The average American?

Question

The average American doesn't know who the Secretary of State is, what the 2nd amendment is, doubts the theory of evolution, and believes in UFOs.

http://left2right.typepad.com/main/2006/02/moral_expertise.html

Does this surprise/disturb anyone?

The average American isn't unnecessarily dumb, just for some reason a lot of us don't care enough to learn about what we are talking about. I'd honestly like to see the question, "Is American the greatest country ever?" followed by the question, "How many countries have you ever been to?" I have a feeling the average American would say, "yes, and 1 or 2."

*necessarily

Answer 1

when you put the word average or % in frunt of any sentance it becomes meaning less. do people still have 2.4 children ??

Answer 2

I don't doubt that at all. It's really inexcusable to not know some of this stuff. Some people will try to use the excuse that they don't pay attention to the news or were never good in history class, but come on. If you honestly don't know who the Secretary of State in your own country is, or what the 4th of July means, or who fought in the Civil War, then that's just pathetic. What's their definition of an "easy" question, if they don't even know those?

Answer 3

and yet we still manage to stay on top after only a few years of existance while nations that have existed for thousands of years are still living in the stone age

We must be doing something right.

The average group of a lot of countries are ignorant of a great many things. I do think the average american is incredibly ignorant of a lot of things they shouldnt be. But our basic gvt and economic system is set up so that the ones that will make our country greater and stronger should eventually rise to the top.

A lot of people in other countries dont travel, either. You can look at the quality of life, the freedoms and laws set up by countries and other indicators to sort of judge other countries against your own. The US has a lot, esp in its Constitution and economic set up, to be admired. There is a reason why when diff companies of diff countries pick the laws they will abide by if a conflict arises, they pick US law.

Answer 4

No, it doesn't surprise me at all. It does disturb me, though. Just go down and sit at the courthouse one day and watch the weirdos crawl out of the woodwork, or take a bus one time. Or spend a lot of time on Yahoo! Answers. You'll see how messed up the world is versus just America!

Answer 5

Let me start by saying I am a native born American (US). Of course the average American is dumb, how else can you explain the popularity of Baywatch?

Excuse me, I have to go to make-up for my appearance on The Jerry Springer Show.

Answer 6

Knowing Gods word is the most important to know, But then most people don't care either, isn't that sad, when judgement day comes, it will be too late, Jesus told us to BE PREPARED.
No, I do not think many people bother themselves with the secretary of state or things like that, if they can't do anything to change it, they don't care to have thier mind in it, thats how some people think about voting too, and its sad, that is why we get all the polititians in thier that get thier votes with money making launderers.

Answer 7

Surprise? No.

Disturb? Yes.

Answer 8

Not at all. It doesn't stop me from doing my job, practicing my faith, or leaving my house without worrying about aliens abducting me.

The average American is not every American. See how easy it is to lie with statistics?

Answer 9

I must not know very many "average" Americans, then.

Where did they take this poll, in the backwoods of Mississippi?

Answer 10

#1..Carol Bowen
#2. right to bear arms
#3. creation
#4.something is out there
Not your average American, half average.<><