How Knowledgeable Is The Average American About World Events & Trends?

Published July 3, 2022

In a nutshell: Americans are not as knowledgeable as they could, or should be.

Most people are aware of the American phrase,“Land of the Free.” Many Americans translate this freedom into “doing-their-own-thing,” meaning: “I am free to know as little as possible about anything happening at home or abroad.”

An amusing example of this philosophy can be found numerous times on You Tube. One of America’s best known comedians, Jay Leno, hosted a late night talk show for two decades. Leno frequently recorded a shtick during the day for use on the show later that night. He called it “Jay Walking.” Leno would go outside with a microphone and cameraman, and talk to passersby on the streets of Hollywood. One of his favorite questions was showing someone a picture of President Bush, and asking, “Who is this?” A high percentage of people had no clue who Bush was!

Here are some examples of legitimate questions asked by major polling organizations, such as, Gallup, the New York Times, and others. The question results are pretty scary!

1. 28% of those surveyed thought the United States and the Soviet Union fought each other in World War II; 44% did not know they were allies.
2. Three previous nuclear weapons treaties had already been completed by time the fourth nuclear treaty, SALT II, was inked. Right after SALT II was signed, American adults were polled about the two participants; 77% of the respondents did not know the treaty was between the Soviets and Americans.
3. Only 10 years after the Vietnam War was over – a war that claimed 58,000 American lives – less than 60% of American adults knew the U.S. fought on the side of South Vietnam.

These are just a few examples that demonstrate the frustrating apathy that is ever-present in American society. I am proud to be an American; but, it does not make the foregoing any easier to rationalize.

Even though globalization is spreading like wildfire, a large segment of the American population still lives their life in isolation, much like they did 100 years ago. The biggest difference back then versus now is: In 1920 a hard-scrabble life was common among Americans, but they still strongly believed in a participative democracy where the individual was subordinated to the whole.

Today’s America is more about redefining the meaning of democracy to focus on individualism, and the subordination of the whole.

Ciao,

Steve Miller, IAPWE – Certified & Member
Managing Editor
The Report on National Security Kinetics™
Seattle, WA. USA
vietvetsteve@millermgmtsys.com

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