America, the dumbest country ever

[silentsniper_42]

Seriously... I feel like I am surrounded by retards! The ignorance in the U.S. grows by the second! It is suffocating all of us! We most kill the infected and save the unifected!


Ok, you want to know why I feel this way? There is a guy from the U.S. on youtube, that has a whole bunch of videos about the U.S. and a whole bunch of propoganda for Hilary Clinton, and he comments on a video about Hitler, and he askes "Who's Hitler?". The ingnorance is out of control! No, that example is not the only ignorance in the U.S. You see it on every street corner, in every school, in every resturant, on every major internet site... my friends, it's American ignorance!

Also, I'm am not bashing America. I love my country... we have to many ignorant people though... makes me want to move to Canada. But no, I can't do that... because I live with ignorant Americans.. sigh...

We can't even hold a presidential ballot correctly, because some people think it is about race, or gender! We are screwed.. please save us.

[Sgt So and So]

Hey, try visiting another country or two before judging our nation. Humanity is pretty ignorant.

[icecoldbeerer]

I have visited some, and I have to agree with Silentsniper.

[Sgt So and So]

Maybe it's because I live up north where we have to farm to live, but people don't seem so ignorant here.

[Bunglo]

I've found that there's a lot of people from countries other than the US saying how stupid Americans are and when you do some research, you'll find the rest of the world is just the same. The average kid doesn't care about stuff they're not interested in. It just so happens that the average kid isn't interested in subjects like history or science. I also think it's just a matter of asking questions, mainly asking them to your self to see what answers you come up with. And I wouldn't really "believe" those videos you see where there's a person asking American students where a certain place is or who a certain person is. They just edit it to show the people who don't know. I wouldn't be surprised if the camera man told them what to say on some of those...

[CraigMouser]

I'm with Sgt So and So

My state produces more wheat than any place in the world.
Almost EVERY farmer is logically minded, smart, respectful. All around good people.
You get in the cities, and its full of idiots. Well, not full, but there are plenty of idiots.

[DavidUpton]

I'm not trying to add fuel to the fire, but when I am asked by an American if England is in London I do kind of get worried...

[silentsniper_42]

I'm not trying to add fuel to the fire, but when I am asked by an American if England is in London I do kind of get worried...

LOL! Well, I guess I'm not an average American kid. And Craig, KANSAS OWNS!!! I don't harvest wheat in Kansas, but I do in help harvest it just south of Kansas! Also, what region of Kansas do you live in? I used to live down south, by Witchita, Dodge City, and Greensburg.

[Bunglo]

I'm not trying to add fuel to the fire, but when I am asked by an American if England is in London I do kind of get worried...

Hahah, there are just truly ignorent people out there. I really can't understand how some one could ask that question. I've never heard some one say "England, London"... it's always "London, England". I think it has to do with America's culture when it comes to television. All of this obsession over celebrities and reality shows... I can't stand any of that sh*t. I watch South Park, Family Guy, History Channel, Military Channel, Science Channel, and VH1 classic... that's pretty much the tv shows/channels that I watch. What's "popular" is usually a bunch of sh*t that doesn't matter and there's really no way of changing that.

[silentsniper_42]

Hahah, there are just truly ignorent people out there. I really can't understand how some one could ask that question. I've never heard some one say "England, London"... it's always "London, England". I think it has to do with America's culture when it comes to television. All of this obsession over celebrities and reality shows... I can't stand any of that sh*t. I watch South Park, Family Guy, History Channel, Military Channel, Science Channel, and VH1 classic... that's pretty much the tv shows/channels that I watch. What's "popular" is usually a bunch of sh*t that doesn't matter and there's really no way of changing that.

Right on Bunglo!

[NicholasJohnson]

on youtube

That would explain it.

[SuperSoldier]

That would explain it.

Yes, everyone on youtube is dumb.

[silentsniper_42]

Yes, everyone on youtube is dumb.

No, not really...if you stay there long enough, and search in the right places, you will find people that aren't idiots.

[Bunglo]

No, not really...if you stay there long enough, and search in the right places, you will find people that aren't idiots.

Just like... America and every where else :scholar:

[Pharnakes]

I aggree with craig, people in the country are much more intelegent than those who live in towns.

[chip360]

I'm with Sgt So and So

My state produces more wheat than any place in the world.
Almost EVERY farmer is logically minded, smart, respectful. All around good people.
You get in the cities, and its full of idiots. Well, not full, but there are plenty of idiots.

.... Sir, I bid you to retract that statement. I could say the same thing about the country. I have lived in both rural areas and major cities (where I currently reside now) and I can assure you that what you have said is not true. You will find just as many intollerant idiotic americans in the rural country as you will find elsewhere.

With most of the population in the entirety of this nation 'dumb' lets just say (and this too is an invalid statement without evidence I mind you) and the majority of the nation living in condensed, heavilly populated areas, the cities, you are bound to run across more lesser minded Americans in these areas than those that are lesser populated. However, while most of Americas dim-witted thinkers may live in the cities, the cities are also where all of the leading edge in bussiness, politics, and technology thrive, and so you will also find the greatest percentages of elevated thinkers here.

Now, for you to say such an ignorant statement sir, seeing as you do not live in the city, and even if you had, you couldnt possibly see it at a truly objective perspective, it really shows your narrow-mindedness and bias. I believe trying to make such a statement in this way shows that you are clearly not thinking at the level of one of these said 'smart, logical' rural inhabitants.

I will not attempt to make such a statement as yourself, and you will not find me trying to slander the intelligence of the rural areas of this nation, as I am not barred by your simple thinking. If you want to preach your fallacious and ignorant statements to others, please take it elsewhere. I dont think I will be popping into the political forums here for a good while, it seems one could argue forever in here, so good day.

Let's try and keep this argument intelligent shall we? And enough of the stupid stereotyping, I am sure not all who live in the country are retarded inbred red-neck hicks without the ability to speak proper English right?

Edit: and @Pharnakes, Please, Will you not make such blind statements? If you are trying to show your intelligence, then why don't you start with free thought and an open mind hmm?

[Byron]

I believe the ignorance of America or humanity in general has a direct tie to how lazy society is getting and/or has got. If some of these people would just get off their asses and get out in the world, meet new people, try and further their education, or even just go to a freakin museum would even help, we'd be better off. But NO, the only things people (especially todays youth) want to do, is sit on their fat asses and watch TV or play guitar hero...whenever I am home, I never see my friends doing any physical activity, never actually getting out in the world. I call them up, and ask them to hang out and go do something, and all they ever want to do is sit in a basement and play video games and eat fattening food. There isn't enough of a push to continue schooling after high school (from what I personally observed), and the American high school system...uummmph dont even get me started on that. But I will go into it briefly. The only schools that you are able to find somewhat decent schooling are in the top notch private schools. So what...are we completely ignoring the other 4/5 of the population who either don't want to pay or are unable to pay the amount to send their kid to a school like that. The education system in american high schools is pitiful. I honestly get pissed off whenever I think about how much of a waste of time high school was...and I lost my train of though so I will finish this up later

[Corporate Ignorance]

Well, I agree with Sgt So&So- humanity is pretty ignorant.
I've met and I know huge amount of very clever Americans...But on the other hand, America is the birthplace of modern unified pop culture, I think noone will deny that- the whole huge entertainment industry that preaches certain system of intellectual and moral values through media. And taken into account the globalization process, Europe looses its national face- slowly. Of course, it's diffrent from one country to another, but that tendency is there. With global media, such as international channels and internet, there is no place where young naive girl in Amsterdam(or Moscow, whatever) can hide from glittering magnificence of Mrs.Paris Hilton and RN'B nightclub endless fun and pleasure" conceptions that are so prevelent among rich youth these days.

In Russia it's a little bit diffrent, due to lots of pecualrities, but still in big cities the picture is absolutley the same...The ignorance...Well, it's the eternal damnation of mankind, and in our modern age it only gets more strange and tangled with all that global media shit.



Of course, every generalization is wrong, but this trend is quite obvious, to my mind.

[Pharnakes]

Sory chip, whilst what you say must logiacly be true, I am afriad that from personal experince I cannot aggree with it.

Possibly this is something to do with the binge drinking, yobs, neds and gerneral low life that infects our citeis, and that makes me view all the cities inhabitants with a somewhat jaundiced eye. The sheer arogant ignorance of glaswegians especialy is enough to almost make me cry with fustration when I talk to them...


In conclusion, yes what you say is logicaly true, but my experince is that people from cities really are more ignorant than rurall people.

BTW, I am mostly reffering to young people here, possibly adults from cities are more intelegent, but I haven't met so many so won't comment.


BTW, I am curious how you would define "rural". I would say less than 5 people per square mile, so maybe the rule only applies to very desolate and unihabitated areas.;)

Also when I say stupid, I mean ignorant more then acctualy unitellegent. Though they seem both to me.

[chip360]

Sory chip, whilst what you say must logiacly be true, I am afriad that from personal experince I cannot aggree with it.

Possibly this is something to do with the binge drinking, yobs, neds and gerneral low life that infects our citeis, and that makes me view all the cities inhabitants with a somewhat jaundiced eye. The sheer arogant ignorance of glaswegians especialy is enough to almost make me cry with fustration when I talk to them...


In conclusion, yes what you say is logicaly true, but my experince is that people from cities really are more ignorant than rurall people.

BTW, I am mostly reffering to young people here, possibly adults from cities are more intelegent, but I haven't met so many so won't comment.


BTW, I am curious how you would define "rural". I would say less than 5 people per square mile, so maybe the rule only applies to very desolate and unihabitated areas.;)

Also when I say stupid, I mean ignorant more then acctualy unitellegent. Though they seem both to me.

Mmmhmm, your experience, then based on your experiences you've had in and around the cities, you have formed your own opinion on the matter. You have stated this opinion as fact, which as I stated above is fallacious and ignorant. In fact, in your arguement you are fighting ignorant people, but by proclaiming "people from cities really are more ignorant than rurall people" and "Almost EVERY farmer is logically minded, smart, respectful" you yourself are being ignorant! You need to realize that the country has just as many ignorant minded people! In fact, when I think of where most ignorant types are I think of the country! Why? Perhaps it is from all of the stereotypes Ive heard, and all of my past experiences in the country, but I understand that I alone could not have truly met and analyzed EVERY rural inhabbitant I crossed, I know that I cant even say MOST. There is an estimated 50,155,497 rural inhabitants in the United States (* (http://www.ers.usda.gov/StateFacts/US.htm#PIE)). Now I can NOT say that from my personal experience I have met enough of them to make such a statement as "Its true, Mostly all rural inhabitants are ignorant simple-minded people". I simply can't, over 50 million people, all I can do is form my own opinion. Now, an estimated 249,242,987 people make up our urban areas. This is nearly 5 times as many people than in the country, Have you met 20% of them? Even 5%? I dont think you have sir.

To make such a statement as MOST urban inhabitants are this or that, why that statement in it's self is incredibly narrow-minded and ignorant, cant you see that? You are in no position yourself to be proclaiming any others ignorant.

[Flanker15]

I think it's because dumb people are the ones that get on TV most.

[enigma]

Flanker got it right there!

Am from Liverpool, we are the steryotypical talk with deep scouse accents and are all thieves. Were not like but they always manage to get some scally looking jackass with the really cheesy deep accent on the TV.

[CBowling]

I have to agree with chip's statements above.


Though, I must admit I did die a little inside whenever this one high school adolescent female did say "I found out today that Rome wasn't a mythical empire!"

When I questioned her on why she assumed Rome was mythical, she merely states "Well...Roman mythology sort of implies that right?"

I didn't scold her, nor did I, at least in my eyes, seem condescending when I corrected her. I just smiled and began to talk to her about Rome and how it developed as an empire, to which she began to ask me more and more questions to which I tried to answer to the best of my knowledge.




But, I merely try to help educate those who need it because I hope that if someone found I was ignorant on a certain subject, then they would educate me on it.

Basically, I help others so that I in a way may deserve to be helped when the time comes. I also enjoy helping people out as well.

[Sgt So and So]

Still think it's an inherently human problem, and it's one that will take a long time to fix, which I doubt it ever will.

Just pertaining it to a single country is somewhat narrow-minded as well.

And also, chip, in order to survive in a rural society you have to have wit, the ability to sustain yourself through hard work, and a clever, working mind, so usually the less work-inclined people move or are sitting on a large pile of money. Those who don't have either of those come here for less than half the year, or maybe even a week every year (which I find a disgusting waste of money: if you're staying for a week, why even bother renting the house all year? Meh.).

Also, some of the not-so-farming-inclined tend to get hurt. Or die. Like the kid who stuck his hand in a hay baler last year on a bet.

I could go on about some of the different kinds of simplicities of city life juxtaposed to those of rural life, but I am quite tired.

[Kaos]

What follows is my opinion only and the methods I reached it are hardly scientific.

I've been to a fair few countries, different countries like China, Japan, Canada, the USA, India, France, Italy, Germany, the UK, Egypt and I live in Australia. Those are the ones I've spent enough time to get to know the average kind of people who live there. Sure there are huge differences amongst people in a country, you can't lump them all in one, but there ARE traits unique to some and certain characteristics that you find more in one country than in another.

While I would not go as far as to say Americans are actually "dumb" if we take dumb to mean just generally stupid, in my experience they are the least worldly people I have met and lived with. You guys all have similar anecdotes about world geography, history etc. In that sense I wouldn't hesitate to say that Americans have more people ignorant of contemporary issues, history and general knowledge than pretty much any other developed country.

There are a couple of reasons, I think, for that. The first is America's history. European countries have vastly different cultures but they have been exposed to each other for hundreds of years. It was hard for them to remain isolated. On top of that, they colonised most of the world and as such they came into contact with different cultures, societies, new ideas etc.

Asian countries are generally the same in the first regard. Lots of different cultures all next to each other, sharing ideas for thousands of years. This has obviously impacted even through to today's generation who, in my experience, have a great deal more knowledge about the world.

In contrast Americans have been pretty isolated for most of their existence and a lot of emphasis is placed on jingoistic nationalism and patriotism. Whilst the French believe in Liberty, Brotherhood and Equality, American's don't want anything to do with anyone who doesn't accept their style of liberty and democracy. I don't believe Americans are actually intolerant, generally, just that their believe that their national ideals are superior prevents them from learning and blending with other cultures. As a result emphasis is placed on learning about their own history and geography so they can all recite the 50 states but they can't accurately locate the UK on a map.

The second reason is, and I'm sure most of you will agree, contemporary American culture. MTV, reality TV, watching Britney Spears 24/7... Kids prize knowledge about how much crack Amy Winehouse has smoked over facts about WW2.

So a rejection (fear?) of anything new or "un-American" combined with apathy and general lack of desire to know more about the world around them, in comparison to other cultures, is what I think makes Americans seem dumb.


And now for fun here are some videos from an Australian comedy show demonstrating the "dumbness" of Americans. Obviously one can pick on any country by choosing a few, random, dumb individual but when there's already a stereotyped dumb nation why not pick on that?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M1N351vzY-M

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AfMSKVnzuOs

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KRS1sB5d7vw

[Crazythumbs]

Anyone who says all Americans are dumb, are just as dumb as the stereotypical "dumb American"

[Bunglo]

As a result emphasis is placed on learning about their own history and geography so they can all recite the 50 states but they can't accurately locate the UK on a map.


You know what's funny, I can locate way more places on a map than the average American can and I could even tell you some history on the place but I can't tell you where all of the 50 states are... I learned those in the 4th grade and even then my mind wasn't capable of memorizing their locations. Once you're taught something, at least in American schools, you're not going to cover it again in the next grade up (except for math.) I think that's a big reason why I still don't know where all of the states are located. And I also don't really care, because to me, it's not a big deal. I'll learn where a state or city is when I go there.

I think a big reason that I know certain things is because I get involved in activities that relate to different subjects. A kid who buys a game like Medal of Honor is most likely going to start to get into the history of WWII because of the game (assuming they like the game of course.) Or maybe a subject, such as biology, gets you more into geography because there are jumping great whites (amazing site to see, btw) in the seas of South Africa and that makes you wish you could dive in those waters. It all boils down to (in my mind) what people are interested in. But I thought you brought up some good points as well, Kaos, about many Americans being closed minded all most. It's keeping them selfs from being exposed to other cultures, basically cutting them selfs off from subjects like history or geography.

[Kaos]

You know what's funny, I can locate way more places on a map than the average American can and I could even tell you some history on the place but I can't tell you where all of the 50 states are... I learned those in the 4th grade and even then my mind wasn't capable of memorizing their locations. Once you're taught something, at least in American schools, you're not going to cover it again in the next grade up (except for math.) I think that's a big reason why I still don't know where all of the states are located. And I also don't really care, because to me, it's not a big deal. I'll learn where a state or city is when I go there.

I think a big reason that I know certain things is because I get involved in activities that relate to different subjects. A kid who buys a game like Medal of Honor is most likely going to start to get into the history of WWII because of the game (assuming they like the game of course.) Or maybe a subject, such as biology, gets you more into geography because there are jumping great whites (amazing site to see, btw) in the seas of South Africa and that makes you wish you could dive in those waters. It all boils down to (in my mind) what people are interested in. But I thought you brought up some good points as well, Kaos, about many Americans being closed minded all most. It's keeping them selfs from being exposed to other cultures, basically cutting them selfs off from subjects like history or geography.

Sorry, I should have said added that I don't put you guys into that category of "dumb" Americans. The mere fact you participate in a Political Forum and bring up good points shows that you obviously aren't the stereotype.

However bar you (Well most of you =P) and a few other Americans I personally the know, the majority of them I have had contact with aren't... as well informed. Especially in relation to people from other backgrounds.

[Bunglo]

Sorry, I should have said added that I don't put you guys into that category of "dumb" Americans. The mere fact you participate in a Political Forum and bring up good points shows that you obviously aren't the stereotype.


No worries, It's clear where you're coming from and I knew you weren't putting every American into one category (that category being dumb lol.)



However bar you (Well most of you =P)

I think I have a pretty good idea what that's all about :sunny: lol.

And believe me, there are a SHIT load of dumb American kids and adults alike. I have a couple friends that actually know a lot about different subjects (one of them knows more about WWII than me... bastard...) but the majority of people you run into won't have a clue about any of that stuff. It can be kind of frustrated to have a conversation with someone if all they care about is some dumb ass tv show or something.

[NicholasJohnson]

As an American who has lived abroad and gone back to the US, your statement about ignorance of the outside world is generally true. I've heard of Army brats moving to Germany and being called Nazis upon their return. Some idiot thought I was moving to North Korea.

However, I ran into Belgians that were as dumb if not even more. This one guy I met was afraid of traveling to Cleveland because "the KKK might get him." Another guy was afraid of being shot in Virginia Beach due to the "rampant shootouts" that apparently occur in the suburbs. A tour guide (at the city of Gent) explained to me that if a hijacked jet were to fly into the city's Cathedral, it (the building) would be left without a scratch.

There are dumb people all over the world. You can find all of them on a site called youtube.

[DavidUpton]

There are dumb people all over the world. You can find all of them on a site called youtube.

Couldn't agree more.

[silentsniper_42]

But, but.. but... I go to Youtube..... :(

[Oddvin]

He did not say that everyone going too youtube are retarded.

[Kaos]

But, but.. but... I go to Youtube..... :(

Wow, and you're from the US! 2/2.

[Bunglo]

Looks like you're doomed, Silent...

[Schrem [506th PIR]]

You don't have to make a world journey to get things to know about the world . You have to pay a visit at school. And thats the problem in america, school. Most people aren't just dumb, it's the schoolsystem (and the news) which mainly forms the knowledge about world. When someones asks you if England lies in London he doesn't have to be dumb. Guys, what do or did you learn in history class.Not much about world but america.

[Sgt So and So]

;94103']You don't have to make a world journey to get things to know about the world . You have to pay a visit at school. And thats the problem in america, school. Most people aren't just dumb, it's the schoolsystem (and the news) which mainly forms the knowledge about world. When someones asks you if England lies in London he doesn't have to be dumb. Guys, what do or did you learn in history class.Not much about world but america.

Our high school system in VT is nice. We learn about everything EXCEPT America until the last year of high school.

[Schrem [506th PIR]]

Looks like it depends on the US state ur living in, ok.

i know of some Bundeswehrsoldiers (current german soldiers) who've made an friendship visit in america. they were at a farm area (i dont know where) when they got asked by an elderly man what uniforms they wear. After they said that they are german, he tought the nazis occupied america. That's just one hard story and it's not the majority but THATS igorant.

[Bunglo]

;94109']Looks like it depends on the US state ur living in, ok.

i know of some Bundeswehrsoldiers (current german soldiers) who've made an friendship visit in america. they were at a farm area (i dont know where) when they got asked by an elderly man what uniforms they wear. After they said that they are german, he tought the nazis occupied america. That's just one hard story and it's not the majority but THATS igorant.

Sounds like the old man was senile to me... He probably didn't even have a tv. I wouldn't really try to figure out why a majority of people know certain things or act a certain way if you've never experienced what they go threw on a day to day bases. I'm certainly not going to try and tell you why Germans know certain things because I've never been to Germany.

Like I said before, the average American teenager isn't interested in what school is teaching. That's it, that's why some people don't know things. If teachers would try and make things fun instead of "open your text books to chapter 11 and read to chapter 15. Once you're finished reading the chapters, turn to page 56 and answer questions 1-20..." Who the hell is going to actually want to do that? All they're going to do is quickly skim/read the chapters and answer the questions by referencing at the previous pages. All the student wants is the grade, not the knowledge. All they are interested in is getting that passing grade, that's it. This is why I never really felt High School was a valid place to be judge by others, such as employers or colleges. I missed so many days of school because I have this shitty sleep disorder and I could never get up at 6am just to go to f*cking school. So I ended up getting my GED (damn easy btw) and got the hell out of school a few months early. And now I don't even need to speed $70,000 to go to some tech school or community college because what I want as a carrier doesn't require it and I can learn all I need to for free.

So the only way someone is going to remember what they learn is if they're interested in the subject and/or they need to know and keep it in their brain for one reason or another, such as a business trip or something.

[silentsniper_42]

I think every class in every school in America should have it like my science class. If you are late to class, not ready, or not paying attention you get extra homework. When you first walk in you get your agenda and a piece of paper out. You write the agenda. He checks someones agenda while the class is going over 1 of three key vocabulary words. After he checks the persons agenda he randomly chooses a card out of a deck of names. The person who is chosen has to give facts about the vocabulary word while telling why it has to do with the word, ect. If they don't, they get extra homework. While doing that, a person is drawing a picture up on the overhead. Once he/she is done, they take a seat and wait for the other person to be done. Once the other person is done, everyone talks in their groups about what the person could have stated. After that they share with the class. Once that is over, the teacher turns on the overhead and the kids discuss what they think the key vocab is. Once that is done, the students discuss it with the teacher and other students in the room. After that he puts another thing up on the overhead. It is usually a question that was written by a student and put up on a board called the "Question Parking Lot". Remember the paper he has us get out at the beginning of class? We use that paper to write an educated guess while he takes attendence. If you do not call out "Here" when he calls your name, or if you do not speak loudly enough, you have extra homework. Once we are done, we read a book ect, until everyone is done. Then he re-reads the question. We discuss it in our groups for a short time. Then we have a discussion with the whole class again. After that we take care of any homework, ect that needs to be collected/handed in. Once that is finished we either do student of the week, or get into our lab groups for our lab.(Depending on the day, if it is the day for student of the week, we do that, then we do our lab.) Once we get into our lab we get out our lab papers, and read the next five protocol we are on, then in our group we discuss what we need to be doing. We have what is called a Lab Champs Evaluation paper. We have our names on it, and if we are not doing our work, forget to put our heading on our papers first, not done with something by the end of class, ect. We get points taken off. He collects them at the end of the week. There is a lot more to explain but I don't feel like explaining it right now. Maybe later.

[scottdog]

I also beleive in every english class they should teach to paragraph.

[Bunglo]

I also beleive in every english class they should teach to paragraph.

:laugh4: Seems people don't really think to use them on forums, I try to separate my posts accordingly.

[Bunglo]

I think every class in every school in America should have it like my science class. If you are late to class, not ready, or not paying attention you get extra homework. When you first walk in you get your agenda and a piece of paper out. You write the agenda. He checks someones agenda while the class is going over 1 of three key vocabulary words. After he checks the persons agenda he randomly chooses a card out of a deck of names. The person who is chosen has to give facts about the vocabulary word while telling why it has to do with the word, ect. If they don't, they get extra homework. While doing that, a person is drawing a picture up on the overhead. Once he/she is done, they take a seat and wait for the other person to be done. Once the other person is done, everyone talks in their groups about what the person could have stated. After that they share with the class. Once that is over, the teacher turns on the overhead and the kids discuss what they think the key vocab is. Once that is done, the students discuss it with the teacher and other students in the room. After that he puts another thing up on the overhead. It is usually a question that was written by a student and put up on a board called the "Question Parking Lot". Remember the paper he has us get out at the beginning of class? We use that paper to write an educated guess while he takes attendence. If you do not call out "Here" when he calls your name, or if you do not speak loudly enough, you have extra homework. Once we are done, we read a book ect, until everyone is done. Then he re-reads the question. We discuss it in our groups for a short time. Then we have a discussion with the whole class again. After that we take care of any homework, ect that needs to be collected/handed in. Once that is finished we either do student of the week, or get into our lab groups for our lab.(Depending on the day, if it is the day for student of the week, we do that, then we do our lab.) Once we get into our lab we get out our lab papers, and read the next five protocol we are on, then in our group we discuss what we need to be doing. We have what is called a Lab Champs Evaluation paper. We have our names on it, and if we are not doing our work, forget to put our heading on our papers first, not done with something by the end of class, ect. We get points taken off. He collects them at the end of the week. There is a lot more to explain but I don't feel like explaining it right now. Maybe later.

From my experience, giving people extra homework is just going to turn certain students off from school all together. And more homework isn't going to give any more knowledge about things. If anything, the quality of your work would go down since you're trying to finish more work in the same amount of time. Piling more work on students is just going to piss them off and they're not going to go to that class very often.

[Appleskates]

There are stupid people everywhere. A lot of them congregate on Youtube and make everybody look bad. Bunglo, I mostly agree. It is a little disturbing that people don't have some base knowledge about history, geography, and some science/math, but ultimately people choose what they are interested in, and pursue it as they should- intellectual freedom is something to be cherished, not chastised. The freedom does have a darker side (such as girls not knowing that the Roman empire was indeed real), but freedom should be valued. Those who truly will advance society and truly hold knowledge dear- there are enough of these people out there to keep advancement running, and the useless will generally not harm society. Hell, they usually help it- they become mindless consumers and since 70% of the American economy is consumption, they help GDP growth!

My point is you sort of have to take the good with the bad. Educate the idiots, don't spurn them. I've realized this. When a girl asked me in English whether World War 2 was "the one with Hitler and stuff", I didn't yell at her or roll my eyes. I told her that he was involved in both, but that in World War 1 he was a corporal in the army and in World War 2 he was dictator of Nazi Germany. She seemed to appreciate being enlightened to it. Just speak out if some idiot refers to the Germans as "Nazis" or something, but remember that the freedom of speech that they practice is what has made this nation what it is- it has allowed idiots the ignorance they cherish, but has also allowed intellectual revolution and growth. In time, i'm sure that ignorance will break down as the world goes global- they will be forced to learn about more cultures as America's interraction with the world grows-lest they be stuck in menial positions.

EDIT: BTW chip, that's an excellent analysis

[Xeathos]

It makes you want to move to Canada eh?
I live in Canada , and although I am only 13 (14 in march) I feel like I am going to die with the retards around me. They know NOTHING! You see, I am originally from Toronto. (Capital of Ontairo, Canda). My grandpa was canadain boxing champ (3rd in the world at one point), and I have a lot of rich family history (slave trades, underground rail road ect ect... (if u havnt figured it out, i am black ).

ANyways, I come from a "higher" class family, and now I live in Brantford. If you think America is bad, try coming here. Most peoples idea of a good meal is fucking mcdonals.. WHich I would rather starve than eat. *(my dads a chef, so you wonder why?)*

ANyways, I guess what I am saying is, it's not just the U.S

ITS EVERYWHERE!

P.S: On the whole World War Two subject, with people saying "whos Hitler"? That really doesn't happen that much around here, most people know who Hitler is..(3 of my classmates grandparents were Nazi's.. And one of my Best friends's grandpa was in the Hitler Youth) So thats not a big problem.. But there are plently of other things..

PS.S : I dont mean the fact that her grandpa was in the Hitler Youth is a big problem, I mean people not knowing about Hitler.

Oh, one more thing. I do not just speak on my fellow school mates, I'm talking adults, teachers, parents ect ect... SO again I say this, it's not just kids & Americans, its everyone!

[Oberschutze]

my history class with mr davis is pretty much my model "perfect" class.

we come into the room, and he starts talking. he lectures us and lectures us, but he does it with passion and with vigor, and he always has a story to go along with it. hes a retired army chaplain.

he never gives homework except for us to read, and he gives frequent quizzes and tests. he doesnt make you take notes either, which i love because if i just pay attention to what hes saying, ill get and a or b on the test. and i actually learn history from that class, inlike other classes where its always "do this" "do that" "get this done on time"

[silentsniper_42]

From my experience, giving people extra homework is just going to turn certain students off from school all together. And more homework isn't going to give any more knowledge about things. If anything, the quality of your work would go down since you're trying to finish more work in the same amount of time. Piling more work on students is just going to piss them off and they're not going to go to that class very often.

It isn't much more work, I shouldn't even call it homework. We call it a reflection story, you reflect back on what you did, or didn't do, and come up with ways to fix it, so it won't happen again. We hardly ever have homework in that class anyways.

[2ltben]

Talk about ignorance all you want, but don't bash people for it until you properly explain to me the fundamentals of Quantum Electrodynamics in Physics, or Genetic selection in Biology, or Laplace Transforms in Mathematics.

And before you speak of others, how much experience do you have with the world?

[Bunglo]

Talk about ignorance all you want, but don't bash people for it until you properly explain to me the fundamentals of Quantum Electrodynamics in Physics, or Genetic selection in Biology, or Laplace Transforms in Mathematics.


There's a difference between knowing common things that are taught in school and specializing into certain subjects. But I do agree to not bash any one for not knowing something. The only time I've done that is if the person is a dick to every one, try and make him feel like he makes others feel.

[2ltben]

Then get off your ass and do something about it. If you think everyone around you is ignorant and you do nothing about it, your own brand of selfish ignorance is the worst of all.

[Bunglo]

Then get off your ass and do something about it. If you think everyone around you is ignorant and you do nothing about it, your own brand of selfish ignorance is the worst of all.

What the hell are you talking about? I didn't start this thread, I suggest you read my posts before posting stupid comments.

[silentsniper_42]

Dude Ben, quit being like that please. I did not start the thread for people to show off. No one cares if you took special classes just so you can show off how smart you are. I did not start this thread to say I was smarter than everyone else. Everyone is ignorant. You haven't learned everything. It is impossible. I said that people are ignorant to most things they should have learned. I never said that people are all idiots. I never said I wasn't an idiot. Please just be quiet.

[Corporate Ignorance]

Easy, lads...)))
Arguing on forums is for youtubers)))
Let's be jingoists)))

[DavidUpton]

Keep it civil guys.

[silentsniper_42]

Keep it civil guys.

I asked politely as possible. If people are going to start arguements the thread might as well be deleted.

[Lord Justin]

But, I merely try to help educate those who need it because I hope that if someone found I was ignorant on a certain subject, then they would educate me on it.

Basically, I help others so that I in a way may deserve to be helped when the time comes. I also enjoy helping people out as well.

I try to do the same. Although I often make fun of ignorance, it's really just force of habit and I'm trying to change it. But regardless, most often when the opportunity arises I go forth to try to educate someone on that they don't know.

Now imagine a world where the majority of people had this reasoning ability? Where instead of scoffing or rolling one's eyes or laughing, we shared knowledge and concepts constantly.

The problem I run into in school is that when I go to correct a teacher's fallacies or to answer a fellow student's question correctly (which many teachers are incapable of doing) they usually ignore me. The frustrating truth I've had to come to terms with is that most people are willfully ignorant; they simply don't want to expand their minds, they are content with little understanding of the more complex of human ideas. I try to get people thinking but when they don't want to...how can you help someone who doesn't want help?

And it seems a lot of you here see this ignorance problem a a sign of the times, that the world's intellect is falling apart from some higher place it inhabited before. But if you look at history, the world's developed populi are really smarter now than they ever have been. Two hundred years ago science was something only considered by the highly educated; going to a university meant you were wealthy and (generally) White. Nowadays any dude you stop on the street in a city, in all probability, has a novice understanding of the solar system and Newtonian physics and notable Roman emperors and the Pythagorean theorem. The unsettlingly ignorant are a minority these days, at least where I live.

[SacredLizard]

I believe it is a very human characteristic for one to tend toward the path of least resistance. I do not doubt that a person of any culture will settle to an idle state unless an impulse drives him toward some sort of action. That impulse may be external, or internal. What we are often perceiving in the more technologically developed regions of the world, and particularly in cities where hourly jobs are more commonly available, is what appears to me to be the inevitable result of an increasingly large and widespread surplus of time coupled with a drastic reduction of external impulses for the common man. With this reduction of external forces acting on him, and thanks to all the free time, the man is able to follow his primary internal impulses: SEX, EAT, SLEEP, POOP! As technology and services progress, it is increasingly more common that the only external impulse the man will face is to Work.

Work, so that he may purchase technology and services to enhance and expand his allotted time for SEX, EAT, SLEEP, POOP! (and more Work).

How, then, in this scenario, does one conceive of a window through which wisdom and cultural knowledge may filter? It will be the author’s pleasure to answer his own question.
For SEX, man must know at least how to impress the ladies. The uglier and more unfit the man is, the more he will have to learn about other ways to overcome his superficial weaknesses.
For EAT, SLEEP and POOP, these all rather mystifyingly tie into SEX. Think of “fitness” for eating and sleeping, and “hygiene” for poop. Do these things right, and you’ll get SEX.

So, if the reader will kindly buy these blatant generalities offered by me, the author, a firm knowledge of the Second World War does not seem to fit in. How does the man get sex by knowing anything about physics or the English language if it does not have something to do with Impressing the Ladies or Work? (or SLEEP or POOP!?) Therefore all intellectual pursuits are fruitless and superfluous under these restrictions. It is only when one adds the desire to learn as an internal impulse will one see the man hit the books of his own volition. One would see something like this: SEX, EAT, SLEEP, POOP!, LEARN. Work.

How do we do get to that point?

AH, right! Primary Education.

Unfortunately in the United States, an estimated 49.6 million children will attend one of the 97 thousand public elementary and secondary schools in the 2007-2008 school year and will be taken in and be subject to the tutelage (hehe funny word!) of any number of the system’s projected 3.2 million teachers during that time. *

It is unfortunate, yes, because it has been my observation that the public school system in the States is tending toward a more mechanized, production-line based, self-sustaining operations plan. Less emphasis on maintaining high-quality primary education as the system bloats and bobbles. More emphasis on maintaining impressive statistical data while at the same time streamlining budgets and keeping pay for teachers low. Also, it is important to react with horror when there is a school shooting, and, whenever possible, crack down on trench coats and goth kids.

With this in mind, it is not at all unimaginable that there could be such a small percentage of students processed at public schools with an thorough and actual desire to absorb knowledge. I wouldn’t be very surprised that some seemingly “dumb” kids are simply repressing the trauma of high school along with any knowledge they may have luckily attained therein, and are actually smart, in fact. Only they can’t get to the smart stuff because it’s too painful. Maybe some day in therapy, they’ll be like, “Ah! I remember now! It’s pi-r-squared!”

A complete revision of the school system should take place before one can expect to see a wholesale development of the LEARN! impulse. For now, you can say, “it’s the teacher’s fault.” but try memorizing forty faces and names times six classes, all the while making about $15/hour (despite the fact that your student loans cost about $24.60/hour). Along with that, the knowledge that despite your hard work, and sometimes because of it, you are hated by a substantial percentage of the students for whose betterment you are struggling.

I had to take a break, my train of thought is completely messed up at the moment.


* http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372

[SuperSoldier]

It makes you want to move to Canada eh?
I live in Canada , and although I am only 13 (14 in march) I feel like I am going to die with the retards around me. They know NOTHING! You see, I am originally from Toronto. (Capital of Ontairo, Canda). My grandpa was canadain boxing champ (3rd in the world at one point), and I have a lot of rich family history (slave trades, underground rail road ect ect... (if u havnt figured it out, i am black ).

ANyways, I come from a "higher" class family, and now I live in Brantford. If you think America is bad, try coming here. Most peoples idea of a good meal is fucking mcdonals.. WHich I would rather starve than eat. *(my dads a chef, so you wonder why?)*

ANyways, I guess what I am saying is, it's not just the U.S

ITS EVERYWHERE!

P.S: On the whole World War Two subject, with people saying "whos Hitler"? That really doesn't happen that much around here, most people know who Hitler is..(3 of my classmates grandparents were Nazi's.. And one of my Best friends's grandpa was in the Hitler Youth) So thats not a big problem.. But there are plently of other things..

PS.S : I dont mean the fact that her grandpa was in the Hitler Youth is a big problem, I mean people not knowing about Hitler.

Oh, one more thing. I do not just speak on my fellow school mates, I'm talking adults, teachers, parents ect ect... SO again I say this, it's not just kids & Americans, its everyone!

Does your birthday, by chance, occur on march 7th?

[chip360]

Wow, this thing sure boomed...

it seems everyone in this thread is against ignorance, but just about everyone in here is being ignorant and pointing the finger at their fellow man...

"your stupid cus you " "your stupid cus " what are we, two?

And who really cares about these things? Why do you guys go on and waste your breath (or your finger power :p)...

Seriously, how sad is this, I have an idea....

All those who aren't stupid can just leave the thread now and get on with their lives instead of toiling away fighting some internet crusaders with strong opinions and complacent minds...

I see no point in such a thread as this, but to blow off some steam, it really is sad to read some of your responses, others I completely agree with, but I still think it's silly this is still going on.

For those that have taken this into a less "which side is stupid" but "the stupid people in my immediate life" kind of thread, I've read what some of you have to say, and I totally agree with most of it too, I see the same stuff, honestly, I see it everywhere...

I've wasted enough of my life in here lol, I think I'm going to go outside and enjoy the beautiful cloudy smog-filled day. =]

[SacredLizard]

I wasn't pointing a finger.

Now I feel bad because you think this thread is so pointless, and I put some substantial time in making my post.

[Lt. Hanley]

Here, have a balloon: :balloon:

[Lord Justin]

Chip, I'm not sure if you were including me in your ignorant finger-pointers, but either way I know the reason I post in any political thread is not to try to preach to people or change the world. I'm merely posting arguments in here to add a little of my own opinion to the discussion, because I think any debate can expand intellectually simply by people putting in their two cents. It just adds different ideas.

Another reason I sometimes post in here is because I know that most people won't read my post (and in that case at least I blew off some steam about an issue and got my opinion off my chest) and if they do, I could potentially have a good intellectual conversation with someone. I have a lot of experiences in forum debates that turned out very peaceful and enlightening. It's just when people get immature or self-righteous that things turn stale. But in those cases I just get out of it anyway. So I see no harm in throwing my ideas out there.