Why do people think its the 20th century when its actually the 21st?

Answer 1

I blame T-Rex
M
(no,no, Marc Bolan,not Jurassic)

Answer 2

For the majority of people, the 21st century is an abstract thing: it's The Future. We can never "get" to the future, only move towards it. Therefore, people can't believe that we're living "in" the future. The past is anything before the 20th century. The future is the 21st century (and above). We have only been in the 21st century for a few years, and it looks and feels quite like the 20th.

Answer 3

I think most people are aware that it is the 21st century.

However, what we are experiencing now is mostly a product of the 20th century, whether we mean technology, science, politics, art, music, literature, etc.

As an example, consider the early 20th century. In the fields of literature and art, many do not consider the 20th century to have started until 1914 or even 1917, the onset and conclusion of WWI. Musicologists put the beginning of the "20th century" at 1910. In other words, music created after 1910 is considered "20th century" music, as differentiated from the slightly earlier expressionistic, impressionistic, and romantic periods.

So, in a way, we are still in the "20th century." It will take a few years before our sense of what is characteristic of the "21st Century" develops -in other words, what makes it distinct from the 20th century.

Love Jack

Answer 4

germz.....there never was a year zero. The first and every subsequent century ran from Day 1 year 1 to the last day of year 100.
The 20th century ended on 31st December 2000 and the 21st century started the next day.
All the fuss about the "millenium celebrations" happened a full year too soon.

Answer 5

It is the 21st century, but people sometimes make mistakes as the 20th century ended quite recently.

Answer 6

By using the cardinal dating systems, the first century is counted as 0 to 99 and 2000 is regarded as the first year of the twenty-first century.

Answer 7

Many people don't realize that the first century was before the year 100, i.e., year 0 to 99.
It's the same with a person's age. You first year starts at birth, so when you are in your 30th year, you are 29.

Answer 8

They don't. Unless they're pulling your leg. Or unless you know some unbelievably ignorant people. Guys, there was a millennium six years ago, unless you were asleep; what did you think that was about?

Incidentally, if you're following the Jewish calendar it's the 58th century (this year is 5767); if you're following the Muslim calendar, it's the 15th (this year is 1427).

Answer 9

I wasn't aware that anyone thought it was the 20th century still.

Answer 10

because sum people are not ready to except that the 21st century has begun

Answer 11

We are in the year 2000's. starts with 20. It's an easy misconception. Call them stupid and move on with your life.

...And it IS the 21st.