"Why do we celebrate the 4th of July."

David S. Wallens wrote: Without Google, how well does the average American know our history? What about semi-recent history like World War II? When did it start? When did we enter? Who were our main allies? Why was Germany split in two?

A more pertinent issue is how much emphasis is placed on teaching history, from what perspective(s) and most importantly, how much emphasis is placed on learning - in the home. I really hope that grandfather took his family aside and let them know they made themselves (and him by extension) look like world-class idiots.........

Then again, I was fortunate to grow up in NE Ct and my Jr High history teacher was also an antiques dealer who lived in a self-restored 1600's salt-box and hosted annual period-correct gatherings at his home. He gave perspective to past times and how they shaped the things we live now.

David S. Wallens wrote: The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor, right?

Forget it, he's rolling.

I'm certain it's far worse now, but even when I was in school (back when Gremlins were new cars) history was not taught well. The emphasis was always on memorizing dates and names of things like the Magna Carta but very little emphasis was placed on the significance of the events. Far more time was spent on world history than on US history. I've retained little or no knowledge of that teaching...most of what I now know about US history I taught myself as an adult. It's fascinating, but it was taught in school in such a bland way that "history" became a synonym for "endless boredom". History is usually anything but that.

It's the idiocracy, folks. It's just going to get worse, not better. There's no longer any shame to being willfully ignorant.

I think my generation is at least 20% mentally retarded. Not that 20% of people have a mental deficiency, but 100% of us are 20% mentally deficient...

school did not help that.

Woohoo, first to post this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8U0sFdzq6w&feature=PlayList&p=3E48D5AA2AAF4426&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=28

stuart in mn wrote: "Why did Washington cross the Potomac?" "To get to the other side." I suppose that is a correct answer, just not the answer Jay was looking for.

When a comedian ask this question I can see answering this way, but that guy had no clue.

stuart in mn wrote: "Why did Washington cross the Delaware?" "To get to the other side." I suppose that is a correct answer, just not the answer Jay was looking for.

fixed it for you

Why did Washington cross the river?

(1) To get to the other side.

(2) To get to Valley Forge and suprise the redcoats.

(3) To retrieve the silver dollar he'd thrown over there.

Why did the bubble gum cross the river?

(1) Because it was stuck to the bottom of Washington's boot.

From the famous painting of Washington crossing the river, how can you tell he was in the Army?

(1) Because anyone in the Navy would know better than to stand up in a rowboat.

NYG95GA wrote: (1) Because anyone in the Navy would know better than to stand up in a rowboat.

But you gotta admit, he looked pretty regal.

David S. Wallens wrote: The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor, right?

Uh, I'm pretty sure that was Greece. What are you, tarded?*

(*please note the use of a question mark.)

I am thankful every day that I had a great history teacher in High School. I might not have remembered much from HS but if you payed attention in her class you came away knowing all the presidents, war dates, major events in world and national affairs, locations of countries, states, etc.

Well, I think Jay nicked the idea for this (obviously well edited) set of interviews from a famous Canadian (in Canada anyways). You guys heard of Rick Mercer?

He used to run a bunch of interview clips called "Talking to Americans"

Anyways, I think its pretty funny. I do sorely hope it's not representative of the general populace...

Edited to add: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhTZ_tgMUdo

aeronca65t wrote: It's called video editing. Ask 100 people a simple question and you're bound to get a few really inane responses. Then play the dumbest responses back and imply they're "representative". Kind of like the people selected for reality shows are "just normal folks".

I'd bet a fair sum of dough that these goons' answers were par for the course. I'm not a big Hannity fan, but I do listen to him on the long ride home. His "Man on the street" segments are terrifying...and live. Pretty sure there's no tricky editing there, as he'll occasionally get someone who's hip on current events and politics.

Frightening how many people don't know who the Vice President of the United States is, regardless of their political affiliation, and how many people think their "Free Healthcare" is on the way. Not floundering here; it seriously frightens me.

I do sorely hope it's not representative of the general populace...

I really hate to disappoint you. I'm pretty sure I've seen that dude's bit. Was anyone EVER able to name a current Canadian Prime Minister?

In reply to poopshovel: nah, probably not. But convincing people that the parliament is a big igloo...

NYG95GA wrote: Why did Washington cross the river? (1) To get to the other side. (2) To get to Valley Forge and suprise the redcoats.

If you meant number 2 to be correct, it was the battle of Trenton, where he was actually fighting Germans. I always thought this was one of the easiest to remember, it happened on Christmas, and all the Hessians were drunk.

mtn wrote:

NYG95GA wrote: Why did Washington cross the river? (1) To get to the other side. (2) To get to Valley Forge and suprise the redcoats.

If you meant number 2 to be correct, it was the battle of Trenton, where he was actually fighting Germans. I always thought this was one of the easiest to remember, it happened on Christmas, and all the Hessians were drunk.

Dang! Guess you caught me Jaywalking!

You are correct, of course.

carguy123 wrote:

ignorant wrote: they probably all voted for bush.. Haaa!

Actually that's all the Obamites

two points:

1. Blue states are statistically smarter( better test grades, higher % college degree) than red states

2. Video was shot in texas, Did you listen to the guy with the A&M shirt.. They probably did all vote for bush.

ha ha..

also red states have more syphilis,

just laugh at this crap will you.

Thanks for deleting the goofy smileys at the end of my comment that I use to indicate it was a joke..

Those damn Hessians and their flies!!

I'm really good at history, you should see the back of my knuckles.

poopshovel wrote:

I do sorely hope it's not representative of the general populace...

I really hate to disappoint you. I'm pretty sure I've seen that dude's bit. Was anyone EVER able to name a current Canadian Prime Minister?

Jean Poutine!

When stuff like this comes up I am so thankful that my HS History was a Marine that was in Korea and Nam. He had a real passion for what he was telling us and he made it interesting. But on the other hand I have always liked history so it was an easy class for me anyway.

But as everyone is saying, it is very scary how clueless the general public is about most things that matter.

On a related note, my wife and I used to watch the West Wing when it was on. My wife had no use for history or political science but after watching that show she became to realize how things tie into each other, there are very few white and black things out there.

Of course I had a history minor in school, so I may be a bit prejudiced, but is it any wonder at all the country is in the shape that it is? People really need to understand history. Yes, it is THAT important.

It's scary that these people can vote.

It's scary that these people can vote.

+1. I would whole-heartedly support some very simple requirements for voter registration beyond a picture ID and a pulse.