After seeing the totally idiotic questions asked and answers given on Yahoo Answers, I have come to the conclusion that for the most part we have become a nation of morons. The U.S. seems to have "dumbed down" greatly in the last 30-40 years. Do you agree? What could be the cause of this?
2007-03-05 05:08:55 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Primarily, the efforts of the educational establishment to foster that end, plus the determination of the entertainment media to wallow in all that is least admirable in the human spirit, to lure us all to the flesh, and numb us to their outrages by continually slanting our view of 'normal.' Plus, of course, the parental neglect which leaves their children's education and spiritual instruction, not to mention welfare, to somebody else. I don't know if this results from ignorance or indifference, but there's generally nothing stupider than to trust others with what you value.
That's an ugly thought to think to its end, isn't it?
Bottom line, we are encouraged, as a society and as individuals, to concern ourselves exclusively with superficials, and to believe that our spirits either don't exist or don't matter. The less you view others as important, and the more you deny your own responsibility, not alone to yourself but to those around you, the more egocentric and the less critical you become, the less you ever think about anything but what you want, or what 'the experts' tell you that you do or should want. When nobody else really matters to you, you get out of the habit of thinking rationally, and begin honing your 'wit' on them, without ever truly using it.
On the other hand, serious discussion is probably better reserved for selected individuals who are willing and able to entertain any thought beyond themselves.
Good question, though.
2007-03-05 05:27:49 · answer #1 · answered by kaththea s 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IMO it is the education system.
I have a nephew who recently "graduated" from high school. He got the diploma and everything. His reading level is so low that an examiner had to read the questions and answers to him for the written part of his driver's license test. I don't have a problem with an 19 year old being an idiot. I do have a problem with an idiot having a high school diploma.
As long as dumb is cool in school, this will continue. Cell phones and text messaging in the classroom isn't helping much either but only to the extent that it takes away from the class participation. Said participation being a crucial part of the learning experience.
2007-03-05 13:29:25 · answer #2 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Parents, or the lack of.
Teachers who try to hold students accountable are criticized and hounded by parents who feel "little Johnnie" is being picked on.
Kids will never learn until teachers are allowed to teach.
Learning standards have been lowered to accommodate select groups of children!
Check out the spelling on this forum board alone.................sheesh!
2007-03-05 13:28:07 · answer #3 · answered by mantle two 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
EGO and impatience
BTW- I became completely convinced of our 'moronic' society after the overwhelming success of Borat
2007-03-05 13:14:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many things that factor into this new simple society:
* Celebrity obsession
* Voter apathy
* War on Terror
* Technology abuse
* Enviromental apathy
2007-03-05 13:28:00 · answer #5 · answered by germaine_87313 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
laziness. we became so rich as a society, we became lazy and started to expect things coming to us. we don't seek out anything, including information. we're definitely dumbing down.
2007-03-05 13:13:27 · answer #6 · answered by speedy41893 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The lack of spirituality.
2007-03-05 13:12:17 · answer #7 · answered by jmmevolve 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋