I made a reference to Pecos Bill recently in conversation with somebody, and they didn't even know who he was, much less about his impact on the American southwest.
2006-08-12 12:24:50 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Doesn't anyone want to make fun of me for assessing someone's knowledge on the basis of their ignorance of Pecos Bill.
I only put down Pecos Bill because I thought that was the most laughable thing I could pull out of my *ss.
2006-08-12 12:47:03 · update #1
Would we know it if we had become ignorant?
2006-08-14 07:19:49 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This does not mean someone is "ignorant." I am a PhD candidate in history, and I know very little about Pecos Bill, because he is not in my area of interest. I have mainly studied 19th century America, northeast coast, and the Irish immigration to New York City in particular.
I could mention Eamon deValera or Patrick Ford in conversation, and most people would look at me like I have three heads. That wouldn't mean that they are ignorant; it would just mean they are not a major geek like me.
I love it when I meet someone and tell them I am a historian, and they immediately want to quiz me. ("OK, on what date was Winston Churchill born???" I say, "Hell if I know - I'll look it up when I get home and get back to you...").
I believe Einstein said something like, "I'm not going to waste brain space by memorizing all kinds of information, when I can just go to an encyclopedia and look it up." If it was good enough for him, it's good enough for me...
Love, Jack.
2006-08-12 12:43:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the users on here can't fathom a history that predates the iPod, dude.
Like the user above me who didn't even get a clue as to the real point of your question.
Update: Apparently I am a fool for taking your original question seriously. How sad to reach for an obscure past historical figure and chastise people without realizing that some people might be historians of a part of the era you hinted at.
2006-08-12 12:28:13 · answer #3 · answered by racingcowboy58 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they really emphasize American folklore in school these days. Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyan are relics of the past, I fear. Probably don't want to hurt the feelings of the kiddies that can't ride twisters. (I hope to live long anough to see the death of political correctness...I'll volunteer to throw the switch !!)
2006-08-12 15:33:55 · answer #4 · answered by Spel Chekker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Jack and I will give another example. I could talk to you about the Incan pantheon of gods and you would probably be like, what? Not too many people who study history are going to know about Pachacamac, Viracocha or Inti, but I have studied this as well as the Incan culture itself. Only those who studied this culture would know what I was talking about. Of course, they could probably talk to me about the same culture and I may not know what they are talking. It is called learning.
2006-08-12 13:05:10 · answer #5 · answered by kepjr100 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are extremely ignorant. If it is not a video game or a violent movie or MTV there is nothing to talk about with the young. You think they will learn and be interested in history?
2006-08-12 12:33:26 · answer #6 · answered by antiekmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I am sure that in conversation with someone sometime in your life, someone will mention something that you know nothing about, and they will probably say the same for you.
2006-08-12 12:33:21 · answer #7 · answered by sx_rx_rocknroll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CHECK OUT THE LAST 2 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS !
2006-08-12 12:27:35 · answer #8 · answered by cesare214 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
very good point racingcowboy! very good.
2006-08-12 12:31:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
very
2006-08-12 12:28:42 · answer #10 · answered by stupidgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋