I am not surprised by this

[clive francis]

not being funny but you Americans do have a reputation this side of the pond (Europe) for not knowing where other countries are and general facts about the world.

it is also rumored that only 10% of Americans have passports.

speaking from experience, well my friends:

my friend went to St. Louis and some lady said "gee you speak good english where you from?"

then some other person asked where he was from and when he said england, she said "we are going there a place called spain"

and this was the sort of questions he had for a long time when he first moved over there.

 

[drizzt117]

If you guys ever want to know how truly stupid some people are, watch Jay Leno's Sidewalk Questions.

Thomas

 

[socaldiver]

I blew a question, drats!!

So Clive, what are you trying to say other than your normal bashing of the good ol US of A? Did you ever stop to think that maybe there is plenty to see and do here in America that we don't need to travel to other places in the world. Personally, I enjoy overseas traveling to see things that I was taught while in school and have read about. But, I have also had the opportunities to travel most of this great, vast land called America, and rest assure I still have plenty to see here.

I realize that our stats weren't good, nor were our neighbors to the south but from what I gather, you people across the pond didn't fair so well yourself.

"Out of 56 questions that were asked across all countries surveyed, on average young Americans answered 23 questions correctly. Others outside the U.S., most notably young adults in Mexico, also struggled with basic geography facts. Young people in Canada and Great Britain fared almost as poorly as those in the U.S. "

Drizz, I wish your g/f well, and good luck - I am afraid she will need it.

AJ - you are so right that it is the student's responsibility as well. Parents though should be instilling reponsibility, good morals and manners. They should take the initiative to be involved in their child's education and social activities.

JMHO.

 

[drizzt117]

I think what really scared me is that 12% of Americans could not find the US on the map. Hell, only 3% of Japanese or Swedish people couldn't find their own countries.

Thomas

 

[clive francis]

socaldiver once bubbled...
I blew a question, drats!!

So Clive, what are you trying to say other than your normal bashing of the good ol US of A?

JMHO.

I wasn't bashing the good ol US of A.

just pointing out that you had a reputation for it.

I got 1 question wrong, the one with the largest populations, i said russia and china.....doh, it was china and india.

there is no excuse for it (not knowing about the world) no matter which country you are from, christ it is on the tv and news, and in the papers enough!

I have only seen california and that was full of weirdos!, I wouldn't mind seeing some of the other stuff, might even get to see florida and the theme parks when the nippa has been born and is old enough.............that is if we don't nuke the world in between!

 

[greg somers]

No guesses either, but I have always been good at geography, history and world events. I read alot...what can I say?
This has been a problem for years. I remember NG bringing this up over 10 years ago. I find that countries whose populations travel the most, are the most knowledgable. When I went to school, there was alot of teaching on overseas history and geography. Perhaps that's because we are isolated distance wise, but kiwis by nature are constant travellers. We have over here and in Australia a term called the 'Big OE' (overseas experience where alot of young people head overseas for a year or 2 after High School or University to work and travel.)
We have a small population and country and the world is so big, so why not? Maybe that's the key? Looking out and not just in? I know when you're in a big country like the States, there is so much going on in the area. Heck, some states are as big as my country.
I still encourage parents to do what my mother did. Teach me to read early and often. I have never regretted it.
Gasman

 

[rebelrph]

Still better than average. I printed the report for my daughter to take to her history teacher.

I think I'll let my daughter take it...
I'll let you know the results.... stand by..

Todd

 

[rebelrph]

She is in the 8th grade and got 15 of 20
She missed the first 5 and got all the rest.
Last year in 7th grade she had map tests on Asia, Europe, South America, and Micronesia. IN 6th grade they did the US.

Todd