(no subject)

[deckardcanine]

According to my paper today, 33% of young adults (I presume they mean in the U.S.) can't find Louisiana on a map, and six in 10 Americans ages 18-24 can't find Iraq. Stats like this appall me but no longer surprise me. But it's time I asked again: What do they mean "can't find"? Anyone who can read the words on a map should be able to find any labeled location eventually. Is this chiefly a matter of them not getting enough time to answer, not having enough initiative to look hard (at a mere 50 states!), or being unable to read five-syllable words? Some of each?

On the subject of geography, I've been keeping quiet on my sister's time in Israel -- yes, she did go for it -- but this Sunday, she said something too interesting. Her name, Sarah, while Hebrew in origin, is much rarer in Israel than in the U.S. Israelis react with delight: "This is a very holy name -- the mother of all Jews!" When she crosses the Jordanian border -- yes, they dare -- her name gets an equally surprised and warm reception: "This is an Arab name!"

Maybe the best way to attain peace in the region is to send mediators named Sarah.

Comments

[eaglesf.livejournal.com]

I saw this in the news yesterday, and personally I find it appalling.

/rant ON
My kids know where Louisiana is, they can even recognize most of the 50 states and they are in 3rd and 4th grade.

Americans are choosing to be ignorant, and we will al suffer for it.
I just want to stand on the street corner and yell, "HEY STUPID, GET AN EDUCATION!"

/rant OFF

[nefaria.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think Sarah was Abraham's wife. I believe the two sons of Abraham (Jacob and Esau?) are considered the first members of Judaism and Islam respectively.

[richardf8]

Isaac and Ishmael.

Jacob and Esau were Isaac's kids.

Judaism emerged through Jacob.

Louisiana

[-fairest.livejournal.com]

When DH read that to me about the young adults who can't find Louisiana on a map (excellent defining questions, btw -- clarification WOULD be nice) - I asked our DS6 if he knew where it was (without a map before him). At first, he said no. So I had hiim close his eyes. I asked him to picture Texas. Immediately, he blurted "It's just east of Texas and it looks like a boot!"

He would not be so skilled yet with say, Minnesota. :)

I just realized that while DS means "darling son" to me, it could mean "darling Sis" to you :)

Re: Louisiana

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't have thought of "darling sis," but I'm glad you explained. I assume that DS6 is the six-year-old, since it doesn't sound like you have six sons. Good thing you explained, tho, because I was thinking in "Star Trek" terms. (Was this three models before Deep Space 9?)

Tell your DH that the boot is right underneath the Arkansas pants, which are underneath the Missouri shirt, which is underneath the Iowa head, which is underneath the Minnesota hat. Together they form a profile of a British guard with bad posture.

Re: Louisiana

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

Oh, uh, when I said "DH," I meant "DS."