Why are Americans so ignorant about other countries?

Question

I'm not just trying to be nasty here I'm hoping to make a serious point.

It seems to me that most (though obviously not all) people from the USA seem to be incredibly ignorant when it comes to other countries. I don't understand, don't you have geography lessons at school? If you do, do they teach you anything about the world outside America? The thing that annoys me the most is the way Americans actually believe in all the stereotypes when it comes to British people or French people or whatever. But it really isn't the same the other way round. I think that on average British people (for example) could tell you more about the United States than an American could tell you about the United Kingdom. But why is this? What is wrong with the American education system?

Also why do so many people on this website seem to think that this website is only used by Americans? There are many other people using it too so how about you try considering that when you ask questions

But 'Cat', this is my point, other countries are certainly not anywhere near as ignorant about America.

Another one of 'WHAT' people 'Terry F'? Foreign people? I'm not picking on anyone, I'm trying to help you and your country realise what serious issues you have.

It's good to see some positive comments coming out of this debate and my view of Americans is slightly more positive.

One thing that gets me is it's not like America is even that big a country with that many people. If you look at an atlas you'll see that it's a huge, diverse and beautiful world out there waiting to be appreciated. Open your eyes.

'SoS' - I was very careful to ensure that I did not generalise. Note the fact that I said that "most (but certainly not all) Americans..."

Bud - Personally I don't accept either of your two reasons. Your country is not the only prosperous country in the world where life is good. Much of western europe, parts of Asia and Australasia are just as comfortable to live in (if not more in some cases), and these other countries are not ignorant. Prosperity is not a valid reason for isolationism.

As for aid. All the figures show that the USA is really not as generous as you are led to believe when you consider aid as a percentage of GNP. Though yes of course I don not dispute that the USA makes a very valuable contibution to humanitarian work which is appreciate throughout the globe.

Answer 1

OK abc here is a serious answer to your question. We live so far away from everywhere else (even south America and/or Canada for most of the US) that we just have not had the experience. I'm think i am more knowledgable than most ppl i know, on Europe anyway, since my in-laws are from Liverpool and one of my good friends and her hubby are Irish, but i don't think most ppl in the US even know a person that is from another country (that is not a S. Am country). I know if you live in Englad, Germany, Spain, Italy ect...you can fly to another country in a matter of a few hours and it is fairly cheap. Honestly most Americans would love to be able to visit (can I stay at your house lol) but it is to expensive. I think this goes along with the education question. Its not that we don't learn our history, it is just much easier to remember something if you have visited the place (i can give you quite a detailed account of the Alamo) or if your family was involved (Revolution, cilvil war). If you are wondering if we learn about the daily habits (such as food perference, job opportunities, fashion) of the modern English at school no we don't, but I really don't think that it would be the job of the school to teach this.


I also think that the reason we love accents is because we rarely hear them! We would sit and listen to someone from England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia all day....you guys are really popular here lol

I was wondering about the nationalities of the users on this site...is there a way to see that?

Answer 2

I think one issue is that America is so large, that our own news stories take up a large portion of the time. Countries in Europe are the size of just one of our states. Also everything that happens in America effects the world, the same is not true of many other countries. Antoher problem is our tv news services are profit driven, while in other countries, like England, BBC is funded by the government. Of course NPR is funded by our government, but it is not as popular in America since we have many choices while in England, they only had BBC before and BBC has taken the market share.

I also do believe that geography and world affairs should be brought up more in school then it is currently. It should not be a one week lesson and then ignored for the rest of the year.

Some people mentioned we are the most giving country, that statement actually needs clarifying, we give the most dollars, but are almost the lowest in the percentage of our gross national income. While we are generous in our aid, as far as government aid, the majority goes towards military aid then any other type. Do not take this to mean that I am saying we don't donate, its just that I believe we could do a little better then we currently are.

Amar
http://www.americansdebate.com

Answer 3

Yeah I was ignorant when I first came on here. I didn't know right away that other people from other countries were on here.
I do now.
But being ignorant? That could be said for a lot of countries.

And the American education system is run by different states.
Most of which are Democrats who think it should be run by the federal government. But by doing this they let it fail so that they can say: See I told you so!
But they're only right about this because they let it fail.
I do admit that when the federal government does take over a school district it does very well. why does it do well? Um... because the Republicans are in control of the federal government.

Answer 4

Each country, as do various races, cultures, religions, believe that their propaganda will put them in the place of superiority, to their constituents. They downplay the value of other countries and show you, with intense emphasis, how lowly and ignorant all of the other countries are. Anything that would give you a praiseworthy sight of another country, is quickly deleted from the eyes of the newsmakers by their administrators and we, the general public, get what's left over. I personally have never accepted any one person's point of view about anything. Also, when I read Shakespeare, I think that he had to have been insane. How could a lone person be that deadly, with immoral people (murderers, fornicators, adulterers, rapists, robbers, ghosts, seers, false idols, etc.)? The bible is a good read but much of that is contradictory. I stand by the Ten Commandments. It is hard for me at times, but I respect that part of my bible. There are other sections of the bible that are praiseworthy. I know that the bible has been tampered with. Furthermore, I know that much has been deleted that would give ultimate VALUE to its worthiness. I read everything that I can get my hands on, unless it is dealing with Satan. The buck stops here. Since God created us all, I love and respect all that God has made. I don't need an opinion poll to know what is right. I have shocked many people because I am termed a "lone ranger." Remember this, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31. Peace and God Bless.

Answer 5

I attended many schools, in about 15 states here in the USA, none of them taught me anything about other cultures except that the dutch have tulips. One school even had science books that taught the "tail" theory regarding some cultures of people. A sad and typical stereotype. I learned more about my own country by dating a Danish dude and by making the friendship of a lovely woman from Redding, England, than I knew after completing high school and reaching the ripe old age of 36.
As for why do we not know that other countries are here on Answers... I didn't figure it out until I read a question about a loo, and another regarding a car bonnet. It isn't emphasized, so many just don't notice. We are taught conformity, don't rock the boat, and don't dig too deep.
Americans are ignorant, simply because we are not taught world history effectively. Most of us don't even know we are ignorant, and will get crabby with anyone who says we are. We don't even know enough about it to know we need to study further about other cultures. You need to know there is a question before you can search for an answer if you can dig it.
Something else about Americans is that we are a capitalist nation, so we are a greedy bunch, it doesn't help us make more money to know about others, so many just don't care. Not because we are bad, but because we are under crippling taxes and other ways the government makes it impossible to live, We just don't have time with the struggles for health care, legal rights and jobs, the things that belong exclusively to the rich here.
I would like to take a minute to say thank you to the veterans of our military that make it possible for me to say what I think. Especially to the many of my own loved ones who support what I say with their life blood. God Bless. I love you and just sent the care package!
Brace yourself, you are gonna get some annoyed answers sweetie.

Answer 6

I don't think you should put everyone on the same bag! Not all americans are ignorants about other countries... and if you do find an american who doesn't know anything about the rest of the world, take a chance to explain and maybe start an interest in this person to know more about the world out there... and make a change!
B.T.W. I'm not american but I don't like it when people generalize, like.. all americans don't know anything about the world, or French people are cold... whatever! people are different.. and that's what we should all understand, to stop judging, we need to learn to accept people that our different to us and not be bothered by it, just accept it and if you think you can help that person learn something knew... then make that change!

Answer 7

You are correct. Americans don't know nor, generally, care to know anything about other countries. Why? Because we are born into a country that is one of the most affluent countries in the world. As a consequence of this fortune we have become a nation of self absorbed, self centered people who are mostly concerned about ourselves.

There are two things that enable this vision:
1) More people are trying to get into the United States than anywhere else in the world. You don't often see stories about Americans fleeing the oppresion of this country to enjoy the freedoms of another country.

2) When there is a problem or disaster somewhere in the world it is the U.S. that is turned to. The U.S. gives more to disaster relief than any other country in the world and not by a little bit. We are a giving country and all we want in return is a little respect instead of the finger wagging that we so often receive.

So if we Americans tend towards being isolationists there is plenty of blame to go around; both within our own border and without.

Answer 8

Your question is sad but true. Many Americans are indeed ignorant of other countries cultures and well just basic knowledge like where they are located. I think for a large part our culture is very self centered meaning its all about America the great U S of A. In our small minds, any where outside of North America well just ain't worh knowin about. Not saying this is right but Americans are so isolated. We know about Canada and Mexico b/c they are at our northern and southern borders. But other nations are an ocean away. If America was like Europe or South or Central America where countries are closer together ... then perhaps things would be different.

Answer 9

Many reasons, including geography, education, socioeconomics and exposure.

Citizens of larger continental countries are less understanding and knowledgable of other cultures/nations because of simple lack of exposure. Whereas in europe, one can drive across 4 countries in a day, it can take 4 days to drive from one side of ours to another (and that's without a lot of time for sleep). We also don't have a superior education system that teaches at a young age the value - or even the definition - of diversity.

Answer 10

Americans have a "we exist only" attitude, you are correct. We think we are the best and only nation on the planet. As an elementary school teacher, I can tell you that students have no idea where Mexico and Canada are, let alone anything else. We have taught so much American pride that we ignore everyone else. It is sad that we have a president that does this as well. Who cares about global warming, and anyone else that gets in our way? I wish I had an answer for you, but at least I agree.