Geographic Apathy
A National Geographic survey of Americans between the ages of 18-24 found that:
- After three years of war, 63% can’t find Iraq on a map.
- With New Orleans still a mess from Katrina, 33% could not point out Louisianna.
- Thirty percent thought the most heavily fortified border in the world is between the USA and Mexico (not yet…right now, it’s between North and South Korea.)
- Nearly three-quarters named English as the most widely spoken native language (by the way, it’s not…)
- Only 50% could point out the state of New York, but 70% could find China (my take: more likely to hit China with a dart than New York.)
| The survey results were partially explained when this map was found in a majority of high school classrooms: |
 (+) click to enlarge |
Read More: geography, iraq, National Geographic, survey, high school, New Orleans, New York
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So sad. But most of the U.S. is fat and happy so who cares about other parts of the world or even America where people are struggling? I’m blogging in New Orleans where even the people who live here do not understand the realities of living so close to the hurricane-active Gulf. Politicians brag that the levees have been repaired TO THE SAME LEVEL OF PROTECTION and think the job is done here. It’s not.
Peace,
Tim
Isn’t it sad that both parties have boasted about the US Public School system over the years and we still get results like you posted?
Tim: Sounds like you’ve had quite an experience…I’m still reading through your blog. I know I’m really spoiled, because the thought of taking showers with a four-gallon water heater is what really jumped out at me, and I know that’s probably one of the least of the hardships. Looking forward to reading more. Thanks for dropping in!
The poor state of the education system explains this.
Brent: Yeah it’s sad, and I’m not sure what the answer is. I think teachers deserve to be paid higher salaries relative to other professions in our country, but then again, other countries educate their children with less money thrown at the problem…
My 10-year old had to memorize the US map and every state’s capital a couple of weeks ago. He learned all of them, but will cramming for one test really make it stick with him?
I’m beginning to think the problem really lies with the culture, i.e. the parents. For example, when my son hears “Iraq” on the news and asks where it is, instead of saying, “Oh, it’s over in the Middle East,” I should probably grab a map and spend 5 minutes showing him EXACTLY where Iraq is.
My guess is that parents in countries that rank higher education-wise do a better job of working teaching into everyday interaction. Something for us parents here to work on…still, improving the public school systems wouldn’t hurt! If some of the billions spent in Iraq went to the public school systems, maybe the kids wouldn’t all be out selling fundraiser crapola twice a year. Can you tell that’s a pet peeve of mine? :-)
Hey Devil! :-)
Thanks for the post, as a long time Geography enthusiast and instructor I does make me sad, but a core component in my opinion of geography are people.
If you build it out a little, it might just mean most folks are only interested in the place THEY know and experience. I bet most can tell you the best place to get a good omelette in their hometown or the best landmarks to get to a place.
Place and geographic identity is nearly always more local than global. This statistic might align with that concept:
# Fewer than three in 10 think it important to know the locations of countries in the news and just 14 percent believe speaking another language is a necessary skill.