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This is something that has always perplexed me. There are Americans who know little of the world outside of their own country (or, indeed, state), but are open to learning about these places. However, there seems to be a significant minority of Americans who are not only ignorant of the world, but who revel in this ignorance
It's that classic liberal progressive education american kids get from K-12 and college and graduate school.
This is something that has always perplexed me. There are Americans who know little of the world outside of their own country (or, indeed, state), but are open to learning about these places. However, there seems to be a significant minority of Americans who are not only ignorant of the world, but who revel in this ignorance.
Perhaps knowledge of the Basque and Catalonian questions, the situation in Northern Ireland, the rise of fascist elements in western Europe, etc. is something which will never impact on their lives in any way. But this arrogant world view held by some Americans is something I've always found very odd.
I think our country is a great one. But people who claim it "the greatest country in the world" with no knowledge of the outside world, and with ignorant views about conditions in the countries they denigrate? Something that's always bothered me....
Consider the isolation the American people actually have. We have two vast oceans to the east and west, we have two relatively friendly nations to our north and south, and our nearest problem country has been Cuba which has never been any more of a threat than throwing banana's at us.
Due to the close proximity of such cultural diveristy that is experienced in Europe, the Near/Middle East and Asia, as well as the African continent, these people have long dealt with a variety of threats and most certainly terrorism. On the other hand, look at the response that 9-11 invoked in comparison. While certainly horrific and most definitely worthy of response, we not only responded, we changed our laws, we changed our culture, we changed our policies and national mindset as though 1 billion Chinamen armed with nuclear tipped bullets in their AK's were storming the beaches in South Carolina.
While certainly not the only reason, I suspect that our isolation from the rest of the world plays a fundamental role.
This is something that has always perplexed me. There are Americans who know little of the world outside of their own country (or, indeed, state), but are open to learning about these places. However, there seems to be a significant minority of Americans who are not only ignorant of the world, but who revel in this ignorance.
Perhaps knowledge of the Basque and Catalonian questions, the situation in Northern Ireland, the rise of fascist elements in western Europe, etc. is something which will never impact on their lives in any way. But this arrogant world view held by some Americans is something I've always found very odd.
I think our country is a great one. But people who claim it "the greatest country in the world" with no knowledge of the outside world, and with ignorant views about conditions in the countries they denigrate? Something that's always bothered me....
Those who shriek the loudest of how America is the greatest country in the world are usually some of the most ignorant of the world.
It's not coincidental, this relationship. It's deliberately manufactured by the conservative and corporate controlled mainstream media.
The government, and its propaganda arm, the media, have every desire to insure Americans remain ignorant of things like...............why we invaded Iraq. Or why we continue to fund, arm, and encourage Israeli aggression. Or this country's role in Iran, exactly 50 years prior to the invasion of Iraq (1953 for those who are uber patriotic)
Dumb Americans don't ask many penetrating questions, and in the end, thats the goal of a government that the people no longer have alot of involvement with
It's that classic liberal progressive education american kids get from K-12 and college and graduate school.
Doesnt sound like it worked on half of this forum. More than half, actually. Maybe we need stricter standards. Like more liberals who tell the truth (or are at least aware of it)
Maybe we need stricter standards. Like more liberals who tell the truth (or are at least aware of it)
Same goes for the other side. They are not getting gold stars in sunday school either.
What we need are more people who understand that everything doesn't have to be a fight between liberals and conservitives.
Either (as Americans) we all win or we all lose.
It's worthy of note, no doubt. But i'd be less concerned about why your neighbor knows nothing about the "Basque and Catalonian question" and more concerned why they can't name the Speaker of the House or even which party currently controls Congress. Our media deserves a good portion of the blame.
No question. How else do you think the pairing of John McCain and Sarah Palin could garner 46% of the popular vote!
How about people who read right-wing posts in P&OC and still have to ask for examples....
I can't rep ya, wish I could..
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