Why do most Americans know nothing about the rest of the world?

Answer 1

I would say American narcissism began during the early 20th Century when the federal government practiced an isolationist foreign policy. That had a trickle down affect to all aspects of American life. For example, since America was no involved in any other part of the world, there was never any international exposure on television or radio for American citizens to become interested in foreign countries. Also then, there was no need to really study international history and societies at a elementary or secondary school level.

Even still today with the world becoming increasingly smaller, I can personally say I only spent one year studying "world history" in elementary, junior and high school combined. That's sad. Americans are not being given an education background capable of being good international citizens and I believe that stems back to us being isolated on pretty much our own continent. Europeans are more likely to study other societies and cultures because they're surround by different groups of people no matter what country they live in.

Lastly, it has become "cool" and "patriotic" to view the rest of the world as less important. American politicians have isolated the United States from the international street like no other period in history. We do unpopular things around the world and our politicians tell us if we don't support these things we're no truly American. For example, Republicans seem to think the French are worthless because they chose not to support the Iraq War. Most Americans do not possess the advanced education to determine that message as false and go on to perpetuate the stereotype of the "dumb, ugly American."

Answer 2

Because we live in a vast, homogenous country with one main language. It takes 3 days to drive from Virginia to California, not six hours. The world may loathe us, but God blessed us.

Because we have one of the highest standards of living in the world, as well as THE MOST comfortable. I've seen many Europeans come to this country for the first time and be overwhelmed by America's "lebensraum," the portions served in restaurants, the choice available for even mundane things, the "same day service" philosophy, etc. It isn't necessary for Americans to look longingly elsewhere where there might be clean water, civil society, etc.

It was never necessary to rely on other countries for things like food, medical care, education, etc. If we did look to another country, it was the Mother country, England. The countries on the continent were seen as hotbeds of radical and dangerous, even Godless thinking.

Because we lived in the most innovative society in the world, until recently. Foreign things, particularly cars, were often unreliable.

American culture, while only 400+ years old going back to Jamestown, has produced enough writers, poets, philosophers, film makers, musicians, etc. to create what the French call their culture: "culture immense."

Answer 3

i'm under the effect that maximum persons comprehend little with regard to something of the international, or are sophomoric approximately it. Europeans who come to the U. S. (and, worse nevertheless, Europeans who stay abode) say the craziest issues approximately our united states of america, too--Olaf Gersemann even wrote a e book in German approximately it. So IMESHO it quite is actual, yet human beings are not in assessment to every person else in this regard.

Answer 4

I shall be honest because they believe they are better than all others, it don't matter to them at all hay they don't even know the capitals or other states where the states are located in the united states. and oh don't mention languages just one is enough and all they shall know guess what that is - HA! English! now add prejudice to this and you get a bad deal huh? yea that's it!
its sad you know but this is how it is!
and every one knows about the America because they want to arrive their believing america is so great and what a disapointment many have has once there

Answer 5

Most are arrogant and just don't care. Hell, most don't even know anything about America.

Answer 6

Only short sighted nincompoops generalize the way you just did.

Answer 7

Everyone has different interests