Start Worrying!!!

[mconlogue]

And all of them Americans (I think!) :confused:


http://www.superbike.co.uk/video/start_worrying_4_11_5_news_70507.html

[michman]

that is funny, but sad too....

[Portguyofva]

Mark,
Thanks for sharing and I pray that is not representative of the average Americans geographical awareness.

[meese]

The correct answer is "None of the above." Not only is the average American's geography lacking, but so are their politics and social awareness. "Let's turn the whole thing into a sheet of glass" is exactly the attitude that allowed 9/11 to happen. If you don't understand something, then just shut up.

[KBandit]

explains a lot about election results.

[BillyOmaha]

Be thankful we live in a "representative democracy". We are supposed to pick representatives to wisely execute policy in the best interest of the people.

In defense of my countrymen that were fooled by the erroneous labeling of Australia with "IRAN"; Just because someone is fooled by a mislabelled map doesn't mean that they don't know that Iran is a trouble maker for us.


.

[mwnahas]

Obviously those guys never played RISK !
;)
great beer and pretzel game BTW.

[KBandit]

.

granted, iran is a potential troublemaker, but italy? friggin BRAZIL? and we should invade north korea because of their attitude???

also .. i don't think the maps were mislabeled; they were blank, then labeled by the idjits.

all i can say is ... i sure hope this wasn't a random sample. i'm hoping they picked the dumbest of the dumbasses. otherwise .... yikes.

[meese]

He didn't even say North Korea, just Korea. As if we're not all over that country already. At least someone was listening to the Axis of Evil speech, though I'm not so sure that's a good thing . . .

[NCoe]

You guys are so busy believing the worst about your fellow citizens you didn't take time to notice the the supposed news report was on a non-existent network. Also, pay attention to what is scrolling along the bottom of the video. Jay Leno routinely proves that if you talk to enough people, you can find plenty of idiots who are willing to prove their idiocy on tape. This video is in the genre as Jay Walking. Frankly, I am surprized that some of you were taken in so easily. I am not at all surprised by others who were taken in.

[KBandit]

hi there, nathan.

if this were the ONLY example of the ignorance of the average u.s. citizen i might be inclined to buy your argument. but i've seen the mean test scores of u.s. high school graduates, most of whom cannot locate major CONTINENTS on the map, much less countries like iran and korea. plus u.s. high school students scrape the bottom of the barrel in math and science, trailing many third-world countries.

so, as much as i'd like to believe americans are well-informed (after all i am an american myself), the facts, unfortunately, say otherwise. link to the below for one of countless stories on declining smarts in the u.s.:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/12/26/1135445527006.html

so, ummm .... maybe we were not the ones taken in after all.

[NCoe]

Maybe you noticed that it was phony but I doubt it. The point is you are willling to believe anything that makes people you don't agree with look bad.

[Keith]

hi there, nathan.

if this were the ONLY example of the ignorance of the average u.s. citizen i might be inclined to buy your argument. but i've seen the mean test scores of u.s. high school graduates, most of whom cannot locate major CONTINENTS on the map, much less countries like iran and korea. plus u.s. high school students scrape the bottom of the barrel in math and science, trailing many third-world countries.

so, as much as i'd like to believe americans are well-informed (after all i am an american myself), the facts, unfortunately, say otherwise. link to the below for one of countless stories on declining smarts in the u.s.:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/12/26/1135445527006.html

so, ummm .... maybe we were not the ones taken in after all.



>> Other experts noted that the slip in scores could be attributed to most state schools not being particularly selective, accepting most high school graduates to bolster enrolment.<<

What's this? You mean our Gubmint skools is failin' us? We needs ta hep our chillun. Kwik! Sumbuddy call the NEA!

Oh... never mind. :rolleyes:

[meese]

That video may have been made up, but I have met these people and they scare me. Maybe this should've been posted in the humor forum. After all, anything is possible there, true or not. ;)

[motorman587]

I pull these people over. I would be scared if I lived at the down under. All the numbers were put there.

[NCoe]

That video may have been made up, but I have met these people and they scare me. Maybe this should've been posted in the humor forum. After all, anything is possible there, true or not. ;)

While I would not have liked it, had it been posted to the humor forum I would not posted a reply.

I do take umbrage at someone from another country making a video unfairly portraying the average American as being an ignorant war-mongerer. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If I wanted to do so, I could go to Australia and make a video portraying the average Australian as a drunken lout. I could go to England and make a video portraying them as soccer hooligans. But, that would be neither accurate nor fair.

[rspyder]

When it comes to geography, Americans are worse off than most countries. See here (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/03/990301072238.htm) and here (http://www.nas.org/print/pressreleases/hqnas/releas_18dec02.htm). Americans also know less (http://www.nas.org/print/pressreleases/hqnas/releas_18dec02.htm) compared to 1950's grads.

A pollster stood on a corner in San Francisco just outside of the Opera House asking passers-by what the first sentence or first words of the US constitution were. It took over 1 hour to get someone to answer that question correctly. Students used to be required to memorize the preample to the constitution.

Yes, really dumb Americans are out there and these same people express all sorts of dumb ideas. I would like to see all political advertising removed from the radio and television as many voters just pay attention to the most convincing BS to determine their vote regardless of whether it is true. Voters should get information from a neutral document that just states the candidate's position on a number of questions.

[gulfxray]

Obviously those guys never played RISK !
;)
great beer and pretzel game BTW.

Same thing I was thinking Michael!!!

[NCoe]

When it comes to geography, Americans are worse off than most countries. See here (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/03/990301072238.htm) and here (http://www.nas.org/print/pressreleases/hqnas/releas_18dec02.htm). Americans also know less (http://www.nas.org/print/pressreleases/hqnas/releas_18dec02.htm) compared to 1950's grads. Maybe that is because teachers spend more time surveying grade school students about such ludicrous topics as their sexual fantasies than teaching the basics.

A pollster stood on a corner in San Francisco just outside of the Opera House asking passers-by what the first sentence or first words of the US constitution were. It took over 1 hour to get someone to answer that question correctly. Considering the location, I am surprised it only took an hour.

Yes, really dumb Americans are out there and these same people express all sorts of dumb ideas. I would like to see all political advertising removed from the radio and television as many voters just pay attention to the most convincing BS to determine their vote regardless of whether it is true. Voters should get information from a neutral document that just states the candidate's position on a number of questions.We do agree on that point.

[Woolly]

If I wanted to do so, I could go to England and make a video portraying them as soccer hooligans. But, that would be neither accurate nor fair.


...possibly accurate, and fair :rolleyes: - our education system in the UK seems to be geared to dragging everyone down to the lowest common denominator.

[messenger13]

Obviously those guys never played RISK !
;)
great beer and pretzel game BTW.
Yes. I think it's always important to add beer into the mix when invading other countries. :D Pretzels are also good, as they make you thirsty for . . . um . . . more BEER! :D :D :D

RISK. I never liked the board game as it moved too slowly. But the PC version was AWESOME!

[KBandit]

Considering the location, I am surprised it only took an hour.

be gentle with us san franciscans, nathan. not every locale can be as socially progressive is orem. hell, believe it or not, i'm stuck with only ONE wife! i keep trying to convince her i need a stable but she is resisting.

can you offer me advice on how to be more ... progressive like y'all?

[NCoe]

be gentle with us san franciscans, nathan. not every locale can be as socially progressive is orem. hell, believe it or not, i'm stuck with only ONE wife! i keep trying to convince her i need a stable but she is resisting.

can you offer me advice on how to be more ... progressive like y'all?
Once again you show how inane you really are.

[meese]

The computer version of Risk is especially interesting if you set one player to Full Aggressive, and the rest to Passive-Agressive. Most players will just sit there until attacked, then they will throw everything they have into regaining their original territories. Usually the Aggressive guy gets wiped out, and the rest of them just sit back in their own spaces. Kinda like the real world, huh?

[messenger13]

Um . . . we just always played it with everyone on an even plane. But maybe that's the difference between us normal folks and you left-coasters. :D :D :D

[meese]

Maybe that is because teachers spend more time surveying grade school students about such ludicrous topics as their sexual fantasies than teaching the basics.
Huh? Obviously you have an incident in mind, care to share?

Considering the location, I am surprised it only took an hour.
Is this another attempt at bagging on alternate lifestyles, or are you just attacking all big cities here?

We do agree on that point.
I'm sure we can all find something to agree on. The bike, if nothing else.

True the video, it was set up to prove a specific point. The question was which country to attack next, not whether we should attack one at all. But all media is biased, and set up to prove or disprove a specific point. You obviously know that, and your sig line shows what you really think about the average citizen's take on the world. To me, it just confirms that most people really don't have a clue, and that many of them believed the lies told as justification for the previous invasion. That's a sad commentary, no matter who says it.

[meese]

Is there ever an even plane in war? :)

We'd just set up several computer controlled players, and let them all have at it with no other intervention. It was fun to watch the maps shift for about 10 minutes, then we'd go do something else.

[NCoe]

Huh? Obviously you have an incident in mind, care to share?I am surpirsed the self-proclaimed "Voice of Reason" is so ignorant about what goes on in his own state!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/03/BAGNLFIAEO1.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea

And lest anyone think that this only happens in California, here is another.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44762

Is this another attempt at bagging on alternate lifestyles, or are you just attacking all big cities here?How dare you call me a homophobe. I defy you to point out any examples. I have actually been to San Francisco. Have you been to Orem? Talk about a narrow minded view of others. Again, this from the "Voice of Reason"?

My tagline is not aimed at the average American. It is aimed at people like you who jack their jaw without having a clue what they are talking about!

[Keith]

be gentle with us san franciscans, nathan. not every locale can be as socially progressive is orem. hell, believe it or not, i'm stuck with only ONE wife! i keep trying to convince her i need a stable but she is resisting.

can you offer me advice on how to be more ... progressive like y'all?


There are some lines that don't need to be crossed Gerhard and you found one.

Show some character.

[meese]

Wow, Nathan, wake up on the wrong side of your Wheaties this morning?

If you'd actually like to discuss some of these issues, then I'm all for it. You generally tend to be well-informed and well spoken, which I do appreciate. If you're just having a tough day, then that's fine, too. We're all still friends here.

BTW, I never called you anything. It seemed to me that you triggered on the sex questions and ignored the other questions regarding anger, suicidal impulses, or alcohol and tobacco use. Also, your reply to Gerhard seemed to center on SFO and its lifestyle, rather than the topic at hand. So I was curious if you had some pre-existing ideas that may have colored your response, or if it was just a dig at the average clueless city dweller.

No matter, as we all view the world through our own biases and preconceptions. Not realizing that tends to put people into the clueless category more than anything else.

I hope you get the chance to go for a ride tomorrow, however brief. It's always best to start the New Year off right. :)

[messenger13]

Nice spin Ken. But . . . civility does rule. :)

[KBandit]

There are some lines that don't need to be crossed Gerhard and you found one.

Show some character.

hey, keith ... note the smiling face. i was just kidding around. jeesh.

and if your beef is stereotyping a region i don't think i was the first to take that tack.

some folks hereabout need to lighten up a tad. i'm done posting to this thread.

[NCoe]

BTW, I never called you anything. It seemed to me that you triggered on the sex questions and ignored the other questions regarding anger, suicidal impulses, or alcohol and tobacco use. Also, your reply to Gerhard seemed to center on SFO and its lifestyle, rather than the topic at hand. So I was curious if you had some pre-existing ideas that may have colored your response, or if it was just a dig at the average clueless city dweller.Spin it how you will. Everyone with half a brain knows exactly what you meant. Your assumption is extremely offensive as is Gary's ranting about me being a polygamist.

[meese]

I never assumed anything. I was just wondering why you tagged on SFO, that's all. And so I asked, and gave you a chance to respond. If you choose not to respond to the question as posed, then that's your right.

I doubt we'll get any further in this thread, but I look forward to your contributions on subsequent topics. You're one of the few people here that can actually post a reasonable argument. Whether I may agree or not, I will at least consider a well-stated alternate opinion.

[Steve_R]

...possibly accurate, and fair :rolleyes: - our education system in the UK seems to be geared to dragging everyone down to the lowest common denominator. You mean you moved to the U.S.?? :p

[NCoe]

You seem to have conveniently overlooked that fact that I was not the one to bring up San Francisco as an example of ignorant people who can't answer even the most basic questions about their country and government. I have been to SF on more than one occasion. On each occasion my experiences regarding the local's intellect have been at best underwhelming.

As to the questionnaire, only the looniest of amoral people, backed by the lunatics on the 9th circuit court, would even conceive of asking grade schoolers about their sex lives. The other questions don't bother me as much although it is a sad commentary that the questions are at all relevant in the lives of grade schoolers.

[rspyder]

The SF poll was just an example as were the links I posted. I really don't think the results would have been different in any city.

[k12steve]

The correct answer is "None of the above." Not only is the average American's geography lacking, but so are their politics and social awareness. "Let's turn the whole thing into a sheet of glass" is exactly the attitude that allowed 9/11 to happen. If you don't understand something, then just shut up.

I find the level of "all knowing arrogant, condescending, sanctimony" demonstrated by the above and the post following the one above as simply laughable but par for the course from the "intelligencia elite". You just don't seem to "get" that posts like the above are no better than those who say equally dumb things as "kill 'em all and let God sort them out". They are the same basic thought, just packaged differently. I don't think "Blue necks" have any higher moral position than "Red necks". . .

Of course I bow you your "obviously" greater knowledge of the world and your highly thoughtful and inciteful analysis of the cause of 9/11.

I would ask if you've ever come back later and read postings like the one above and been even "slightly" embarrassed by the elitism it just oozes, but then I realize the answer would clearly be a resounding "NO" because you really DO believe you are smarter, no thats wrong, you really believe you are BETTER than the "average American".

[Woolly]

You mean you moved to the U.S.?? :p

... We went from Grammar Schools in the mid '70's to 'comprehensive' - following the States by about 10 years - now, we're going back to selective education, similar to grammar schools, and possibly same as you guy's in the States - only problem is that most of our top teachers are 'on the sick' with 'Stress' - evidently, we are still not allowed 'competetive education'?? (can't play soccer (etc)) cos someone hasd to loose

[humplatch]

Sure got some of you riled up (hee-hee). I think it was a Michael Moore film preying on the ignorance of the audience.

[meese]

Hi Steve,

At the risk of over-simplification, there is a relatively small group of extremely radical fundamental muslims that believe the best way to honor their god is to wipe out anyone who opposes their beliefs. Where martyrs are praised as the highest religious sacrifice, and they openly kill thousands of innocent people, even other muslims, in the pursuit of their ideal. These fanatics have clearly chosen death as the means to their end, regardless of who the victims may be.

Though I can understand where the feeling comes from, I don't believe that the sheet of glass theory is any better, or in fact any different from what the fanatics are doing. It's that simple. You may agree, disagree, or debate endlessly, but that's my belief on this topic.

You may consider yourself an average American, or perhaps you think better of yourself and consider me average. Or you may not think of it at all. Either way you must admit that individual people demonstrate a wide range of intelligence and understanding of the world around them. Even Ed will defend a person's right to make of themselves what they can, based on their ability and drive. It's the American way, after all. But simple statistics show that there will always be those both above and below the "average" person. That doesn't make anyone better or worse, just different.

Remember, I'm usually the guy fighting for the underdog, but I do believe that people have the obligation to learn about the world around them and find their place in it. That's the best any of us can hope for. If you're happy with your place in it, then so be it. If you're not, then do what you can to improve it. But either way, don't begrudge me for doing what I can to learn about my world and finding my own place in it. I never claimed to have all the answers, but I'm sure not afraid to ask the questions.

And if you think I've got some sort of monopoly on persecuting the "average" American, then you must not have seen the Burger King holiday carol recently posted in the Humor forum. That was so bad I couldn't even finish watching it. But hey it's humor, so it must be OK. :)

[NCoe]

And if you think I've got some sort of monopoly on persecuting the "average" American, then you must not have seen the Burger King holiday carol recently posted in the Humor forum. That was so bad I couldn't even finish watching it. But hey it's humor, so it must be OK. :)Given your political leanings and lack of response you must have laughed your head off the at the video depicting Bush as a drunk. Seems the "Voice of Reason" is not so reasonable after all.

[meese]

Unfortunately, I find W more scary than funny. Anybody can take things out of context and use them to manipulate the audience or promote their own views. The trick is to look past all that hype and see what the man behind the curtain is doing.

[NCoe]

... Anybody can take things out of context and use them to manipulate the audience or promote their own views. The trick is to look past all that hype and see what the man behind the curtain is doing.Feeling a little exposed when your blatant hypocrisy is pointed out?

[NCoe]

You seem to have conveniently overlooked that fact that I was not the one to bring up San Francisco as an example of ignorant people who can't answer even the most basic questions about their country and government. I have been to SF on more than one occasion. On each occasion my experiences regarding the local's intellect have been at best underwhelming.

As to the questionnaire, only the looniest of amoral people, backed by the lunatics on the 9th circuit court, would even conceive of asking grade schoolers about their sex lives. The other questions don't bother me as much although it is a sad commentary that the questions are at all relevant in the lives of grade schoolers.I got dinged by an anonymous coward over the preceding remarks. Your post is misguided as it assumes we retreat to the moralistic values of the dark ages. It is 2006!If this person had signed his remarks I would not have mentioned him but I would have still made the following remarks.

I admit that I should have been dinged about my, at best, intemperate and inaccurate remarks about the people of San Francisco. As Roger correctly and gently pointed out, the poll results would have been the same virtually anywhere. I also made a huge error when I launched an unwarranted attack on the teaching profession. For the most part they do a remarkable job under trying circumstances.

I do remain outraged by grade schoolers being asked about their sexual activities in a school setting. Apparently the person who dinged me is not. He probably is ok with kiddie porn and pedophilia too. Sad.

[messenger13]

I do remain outraged by grade schoolers being asked about their sexual activities in a school setting. Apparently the person who dinged me is not. He probably is ok with kiddie porn and pedophilia too. Sad.Lest you feel alone in this, I am right with you bud! And I want to thank you for pointing this out to me. I am going to have my wife look into my children's curriculum in these areas. (She works at the middle and high school, and can get the inside scoop.) And I don't know about "kiddie porn and pedophilia", but PORN in general has gotten WAY OUT-OF-HAND! The internet is saturated with it, prime time TV oozes it, and everyone (in general) seems to think it's OK. Well, my wife and I don't think it's OK. And my children will learn about sex the old-fashioned way . . . misinformed by their friends, and corrected by their PARENTS! Yes, children need to be taught about sex. And I don't have any problems talking to MY kids about it. But, that is MY job. And...more importantly, it's MY RIGHT to feel this way.