I feel like my knowledge has been ridiculously misplaced!
By JenInTN
@JenInTN (27514)
United States
March 19, 2011 7:31am CST
My most recent course of study had been Geography. I have really embraced this course because it is so descriptive of countries and cultures. It is, of course, adult based so there is little or no censorship within the lessons. I feel like I have been an idiot. All of these things around the world that I have had no clue. There are even places that I didn't relate to being in their locations! Where the heck have I been?
All these years I have been walking around with little or no knowledge of things and the way they work. You see the struggles of others on the news and you hear the names of groups and places, but looking back after learning the meaning of these names and the way it "works" there, I can't imagine why I have not been more interested in my world. How could I have taken for granted certain things and stood by and let things happen without a voice? Thinking all the time that I was down to earth. Wow! Have you ever felt like you have been awakened so to speak? Do you want to be or are you happy knowing what you know and that is all you need? There is comfort in not knowing sometimes, I know that, but I want to know. Do you?
4 people like this
19 responses
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
19 Mar 11
I want to know if I can do something about it. But often I can't.
I really like how the National news has been using a virtual globe to show us where the news is going on in the world. I think that helps. The flat maps, I learned them as a kid, but it didn't mean anything to me. The USA looks like it's on its own often and distorted.
Take care.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
19 Mar 11
This class is certainly very different than any class I took as a child. The flat maps are a bore. It takes so much more than a flat map to teach the world.
There is often little that can be done about things. That is the shame. I think that understanding more actually brings us closer to being able to do something though. Thanks for the response and take care.
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
19 Mar 11
Hey Jen! I can so identify with what you are saying and you are
not alone! I never did well in Geography, well, way back when
I was a student and for me that was a very long time ago. I
have to say that I am the type who always loves to learn new
things all the time and have especially enjoyed having the
pleasure and the priviledge of being able to meet and learn about
so many different cultures by being here on mylot for almost
4 years! And even with the different people we get to meet from
all over the globe, I still feel that I know very little about
this "world". And I also want to say too that I am praying for
our friends in Japan because they need our help and prayers. I
am thankful for being able to have met people all over the globe
and made some very special friends and hope to continue to always
keep "learning"~
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
19 Mar 11
I have missed you Opal! I am so glad to see you on!
It is amazing that we have this chance to learn about people. Things are not what they seem sometimes on the news. It seems the news only focuses on the thing that they want us to know and the truth is that alot of people never get past that. It's a shame.
I too am praying and hoping and sending tons of any karma that I might have gathered over the years to Japan. They are such wonderful people and it is such a shame they are suffering so.
Thanks for responding!
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (167025)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Mar 11
I have always been very curious and interested in other cultures. I have had awakening moments but mostly becoming more and more interesting in the internet. That really opened alot of doors for me when I started surfing the web. Sometimes I feel really interested in 'the world' other times I am not so sure I delve that deep into a foreign culture if it is so far from my own. It depends on how strong I feel at the time and read to take it all in as it were. There is just so much sometimes it becomes too overwhelming.
@celticeagle (167025)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Mar 11
I hear ya! I have been doing research on the cherokee history for many years. I recently saw something on tv about earthquakes where the cherokees were talking about their history and where they relocated and was fascinated to find that there is one clan that was totally disjointed from the main clans. A new one I had never heard of. It was fascinating! I really do know what you mean. There is a whole huge and wonderous world out there my friend!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
There is a lot. ALOT! I am absorbing these cultures and regions and have not even knocked a dent in it all. Just the languages that are spoken in one place can be overwelming and then learning how they got there is a trip. Learning about the culture hearths of the world and what happened to them...what they are now..it is amazing. Now with all the things going on in the Middle East...the book I have is already outdated.
The internet does open doors and I know what you mean about the strength. It can be overwelming.
Thanks for responding!
1 person likes this
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
19 Mar 11
I too have an insatiable desire to learn; but there aren't enough hours in the day to get to everything I want to know that day. I've always wanted to travel around the world and go everywhere. I envy people who can, but I just don't have the resources. Maybe if I sold my house and found a home for the dogs (now, that one would hold me back). But the past two weeks I've been researching self-publishing, the do's and don'ts (I don't remember a thing from a community college class I took in the 90's...and so much has changed). I'm trying to help my Mom publish a book about her memories growing up. We wanted to have a book in hand by her birthday (April 16). She was so disappointed when I told her I didn't think it could happen that fast. So my focus is on making a good decision on a publisher and keeping the cost down...and if they could get it done by April 16...Happy Birthday, Mom.
I'm glad you enjoyed your class. And your daughter?
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
She is hanging in there but she is nowhere near the wow that I am..lol..age I suppose but I can get her interested enough to learn things that stay with her.
I hope you get that book published and in your mom's hands. I don't know the frst thing about publishing. I might have to come to you when I have the time to learn. I have always been interested in publishing something of my own but I wouldn't even know where to start.
Good luck with that and keep us updated...I'd be in for a copy!
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Well, if you do decide to write a book and publish, let me know. I bought an e-book about self-publishing and I learned enough to stop what I was doing and head in another direction. When you start Googling self-publishing, you'll come up with the big boys in the industry. So I started talking to them. Then I read this e-book and the big boys are in the business for the big boys and not the authors. So now I'm looking at a whole different bunch of publishers, those who are there to help the author publish, not to steal the author's work. I'm excited for my mom. She's had this dream for a very long time and we're getting close... I'll let you know when the book is finished. I read it again this afternoon, so I could remember what we had. Tomorrow, I'm going to add the last few stories she's written since Christmas, and then hopefully, we'll be sending it to the publisher this week. Thanks for the good wishes.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Hi JenInTN 
I have no idea how I passed Geography in High School and in College, because when I came here to myLot I was completely clueless about the many different countries and cultures. Seriously I have no idea how I passed and did well to. Then I come on here and it was like, what?
Coming here to myLot made me realize that many countries prior to learning here, were simply colors and shapes in books and maps. I can certainly say that I am one that wants and needs to know. Reason: because I have learned so many aspects from all over the world which has afforded me to bond with so many great people.
The learning is what draws me closer to these people and realizing that there are great and wonderful people, even if I have not personally met them. So yes I want and need to know. I wish I could have realized this years ago because then I perhaps could have actually had more interest and ability to actually travel to some of the new found places for me.
I have no idea how I passed Geography in High School and in College, because when I came here to myLot I was completely clueless about the many different countries and cultures. Seriously I have no idea how I passed and did well to. Then I come on here and it was like, what?
Coming here to myLot made me realize that many countries prior to learning here, were simply colors and shapes in books and maps. I can certainly say that I am one that wants and needs to know. Reason: because I have learned so many aspects from all over the world which has afforded me to bond with so many great people.
The learning is what draws me closer to these people and realizing that there are great and wonderful people, even if I have not personally met them. So yes I want and need to know. I wish I could have realized this years ago because then I perhaps could have actually had more interest and ability to actually travel to some of the new found places for me. @JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
I like the way that you put the places were just colors and shapes. Just like the way that authors write about places in a manner that is just black and white. That is in the educational fashion. I am so amazed and I have learned a ton here from people. This class is just making things so much more clear. It is easy to just read a word..but it's when you understand its history and true meaning that it makes sense to you.
MyLot has been a wonderful place for me in that aspect too. Some of the wonderful friends I have here has actually peaked my interest in my class now.Thanks for responding and maybe we will run into one another during our future travels around the world one day.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
20 Mar 11
You never know because I will be returning to TN in November for a month. We might just be meeting for coffee one day.
@margeryann (1845)
• United States
20 Mar 11
It is neat to find out how people live and believe differently in different countries. Mylot is neat like that. There is lots of people that live in different countries on here that share what their country is like. It is neat.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
It is wonderful here isn't it? I really found a place in the world when I came here..lol.
I hear about the current events on the news and read about places, but it meant nothing in comparison to things I have learned in this class. Things seem to be coming together in my mind like a puzzle. A lost word here and there that suddenly have a new importance..it's amazing. I am so glad to have taken this class. I only have two more realms to study before it is over but I think it will be a pursuit of mine in the future to learn more. Thanks for responding.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
I'm in an accelerated business course. It's for a Bachelors degree on Organizational management. I still have a few more classes before I go in to the all business program. There are a few new programs that I have been considering though. Margeryann...I don't know what in the world I am going to be. I really just went into the business managment course because I wanted to strengthen my experince with the degree. I am actually already in management. My minor is human resources but the teaching and psychology program is also calling for me.
@margeryann (1845)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Your class sounds very interesting. What are you going to school to be?
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Mar 11
You are an American! Here the way we teach history is from only our point of view. The Same with Geography. And somehow the teachers can't or don't make it interesting, So highschool students just tune it out. They Are also taught that U.S. Is the best country ever so they don't even bother learning about the rest of the world. I was lucky. I have always been interested in geography. Give me a map and I will study it for hours!And I loved history too. but even I don't know certain tidbits of World history.don't be so hard on yourself. You are Now getting to study it now. many never do or Even Care to.It is that America is the best and forget about the rest syndrome! It is sad but ther are many who feel that way. I always thought Home is the best country. To me that means America but to others it is France or Ghana Or Egypt!So enjoy your studies! ps. I think my moment of Wow! came when I started to learn about england in the Time of Henry VIII in highschool English class. I fell for the period and That love has lasted All these years!
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
20 Mar 11
You are welcome . I hope everyone does get to have that Wow moment.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Oh sarahruthbeth...the things I have missed or did not know. There have been several controversies that my instructor has brought to light from all over the world. Not taking any side, just giving us both arguments and letting us decide what we think about it. The things I have read and seen..wow. I feel like I have been on Mars all this time..lol.
I think that everyone should be able to experience that moment of WOW.
Thanks for the input!
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
21 Mar 11
Well, there's geography, geology and geo-political...
Geology has almost nothing to do with geo-political - now, tho in the past geology and geography had a lot to do with geo-political. When a mountain range could, and did define a border, a river or water feature defined state lines, heck even continental lines! (as in the Bosporus marking the line between Asia and Europe.)
I have had an ongoing interest in geography that has more to do with geology than the geo-political functions of States (nations.)
I've mentioned many times that I love history, but I'm really only interested in the old stuff, and that is probably why I'm more interested in geology than geo-politics.
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
30 Mar 11
I think that your case is not that unusual for someone in the USA. From my experience and certainly a lot of other people that I have spoken to about this over the years, is that the USA is very insular when it comes to educating it's people about the rest of the world. When I was in the USA, I was very surprised at how little most Americans knew about the outside world. I then began watching the TV news while I was living there and saw that very little if any news at all was from outside the USA. I found that Americans know a lot more about their own country than Australians do, but when it came to world events and world geography, they were all lacking knowledge.
I am guessing that this has improved a little with the internet these days as I was there in the 90's when internet access was not as common. I think the USA governments like to control it's citizens by keeping them protected from outside views and opinions. That has always been the case, but it is not possible these days.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
30 Mar 11
I think that most governments "regulate" what their citizens watch to a certain extent. I don't know if I can blame this one on them though..lol. I should have pursued the knowledge.
I think that my issue was more about the time. My youth has been full of work and struggle and I think that when you get caught up in trying to make it and day to day life is a struggle, we tend to home in on more self related issues. I'm glad that the time is past and I am able to learn.
Thanks for the response!
@kitty42 (3923)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Hello my friend,
How are you? what a great discussion, I know exactly what you are saying I know for sure I am oblivious to alot of things that are going on around the world but I also know that life is a learning experience on a day to day basis so I open myself up daily to take it whatever I can, don't be hard on yourself, its never to late to learn remember you are one person and maybe right now is the time when you need to be more aware, just reading your words alone will help so many others and maybe someone will actually be able to do something or know someone who can, so the way I see it you just helped alot of people just by posting this, which tells me you are at the right place at the right time my friend, look at it that way, you sure helped me.
Look forward to exchanging more thoughts with you in the near future, great topic, keep them coming.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Hi kitty! How in the world have you been?
I hope that I am in the right place at the tight time..lol..the world is a vast place full of differences. I am learning alot about those right now.
I'm glad you liked the topic and it is wonderful to see you back!
@climber7565 (2579)
• United States
21 Mar 11
OH Jen, its great you have gained help at discovering new horizons. In deed there is so much out there to do and to see, so much to enjoy en to learn about. Well see, now you have recognized the problem, maybe now you will chase the solution and make it reality. There is only conformity in not knowing, but great pleasure in knowing more.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
26 Mar 11
I think I had this feelings when I first came into university. I had a very sheltered life as a kid. And even though I went to relatively big schools, I was always at the top 10% of students that I never really realized the 'real' world around me.
That all changed when I got to the university. My education was not limited to the classroom. All the activities there helped stretched my mind. And forced me to see other realities around me.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
27 Mar 11
I think that mine was my focus on just trying to make it for a long time. Thinga have been pretty tough for me in the past and I was so focused on the then that I guess I just missed alot. I am so glad to get the chance to broaden my horizons and see. I have a passion for learning that I am just beginning to enjoy I suppose..at least in the institutional variation.
Thanks for responding!
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
19 Mar 11
Hi TenInTN
Things keep changing most of the time and maybe because of this they say - Knowledge doesnt end... I used to think that history was the most non-happening thing in terms of changes... but today many things that we learned during our school days have changed.
Your subject Geography too has a vast ground and of course there will be new things and even somethings that never existed before.
Todays world, if anyone thinks that his/her knowledge is complete and there is no need to upgrade(via any medium), I am sorry for that person.S/He is either too egoistic to see beyond or has zero interest in the subject.
As we both are teachers, I believe the best option for us is to be open - mentally - and continue the pursuit of knowledge in our areas. I have that knack of learning/knowing about new things - whether they fit my resume or not and believe you too are from the same lot... though in a different area
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Hi thesids! I do love to learn and I have a passion for knowledge. I can not believe that I have let so much pass me by. Cultures, places, I suppose that in a way I have wanted to be a part of it all. I am certainly learning alot about places and people.
Thanks for the response and don't worry about the typos...we all do those sometimes.
1, A typo... it should have been JenInTN and not TenInTN (I should continue with copy paste instead of typing)
2. I missed the emoticon... (Careless me)
So here is the changed line -
Hi JenInTN 
@se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
there are things that i no longer want to know, but if i run into a thing that i am reading my nosy trait just push me to research more. so sometimes i found out something that i dont know and i dont care but became my knowing because of being nosy. i share it with my wife too. not just Geopraphy, but religion too and a lot more about heroes of different countries. i like reading and when i find something new it makes me more nosy to dig deep har har har.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
I guess I am nosy too. A great part if my geography class is based on religions and their sources too. I have to say..it is very interesting to me. I think that over time I just beomes numb about all the things on the news. I heard them and the words used to describe them but sense learning the things I have in this class, seems to fit together like a puzzle. The words have more color and the when I hear certain phrases or names on the news..they mean something more. It's odd.
Thanks for responding!
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
19 Mar 11
HI JEN, I do like to learn new things. I think we all have a tendency to live in our own little world & miss out alot by doing that. I know i do. Mylot has been a real good place to learn new things for me. Hope your weekend is going great. It's beautiful in west tennessee. GO VOLS.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Those ladies sure rocked the house today didn't they?
I have been so caught up just trying to make it throughout the years...I have really missed out on things in the world.
I think myLot has been a great place to learn new things too.
Thanks for responding and enjoy that weather...it's been beautiful here too.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
19 Mar 11
It can be true that ignorance is indeed bliss sometimes but having said that I do believe that learning is the only way to live. The world and everything it has so much to teach us. I believe that opening our minds is indeed an awakening. Good on you for expanding yours...
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Hi paula! That was my very first discussion title here...lol...Is ignorance truely bliss?
I think that opening our minds is like an awakening too. The more I read and research, the more lost I realize I was in the way that things are and work.
Thanks for responding!
1 person likes this
@imnobodyspecial (318)
• United States
20 Mar 11
I have often felt that the study of geography has been lacking in the area of anthropology...the understanding of other cultures or even cultures within cultures.
Knowledge can never be misplaced, it just is...yet when we stop gathering knowledge we stagnate.
We often gather knowledge and fail to apply it, yet there are times when the application is beyond our means as well.
For example, I am currently knowledgeable about addiction. I've spent years learning to understand it without experiencing it. I apply this knowledge by sharing what I have learned in terms that those who have little or no understanding can comprehend. As to whether or not I am effective is up to debate, as I can only reach the portion of the community associated with this condition who desire information and are willing to accept the things I offer.
Now I will share a knowledge I gathered through my own experience. We can not save the world, but we can affect a small part of it. The knowing of events is sometimes enough.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
I guess because my class is more of an adult based class...cultures are a main focus. It is amazing the things I have learned.
I think your right about knowledge and applying it..but there are times when just when you think there is all to know that is interesting...you find you haven't knocked a dent in it. It's great that you are using your knowledge to help those that you can. The addicted certainly need all the help they can get. There is no easy road to recovery. Nice that you are there to cushion it just a bit.
@vannyt (343)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
It's really hard to learn about other places or people unless you've seen the place and try to immerse with it's people. General idea would help but experience is better. You have a good course and maybe someday it will take you places to enrich your knowledge more.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
20 Mar 11
There is a lot more to it than what you see on the news or read in books. I guess that I am learning some much needed basic that I feel like I have missed out on and should have already understood. This really just makes me want to learn more and I hope that I do get to visit places and people one day. At least when I go I might be somewhat aware of things there..lol...Thanks for the response.
