qualifier or a disclaimer once or twice per every fifteen or so slams while making no attempt to be diplomatic whatsoever. To expect anything less from any target is simply foolish, my dear.

I´m not avoiding your question. I base my posts on my own experience with Americans. Your wounded pride just wants you to see that I´m generalizing, when I´m not. Not all Americans are ignorant to geography, but the great majority are.

Um, what? So you don't base your understanding on real data but instead on very select experience? I'd have to say I base my impression of spaniards on my own experiences. Apparently they all wear camouflage and carry guns.


Now, your powers of invention are fantastic because if I recall correctly, my statement was that a well versed person should know a little bit about everything.

And the astounding ignorance of such a statement is just that. What's the little bit you know about brain surgery? Data manipulation in Oracle databases? Creating a work order in Maximo?

Irrelevant things, like Toad for Oracle does not mean a thing to me so I don´t put stock on it.

Wow, you must be an illiterate twit then? Or perhaps it's not relevant to your life. Nah, it's much better to just put you in a box, illiterate twit.


Trivial facts... do you consider knowing where Tibet is if you´re protesting it, a trivial fact? A trivial fact would be knowing how many soldiers were in a Star Wars film. Do consider it a trivial fact that students, many students in the US don´t know where Mexico is, after all, it´s your neighbor to the South? But I´m the one who doesn´t want to see the truth, right? Yeah...

Actually, yes. How would their ability to point to it on a map make their understanding of the situation there different? Is their situation caused by their location other than proximity to China? (Given the size of China, that doesn't particularly narrow anything down, does it?) Will they be more effective in their protest by knowing where it is on the map? Will they find out where it is and say, "THAT'S TIBET?!?! Fuck 'em!"?

Why is the location of Mexico more relevant than the keystroke? What difference will it make in their lives?

Like I said, you clearly don't want to see the truth. If you don't know the keystroke you're an ignorant twit. And after asking you several times you haven't even bothered to shed the light on the darkness of your ignorance.

Um, what? So you don't base your understanding on real data but instead on very select experience? I'd have to say I base my impression of spaniards on my own experiences. Apparently they all wear camouflage and carry guns.




And the astounding ignorance of such a statement is just that. What's the little bit you know about brain surgery? Data manipulation in Oracle databases? Creating a work order in Maximo?



Wow, you must be an illiterate twit then? Or perhaps it's not relevant to your life. Nah, it's much better to just put you in a box, illiterate twit.




Actually, yes. How would their ability to point to it on a map make their understanding of the situation there different? Is their situation caused by their location other than proximity to China? (Given the size of China, that doesn't particularly narrow anything down, does it?) Will they be more effective in their protest by knowing where it is on the map? Will they find out where it is and say, "THAT'S TIBET?!?! Fuck 'em!"?

Why is the location of Mexico more relevant than the keystroke? What difference will it make in their lives?

Like I said, you clearly don't want to see the truth. If you don't know the keystroke you're an ignorant twit. And after asking you several times you haven't even bothered to shed the light on the darkness of your ignorance.

Laughable, dear. But again, I expect nothing less from you or most of your fellow countrymen. You too, since you´re fond of the phrase, are an ignorant twit.

Hate to burst your bubble, but there are a variety of levels of melanin present in persons who speak Spanish from very dark, to cafe au lait, to fairer than I am.
I know, it was posted in jest.
I'm (part) Italian, but as white as can be, with reddish hair.
I sometimes have to write my cultural background down with one letter on multiple sheets of paper, in order to prevent people from blowing their minds.
Nope. Caucasian all the way. She was a Spanish teacher, though. Not Spanish at all, though.
Is Caucasian...uhm... aren't Spaniards Caucasian?

Is Caucasian...uhm... aren't Spaniards Caucasian?

Not according to the options presented on standardized tests. In any case, she was not related to a Spaniard in any way that I know of.

Not according to the options presented on standardized tests. In any case, she was not related to a Spaniard in any way that I know of.

They keep marginilizing us!
We need to fight back against this categorical menace!

I know, it was posted in jest.
I'm (part) Italian, but as white as can be, with reddish hair.
I sometimes have to write my cultural background down with one letter on multiple sheets of paper, in order to prevent people from blowing their minds.

Is Caucasian...uhm... aren't Spaniards Caucasian?

Nope. Spain was under Moorish rule for almost 900 years, there´s a lot of people who have Moorish characteristics to them. There´s also a large part of the population that comes from Roma descent. Spanish, ethnically wise, are divided depending on the region.

South: more Moorish in look.

Middle: Caucasian and gypsy

Rest of the country: Caucasian, particularly the North.

Nope. Spain was under Moorish rule for almost 900 years, there´s a lot of people who have Moorish characteristics to them. There´s also a large part of the population that comes from Roma descent. Spanish, ethnically wise, are divided depending on the region.

South: more Moorish in look.

Middle: Caucasian and gypsy

Rest of the country: Caucasian, particularly the North.

Similar to Italy actually.
Not sure about Moors, but people from Africa most definitely.

They keep marginilizing us!
We need to fight back against this categorical menace!

I refuse to fill out anything defining my race. Much to the dismay of potential employers, but they can't legally do anything about it, so whatever.

I refuse to fill out anything defining my race. Much to the dismay of potential employers, but they can't legally do anything about it, so whatever.

I didn't know you were black.

Your logic is faulty. Tending sheep and playing the guitar are not skills that are both easily accessible and also easily applicable to daily life except to very specific groups of people. One's national and international geography is both easily accessible, as one hears it in the news repeatedly and presumably goes on vacation to places other than the Wal-Mart down the street, and readily applied by anyone who cares enough to do it.

Fallacious logic comes from fallacious minds.

Playing the guitar is easily accessible. And one doesn't presumably go on vacation on places other than wal-mart. Seriously, do you people just make up things and consider them facts?

In the Nation Geographic-Roper study, Adult Americans scored similarly to the British and beat Italian adults. But, hey, some kid on the internet says that we're all ignorant so it must be true.

As far as travel, only about a quarter of Americans own passports according to the State Department.

Americans don't travel to Tibet or Mexico or Canada as much as some think. There's a group of Americans that travel. There's a HUGE group of Americans that hardly travel at all. Some of my siblings haven't been to anyplace that isn't between Chicago and Tampa since they've been adults. Travel is expensive. About 20% of Americans are just trying to get by. They aren't traveling around on leisurely trips.

Similar to Italy actually.
Not sure about Moors, but people from Africa most definitely.

It´s the same with Portugal too.

On the contrary, Jacobia. Spaniards do not all support the oppression of the Basque. If it were up to me, I would grant Euskal Herriá it´s independence, just like I would love to see Asturias independent too.

Sorry. My brain can only handle simple views of the world. Views like sweeping generalizations in this thread. I'd like to incorporate all individuals into that view, but, alas, it just takes too much effort. Instead, I'll just adopt a relatively simplistica and obviously fallacious stereotype and call it a day. Sound fair, troll?

Similar to Italy actually.
Not sure about Moors, but people from Africa most definitely.

Sicily was populated after the Greeks by the Berbers and Moors. So yeah it is close to the same as Southern Spain minus the Greeks.

I didn't know you were black.

What makes you think I am, dizzle?

Playing the guitar is easily accessible.

Not as easily accessible as a map of the world, the US, or Europe.

And one doesn't presumably go on vacation on places other than wal-mart.

What?

Seriously, do you people just make up things and consider them facts?

Only 83.5% of the time.

In the Nation Geographic-Roper study, Adult Americans scored similarly to the British and beat Italian adults. But, hey, some kid on the internet says that we're all ignorant so it must be true.

I never said all Americans are ignorant. I said that it is the stereotype and that often stereotypes are based on truth, which was a hypothetical statement, for the record.

As far as travel, only about a quarter of Americans own passports according to the State Department.

And your point is...?

Americans don't travel to Tibet or Mexico or Canada as much as some think. There's a group of Americans that travel. There's a HUGE group of Americans that hardly travel at all. Some of my siblings haven't been to anyplace that isn't between Chicago and Tampa since they've been adults. Travel is expensive. About 20% of Americans are just trying to get by. They aren't traveling around on leisurely trips.

And your point is...? Not visiting a significant location in your own country is not an excuse for not knowing where it is.

Sorry. My brain can only handle simple views of the world. Views like sweeping generalizations in this thread. I'd like to incorporate all individuals into that view, but, alas, it just takes too much effort. Instead, I'll just adopt a relatively simplistica and obviously fallacious stereotype and call it a day. Sound fair, troll?

Three trolls, AH HA HA!

You know, back in my day calling someone close-minded was how you won the argument. Now it's calling them a troll, apparently.

Laughable, dear. But again, I expect nothing less from you or most of your fellow countrymen. You too, since you´re fond of the phrase, are an ignorant twit.

Why would I need to know where a certain country is? Easy, so I don´t look like an illiterate twit to others when I´m asked. If one claims to be educated, having, at least, a general sense of geography is essential.

You keep missing the point, huh? The phrase is yours, troll. And it's "illiterate twit".

Hey, but, be careful there, you passed near a rational argument for a second. Heh, I'm just kidding. You didn't.

See, rational arguments don't rely on fallacies. Have you heard of fallacies or is debate another thing you don't count in your everything that people are supposed to know a bit about?

Sorry. My brain can only handle simple views of the world. Views like sweeping generalizations in this thread. I'd like to incorporate all individuals into that view, but, alas, it just takes too much effort. Instead, I'll just adopt a relatively simplistica and obviously fallacious stereotype and call it a day. Sound fair, troll?

Adopt whatever suits you best. As for troll, takes one to know one.

What makes you think I am, dizzle?
Prejudiced as well as racist stereotypes.
I refuse to fill out anything defining my race. Much to the dismay of potential employers, but they can't legally do anything about it, so whatever.
Anything dealing with dismayed employers, race, and legal inability is automatically about black people.

But that dizzle confirms this shizzle.
Fo' rizzle.

Three trolls, AH HA HA!

You know, back in my day calling someone close-minded was how you won the argument. Now it's calling them a troll, apparently.

When someone makes sweeping and offensive statements and refuses to address arguments, what would you prefer I labeled it?

Prejudiced as well as racist stereotypes.

Anything dealing with dismayed employers, race, and legal inability is automatically about black people.

But that dizzle confirms this shizzle.
Fo' rizzle.

Yo trippin', foo'.

You know, back in my day calling someone close-minded was how you won the argument. Now it's calling them a troll, apparently.

Ah... the good old days of yore. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AlrFOBmdVI)

Adopt whatever suits you best. As for troll, takes one to know one.

Hmmm... one of us is making actual arguments and providing support for those arguments. It isn't you.

You keep missing the point, huh? The phrase is yours, troll. And it's "illiterate twit".

Hey, but, be careful there, you passed near a rational argument for a second. Heh, I'm just kidding. You didn't.

See, rational arguments don't rely on fallacies. Have you heard of fallacies or is debate another thing you don't count in your everything that people are supposed to know a bit about?

Your logic is... wow... completely stupid. Did you actually graduate from high school, let alone travel being this... let me see how to put it nicely... ah yes, unfit?

Yo trippin', foo'.

Bro..this thread be poppin caps like mad shit is goin' down..
I got some grape drink back at mah crib.
Lets bounce.

Bro..this thread be poppin caps like mad shit is goin' down..
I got some grape drink back at mah crib.
Lets bounce.

LMAO!

When someone makes sweeping and offensive statements and refuses to address arguments, what would you prefer I labeled it?

Jocabia.

Bro..this thread be poppin caps like mad shit is goin' down..
I got some grape drink back at mah crib.
Lets bounce.

Word.

Not as easily accessible as a map of the world, the US, or Europe.

Except we're not talking about owning a map or a guitar. We're talking about being able to play the guitar or being versed in geography. Both require study and an interest. No more. No less.

Playing the guitar is both easily accessible, as one hears it on the radio repeated and presumably goes to concerts at places other than the Wal-Mart down the street, and readily applied by anyone who cares enough to do it.

The above is not less accurate or less rational than yours.

I never said all Americans are ignorant. I said that it is the stereotype and that often stereotypes are based on truth, which was a hypothetical statement, for the record.

Actually, it's a suggestive statement and it requires support.


And your point is...?

That typically American travel doesn't involve anything that would require a knowledge of geography that wasn't local.


And your point is...? Not visiting a significant location in your own country is not an excuse for not knowing where it is.

You brought up travel. You don't remember your own arguments? I simply pointed out that your presumption wasn't based on facts.

Jocabia.

And yet another inaccurate post. Like I said, some of the kiddies around here don't want to play with big boys. As such, I rightly call them trolls. People who don't like that label should avoid fitting so nicely into it. You could try something called rational discussion. Let me know if you're interested. I'm happy to entertain.

Pssstt... here's where you say "I know you are but what am I" again. See I can make silly and insulting posts as well. Or we could play a game called "discussion"

Troll - Someone who posts controversial and usually irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum or chat room, with the intention of baiting other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

Your logic is... wow... completely stupid. Did you actually graduate from high school, let alone travel being this... let me see how to put it nicely... ah yes, unfit?

Like I said...

My insults were sarcastic in order to demonstrate how silly sweeping statements are. But the troll bit applies and you continue to prove it. Now, if you'd like to, you know, make an attempt at an argument, I'm interested. There is something ironic about someone complaining about ignorance while refusing to enlighten themselves.

And yet another inaccurate post. Like I said, some of the kiddies around here don't want to play with big boys. As such, I rightly call them trolls. People who don't like that label should avoid fitting so nicely into it. You could try something called rational discussion. Let me know if you're interested. I'm happy to entertain.

Pssstt... here's where you say "I know you are but what am I" again.

It´s cool to call someone a troll having so much experience in being one yourself, right?:rolleyes:

Oh, but do keep on going, you´re entertaining. Incredibly misguided, but entertaining.

Except we're not talking about owning a map or a guitar. We're talking about being able to play the guitar or being versed in geography. Both require study and an interest. No more. No less.

You don't have to own a map. I said it was easily accessible, not easily obtainable. One doesn't have to own a map to see it. One does have to own a guitar to learn how to play it. Or else you're spending way too much time at a music store learning on the guitars on display.

Playing the guitar is both easily accessible, as one hears it on the radio repeated and presumably goes to concerts at places other than the Wal-Mart down the street, and readily applied by anyone who cares enough to do it.

Hearing a guitar played teaches you absolutely nothing about how to play it until you've already learned enough guitar to know what to listen for.

Actually, it's a suggestive statement and it requires support.

Only if I choose to support it. Thus, hypothetical.

That typically American travel doesn't involve anything that would require a knowledge of geography that wasn't local.

National does not equal local.

You brought up travel. You don't remember your own arguments? I simply pointed out that your presumption wasn't based on facts.

I remember my own argument being completely different than what you are arguing against.

And yet another inaccurate post. Like I said, some of the kiddies around here don't want to play with big boys. As such, I rightly call them trolls. People who don't like that label should avoid fitting so nicely into it. You could try something called rational discussion. Let me know if you're interested. I'm happy to entertain.

Pssstt... here's where you say "I know you are but what am I" again.

So you're allowed to call people trolls based on your own opinion and experience of them, but I'm not allowed to call you a troll based on my own opinion and experience of you?

My insults were sarcastic in order to demonstrate how silly sweeping statements are.

Ad hominem is never a valid argumentative strategy, regardless of how it is used. That you managed to use both ad hominem and straw man at the same time is nothing less than astoundingly stupid.

Also, I used latin in my post. That means I win.

It´s cool to call someone a troll having so much experience in being one yourself, right?:rolleyes:

Oh, but do keep on going, you´re entertaining. Incredibly misguided, but entertaining.

Demonstrate it. Quit trolling and support your claims.

I'll tell you what. Demonstrate I'm a troll. I'd love to see that. What is controversial about what I said? What is off-topic? Am I trying to derail discussion or trying to actual analyze your claims. Even that would be a nice change of pace from wild and unsupported accusations tossed around.

I'm quite happy with the proof I'm providing that you're a troll. Are you?

Ad hominem is never a valid argumentative strategy, regardless of how it is used. That you managed to use both ad hominem and straw man at the same time is nothing less than astoundingly stupid.

Also, I used latin in my post. That means I win.

Um, no, I didn't. See, ad hominem is when you attack the person in order to use that claim they are wrong. I didn't do that. But don't let that be the first thing you get right.

As far as the strawman, I quoted you. See, in rational debate people don't just accuse, they support. Your turn. Support that I used a strawman. That I'm a troll. That Americans are ignorant. Anything. Everything. Something. Or keep trolling.

Playing the guitar is easily accessible. And one doesn't presumably go on vacation on places other than wal-mart. Seriously, do you people just make up things and consider them facts?

In the Nation Geographic-Roper study, Adult Americans scored similarly to the British and beat Italian adults. But, hey, some kid on the internet says that we're all ignorant so it must be true.

As far as travel, only about a quarter of Americans own passports according to the State Department.

Americans don't travel to Tibet or Mexico or Canada as much as some think. There's a group of Americans that travel. There's a HUGE group of Americans that hardly travel at all. Some of my siblings haven't been to anyplace that isn't between Chicago and Tampa since they've been adults. Travel is expensive. About 20% of Americans are just trying to get by. They aren't traveling around on leisurely trips.

I own a passport.
My parents have been to Italy five times, Spain thrice, Croatia, France, the UK, Greece, Montenegro, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and are headed to Portugal this week.

...and my mom's fluent in Spanish, so traveling in Spain was no problem for her -- she could speak in Spanish or in English, however those she was speaking with preferred. She also knows that Portuguese is not Spanish, nor is Spanish interchangeable with Portuguese.

Like I said...

My insults were sarcastic in order to demonstrate how silly sweeping statements are. But the troll bit applies and you continue to prove it. Now, if you'd like to, you know, make an attempt at an argument, I'm interested. There is something ironic about someone complaining about ignorance while refusing to enlighten themselves.

Don´t try to fix what you did knowingly. You weren´t being sarcastic, you meant what you said and frankly, I don´t care.

You´re the one in terrible need of enlightment, but do keep as you are. It only cements my own opinion about the vast majority of Americans.

If you had read my statement correctly, and many people, including Americans read it, you would have understood what I meant. Knowledge is power, and in being able to carry a conversation is tantamount to having, at the very least, some knowledge of as many topics as you can. Not to be a know it all, no one likes that, but to be a competent human being.

Geography belongs to the field of human knowledge, does it not? Being able to have general knowledge of geography is essential. Of course, is not that it´s asked of you to know the exact coordinates to Timbuktu or that you can locate a tiny village in Iceland. But knowing generally where the continents are without placing Iraq on French Polynesia is a plus if you already know that one belongs to the Middle East and the other is in the Pacific.

Do I explain myself or am I still a troll, oh Mighty One?

So you're allowed to call people trolls based on your own opinion and experience of them, but I'm not allowed to call you a troll based on my own opinion and experience of you?

I showed the definition. Feel free to show how I apply. Since I'm the only one here trying to get her to actually support the OP, calling me a troll is highly amusing.

Perhaps you could support the broad fallacies employed in the OP?

I showed the definition. Feel free to show how I apply. Since I'm the only one here trying to get her to actually support the OP, calling me a troll is highly amusing.

*cough* I did ask for sources.
Do you have an easy to navigate, preferably pie-graph sort of source for these?
I am geniunely interested because it sounds as fanciful as Tibet, the country-in-the-clouds

You don't have to own a map. I said it was easily accessible, not easily obtainable. One doesn't have to own a map to see it. One does have to own a guitar to learn how to play it. Or else you're spending way too much time at a music store learning on the guitars on display.

Guitars cost approximately as much to own as a globe. They're approximately as easy to spend time with as a globe. And they're no easier or more difficult to learn.

Hearing a guitar played teaches you absolutely nothing about how to play it until you've already learned enough guitar to know what to listen for.

Hearing that there is fighting in Iraq tells you absolutely nothing about where it's located until you've already learned enough about geography to know what to look for.


Only if I choose to support it. Thus, hypothetical.

Not it requires support regardless. It can both be hypothetical and suggestive.

"Hey, did you notice of the four news stories, all involved a black criminal?"
"Yep. Blacks are usually criminals."
"What? You can't support that."
"What do you mean? It's just a hypothetical."


National does not equal local.

I know. As I said, most Americans restrict themselves to local travel and I offered support for that statement. The passports were only part of that.


I remember my own argument being completely different than what you are arguing against.

You said that most people travel, that most people have access to globes, and most people hear about places on the news. You offered this as "support" for the claim that geography is more accessable, which is only relevant if the travel is to the places you're asking about, which in this thread is Tibet and Iraq.

Careful, I'm drawing you into rational debate. You're actually providing support and defending your claims. You're raising that bar. You comfortable with that?

*cough* I did ask for sources.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/0502_060502_geography.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5553/is_200212/ai_n21730056
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12591413/
http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/05/02/geog.test/

Um, no, I didn't. See, ad hominem is when you attack the person in order to use that claim they are wrong. I didn't do that. But don't let that be the first thing you get right.

My insults were sarcastic in order to demonstrate how silly sweeping statements are.

As far as the strawman, I quoted you.

Straw man in conjunction with ad hominem against Nanatsu. Because otherwise that wouldn't be at the same time, would it?

See, in rational debate people don't just accuse, they support. Your turn.

Support that I used a strawman.

Now. This argument has nothing to do with whether or not Americans are ignorant.

That I'm a troll.

Calling Nanatsu a troll.

That Americans are ignorant.

What's your nationality?

Anything.

Shakespeare wasn't gay. His sonnets written to a man were most likely to a male patron, which was acceptable, as your livelihood depended on how much your patron liked you.

Everything.

42.

Something.

Something is a noun, as it describes a person, place, or thing.

Or keep trolling.

All Muslims are terrorists. All blacks are criminals. The Holocaust never happened. Jews deserved it anyways. God isn't real.

I own a passport.
My parents have been to Italy five times, Spain thrice, Croatia, France, the UK, Greece, Montenegro, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and are headed to Portugal this week.

...and my mom's fluent in Spanish, so traveling in Spain was no problem for her -- she could speak in Spanish or in English, however those she was speaking with preferred. She also knows that Portuguese is not Spanish, nor is Spanish interchangeable with Portuguese.

Impossible. From one many. How do I incorporate a person like you into my narrow understanding of people? It's impossible.

That aside, at what point does it actually become actionable trolling? We both agree it's trolling.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/0502_060502_geography.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5553/is_200212/ai_n21730056
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12591413/
http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/05/02/geog.test/

You mean where they found American adults were about equal with British adults and better at geography than Italians.

Not so amusingly, you posted the same study four times like you had a lot of evidence rather than one study.

You mean where they found American adults were about equal with British adults and better at geography than Italians.

Not so amusingly, you posted the same study four times like you had a lot of evidence rather than one study.

Who´s trolling now? I already gave you my reasons but, predictably enough, you´re passing those and instead you ask Katganistan when does it become actionable trolling.:rolleyes:

Straw man in conjunction with ad hominem against Nanatsu. Because otherwise that wouldn't be at the same time, would it?

That doesn't answer the question. Strawman and ad hominems are not the same thing. At all.


Now. This argument has nothing to do with whether or not Americans are ignorant.

It's also not controversial. It's not an attempt to distract from debate, but rather an attempt to draw you into it. It worked. I'm tricksy.


Calling Nanatsu a troll.

Which is only an ad hominem if I was using calling her that to dismiss her argument, I wasn't.


What's your nationality?

Pedantic, but funny. Like I said, you can actually play with the big boys whenever you're ready. Until then, I'll rightly view your avoidance as your acceptance of your ability to play on our field.


Shakespeare wasn't gay. His sonnets written to a man were most likely to a male patron, which was acceptable, as your livelihood depended on how much your patron liked you.

This, I liked.

42.

Now you're just playing to the crowd.


All Muslims are terrorists. All blacks are criminals. The Holocaust never happened. Jews deserved it anyways. God isn't real.

And, what do you know, that sounds just like the OP and my sarcastic demonstrations to show why broadbrushing is fallacious. Thanks for offering more examples.

Who´s trolling now? I already gave you my reasons but, predictably enough, you´re passing those and instead you ask Katganistan when does it become actionable trolling.:rolleyes:

You don't know what trolling is, do you? I replied to your "evidence". I pointed out what it ACTUALLY shows, that I mentioned it earlier and that you tried to add to its credibility by posting multiple links all leading to the same study, a study where even the highest score among adults wasn't significantly higher than Americans (Sweden had a 9.6), where Americans scored almost tied with the British, relatively 8.6 and 8.5, and where Italian adults scored worse.