Are Americans that ignorant?
By londoner2u
@londoner2u (53)
April 15, 2007 8:44am CST
People in many parts of the world especially here in UK seem to think that majority of people in the USA are in different to whats going on around the world.The other day we ere having this discussion down at the pub that everyone wants to learn about Hollywood and American sports, lifestyle e.t.c but the citizens of the USA (even though almost all of them of are migrants or dependents of migrants) bubble themselves in their own domestic world rarely having much knowledge of the outside world.
In contrast the Europeans always try to reach out to the world.
2 people like this
4 responses
@Jalany (19)
• United States
23 Apr 07
Having lived in California, Wyoming, Italy, Czech Republic and Thailand, I believe that I can share some insight with you. First every country is most interested in its own affairs, this was apparent in all of the places I have lived. I'm sure you will agree with me on this. Second, Europe is much smaller than the US and is much more diverse. A flight from Northern Italy to the former Soviet block takes less time than my flight to go home for Christmas from University. The USA is much larger and is concerned with world issues but closer to home. We are much more concerned with Canada and Mexico, followed by Cuba, Central and South America. You would be surprised to find out how many Americans actually know what is going on in the world, in fact, I am very happy to hear that Europeans care as well. As for reaching out, in terms of miles traveled, I would bet that more Americans 'reach out' to help developing countries than Europeans. Every city I've lived in here in the USA has study abroad programs, Peace Corps opportunities, Habit for Humanity, Red Cross, and various other volunteer programs for developing countries. Every country lives in its own shell, Europe's perception of the world is more international simply because it must be.
@sunshinelady (7609)
• United States
15 Apr 07
I don't think that is the case. Of course some people in the U.S.A. have that attitude but there are just as many that are conserned about what is going on in the world outside of America. My interest does not lay in Hollywood, don't like sports, my lifestyle is simple and I do like to know about the outlying countries. I think it is mind expanding to know about other countries. See what is going on in their part of the world. This is a good discussion.
@londoner2u (53)
•
15 Apr 07
Many people I have discussed this topic say that middle Americans probably have less knowledge about the rest of the world as compared to the coastal regions like CAL or NY, which I think is real shame. USA has one of the best information network , libraries ,universities and it's a pity it's not utilized.
@avonrep1 (1862)
• United States
23 Apr 07
You know that your points you make describe the world as a whole. If is offense you would say American's are ignorant. I am an American, and I am very concern what is happening all around the world. Alot of Americans are.
The problem with others that BASH Americans, they don't know any better, they think that Hollywood is how everyone in America is, it isn't. Hollywood, guys is fake. (Yes a real place) What is depicked in Hollywood isn't how people in America really are. Talking about ignorance....
@eeseharden (603)
• United States
23 Apr 07
I don't feel this is a correct statement about Americans at all. Where are you getting this information from? Is this your personal opinion of Americans? Please don't put everyone in the same category. I myself couldn't care less about hollywood or American sports. I spend whatever time I can watching CNN or Fox News in the evenings to see what is going on around the world. Our church just sent 10 members to Honduras to help rebuild an orphanage and make some repairs to their place of worship. Those men and women used their own money for that trip. America has always been one of the first to assist other countries in times of need or devastation. I hope your opinion of Americans is not shared by all.
