2006-09-04 18:46:13 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I think if you asked most people in Australia, they would be able to run off the capitals of many countries without too much fuss. Is this just because we have always taken an interest in the world outside of our own shores??
I have noticed Sydney being referred to the capital of Australia numerous times on this site. Unbelievable????
I think the first respondant summed it up "don't care".
2006-09-04 19:44:15 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Fester 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, we just don't place the emphasis on knowing other countries' capitals. However, ask Americans their own states' capitals, and we have it done well. We know our principal rivers, the mountain ranges, and where many states are (I get a little lost in the midwest, Iowa and Arkansas and Missouri). I'm betting you don't even know what the boroughs of New York City are -- but I know that by rote. And here you are thinking "There are boroughs to New York City?" What you see here is an insular way of understanding. We are such a vast and different country within our own borders, we spend a lot of time learning about who we are -- and who we are becoming (illegal immigration, etc.).
Instead of poking fun at Americans, which seems to be the only sport here on Yahoo Answers, why not poke fun at yourself? You see, you did not capitalize the first word in your first sentence. Tsk, tsk. Now who is dumb? Or are you just now realizing that the value one places on mere knowledge (lowest level of thinking) cannot solely determine intelligence?
2006-09-04 18:57:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I have taught Geography in the US. People need to learn about the basic facts since some don't even know where Madrid is. Generally many people in the states should care and learn more about foreign cultures, politics, and geography.
Ignorance may be bliss (not) but in an interconnected world no one should be ignorant about basic info such as basic geography. Many people's ignorance about geography is part of a larger problem of basic indifference to other cultures and even intolerance of differences.
2006-09-04 18:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. Many people just assume the biggest city in a state (or province or territory or country) is the capitol. And most people in the US can't keep track of their own geography, let alone other countries.
Even those of us who know better don't always have the information in active memory. I probably couldn't correctly name all the capitols of the 10 closest allies of the US, and probably only about half of the US state capitols. And I actually pay attention to maps.
2006-09-04 18:48:54 · answer #4 · answered by coragryph 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
*is a brit*
Though I know its Canberra I'll admit for a while I thought it was Sydney for a while when I was younger.
I guess its because Sydney is the largest city and the most well known. I suspect most don't know what the capital of Brazil or Canada is. I'll admit to knowing the capitals of my country's immediate neighbours, as well as a selection of global ones but I don't know them all
2006-09-04 18:53:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'll be a majority of American students couldn't point out Australia on a map of the world (or even realize its a continent), let alone know its capital, so don't feel bad.
2006-09-04 18:51:17 · answer #6 · answered by machine_head_327 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I'll say Canberra. Eh, Mate?
Most Americans only know where to find Desperate Housewives.
2006-09-04 18:57:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Canberra?
2006-09-04 18:51:35 · answer #8 · answered by kitty fresh & hissin' crew 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who cares what the capital of Australia is except for some kangaroos?
2006-09-04 18:53:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
People tend to think others are like themselves.
When did you find out about Sydney? Tonight?
2006-09-04 18:49:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋