Truth or myth: most Americans are clueless about things happening outside the US?

Question

I am a Canadian and I constantly get bombarded with comedy on Canadian television dealing with the intelligence of neighbours down south.

Is it a fact or a myth that Americans are clueless about things happening outside the US?

Answer 1

It is not that we are clueless, but rather the news most see is controlled by the major networks that do not focus on news outside of the US, probably because we are the most important country in the world and don't care about what is happening outside of our country unless it affects us directly.

Answer 2

I think it's both fact and myth. American's that do read up on current events outside of the US may have some knowledge about while at the same time it seems like everything is filtered. I do think American's have a horrible sense of geography and where things are when it comes to a map- especially in California which is where I'm at!!! I've seen many times, kids and adults, not be able to point out capitals on a map or find such and such state in the midwest, yet they can sing some McDonalds tune. Only reason I feel that I don't fit into that category is cuz I'm studying to be a teacher and am constantly taking classes from every possible subject. Overall, American's are cluesless lots of times.

Answer 3

TRUTH.

Take a look at Bush. He had never even set foot in Europe before he ran for president! Seriously! Most wealthy parents at least send their kids off to Prague for the summer. But not this one. He has never demonstrated the slightest bit of interest in caring about anyone but himself and his friends, much less about people in other countries (unless they have oil). He's clueless.

Didn't you see him, when he first took office, come swaggering off of Air Force One to meet the Canadian Prime Minister? He shook his hand, patted him on the back and said, "Hola, Amigo!"

In fact, I wonder if Bush really knows much about his own country. I often times think he, himself, feels like Columbus discovering America. He's out of touch and so are many Americans who don't even read a paper or could even name one BBC program. Pathetic.

I read a New York Times article and it said that only about 25% of Americans even own a passport. And that doesn't even mean that they use it.

I have seen this ignorance, first hand, having studied in Florence, Italy. While I was trying to experience the culture, learn the language, and make European friends, most of the other American students were simply thrilled to find some pub that catered to expats (English speaking ones). This did not seem to be the case with the Canadians, Aussies, and Brits. They just seemed more curious.

It's really quite embarrassing. It's time for YOU...YOU... YOU, PEOPLE (Americans), to WAKE UP!

Answer 4

Is that true...Canadians are laughing at our intelligence? I don't think that's a good idea. I'm always defending you guys, but now I'm giving that second thoughts. The reason our President is so unpopular is because Americans are very much aware of what is going on elsewhere. I suppose some are clueless, on both sides of the border between us, but I think you're equating Bush supporters with idiots. Some liberals share that view, and it's because we DO know what's going on around us.

Answer 5

Depends. Some americans are dumb as a box of rocks (ie. there are at least...20 people in my grade who most likely don't know about the war. Let alone where Iraw is) other americans have traveled aroudn the world and are very cultured (ie. my history teacher. That man can probably name every country and it's capital, it's insane.). But there are people like that in every country.

EDIT: Boudreau... we have a stupid president. We get it, more than half the country will agree with you that Bush is a complete jackass. It's not everyones fault he got elected. First of all only those over 18 ,who are registed, can vote. And then thats only IF they choose to vote. So it's not like everyone in America though Bush was a good idea or still does. We can't impeach him, only count down the days till he gets the hell out of office. So please stop trying to use him as a justification to believeing all Americans are morons. George Bush is only one village idiot. Some of us actually like to think for a living instead of letting our brains rot. Do you know how hard it is to get a passport? My mom wanted me to get one over the summer and it would have taken over 2 months. You can't believe statistics, and even so what does the amoutn of passports in a country have to do with anything?

Answer 6

Don't get me wrong, because we do have our fair share of stupid people in the U.S., including millions of illegal immigrants who don't belong here, and millions of "impoverished" folks whose only real education is having learned how to abuse the welfare system, so they can raise families at taxpayer expense. But, for the others, I sincerely believe it's not a lack of intelligence.

We simply don't care, if it's not in our backyard, or doesn't affect us personally. Sounds bad? Well, there's so much crap going on in so many countries, how could anyone keep track? Add that to the fact that practically all adults work, and those people don't have time to care, or pay attention.

I'd say most of us who have the time, at least keep up with a portion of what's reported on cnn.com, or by television news media. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, have affected many of us personally, so we pay attention. At least, I do.

We Americans tend to be arrogant, self-involved, and self-centered. Not all of us think that's a bad thing, either.

It's funny to me, hearing that Canadian television depicts Americans as morons. Maybe you should hear what we think of Canadians ... LMAO

Answer 7

As with most comedy it becomes popular if you can add a bit of truth to the joke. Yes we are doing a poor job on intelligence gathering in the CIA and FBI, but, we also get the same news that you do. We just believe everything that is written in the news or on TV unlike the rest of the world, who like you, trusts no one! Tell me something though. If life became too unbearable in Canada, would you run to Britain or to the U.S. for asylum? So far everyone comes here, we must be doing something right!

Answer 8

Like any nation anywhere including Canada....there is a percentage of the population that keeps informed and balanced, there are the fringe elements and there are those that are eternally clueless. It's easy to charchiture the fringe and clueless for comedy purposes. I believe the majority keep informed but dont make a big deal of it.

Answer 9

I am American, and I think that it is a myth. If you were to ask someone from another country they would most likely think that it is a fact. I, for one think I know a lot about what it going on in other countries outside of the US. For school, every week I have to bring in a current event. If this means that we know so little that our teachers have to sforce us...Well, that may be true. On the other hand, I am obviously becoming aware with things outside of the US.

Answer 10

i think of the final public of individuals are clueless on international activities. i've got considered protest rallies against China simply by activities happening with Tibet and the human beings could no longer even factor on a map the place Tibet grew to become into.