Wednesday, 3 May 2006 05:09 pm
(no subject)
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deckardcanineAccording 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.
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.