What we should all understand is that like the Eastern Hemisphere, which is populated by literally hundreds of distinct cultures all with their own World View, which obviously vary based on affiliation and geography, among other things, we also vary here in the US as to how we see the world.
Now think about this in reference to the United States. Do you realize that the US is one of the largest countries in the world? The region spans thousands of miles, and on a board like this, people are chiming in ideas from VASTLY different parts of the country, and the Western world. While in the US we share a great deal culturally, there are many many differences about how we see the world based on where we come from. Just because we all salute the same flag, doesn't mean we see the world the same way. So I actually do think it's believeable that someone who has grown up in a predominantly rural area or an area without much cultural diversity could be unwillingly ignorant about such things, or at least relatively more unknowing than someone living in an urban center like New York City.
HOWEVER, globalization and technology has made this excuse less and less believeable as we move along. Information is more available than ever, at your fingertips and at the touch of a button, and if you're a frequent internet user, then you have even less of a reason not to be aware. Apathy is not an excuse, if you're going to engage in these discussions on a board like this, and come across someone with a differing opinion, do yourself a favour and take the time to educate yourself about the subject before basing your arguments on just what you see around you every day. Yes, Socrates said the best education was to just observe life, but that doesn't excuse laziness, part of that is thinking critically and asking questions of yourself and others. It's very much the American Way nowadays to become annoyed with someone who asks questions that challenge old habits or traditions or "accepted thinking" about a subject. Look how John McCain treated those reporters, do you really want a hothead ignorant a&&hole like that being the face of our country to the rest of the world? It's one of the cultural things that many, but not all of us share, it's ingrained in our media and it is one of the traits that make much of the Western (and Eastern) world dislike us. Really, it's a terrible form of arrogance, and something that I feel we need to work on as a people.
"Fenchurch is correct, as usual."
-Keen on Kean
"Fenchurch is correct, as usual."
- muscle23ftl
