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I'm quite sure that I could go to countries and find large populations of people who are similarly ignorant. However, I think what sets America apart among other industrialized nations is that you find this to be true among the more educated classes as well. It's astonishing the number of people here with what is purported to be a college education who still cannot analyze, cannot reason, and cannot be asked to do simple investigation of fact. I honestly think that it's more than just being brainwashed; I quite honestly think that it's because they seriously don't have these higher-level thinking skills, because the system of higher education here no longer demands them. Might have to do with the fact that, like you alluded to in the health care system, the higher education system functions as another revenue-generating operation rather than an actual public institution.
Bottom line: If they agree with you, they are intelligent. If not, they are stupid and brain washed.
You have to be one to know one ....right. Being raised in the UK and living here in the US for many, many years I have to conclude it is the poor education system in the US. You have to learn geography to even know where other countries in the world are. I believe every child at a certain age (lets say 12 years old) should have a madatory trip overseas just to experience other ways of life and thinking
" Broaden your Horizens" as I was often told.
You have to be one to know one ....right. Being raised in the UK and living here in the US for many, many years I have to conclude it is the poor education system in the US. You have to learn geography to even know where other countries in the world are. I believe every child at a certain age (lets say 12 years old) should have a madatory trip overseas just to experience other ways of life and thinking
" Broaden your Horizens" as I was often told.
Just as bad in the UK buddy. Geography isn't exactly most people's strong pint either!
Every time I would travel to Europe I often noticed how well rounded and self aware mostly aware they were of political events. Now granted this is mostly experience with central European countries but it is similar to some varying degrees.
Overall most people seem to have a solid grasp on politics and people are often well informed and logical in their political decision making. This doesn't go to say people have disagreements or arguments but more often than not we don't have the political poo slinging we see here in the states.
Anyone want to share theories of why this is?
I personally believe firstly because our media plays much the population like puppets. MSNBC and Fox have the typical right and left wing bashing.
Secondly I think religious extremism plays the right wing more often to go out of line and make over the top statements. With religion not being widely practiced in Europe as it is in the USA we often have people thinking more logically and individually than hive minded through theological thoughts.
Another reason could be because of the fact European countries, Germany especially, have multiple popular political parties, forcing the population to become more agreeable rather than forcing to take one extreme side over another.
Overall I feel as though this is because of the lack of an extreme right wing in Europe. When I see rabble rousing in the states it is more often than not incited by extreme right wing groups making a very large deal or forcing issues down everyone's throats.
Anyone else care to share ideas?
Care to share data to substantiate Europeans are more well-rounded, "have a solid grasp on politics and people are often well informed and logical in their political decision making."
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