Why are Americans so badly lacking in intelligence?

Question

Just look at the people who they pick to represent them in government. Just look at the music and television that's deemed popular. Just look at their criminal justice systems--drug laws in particular. And notice how so many are more preoccupied with matters such as sports and celebrity-gossip---matters which have no importance in their lives--rather than express outrage over what Congress and the Executive Branch has done to subvert the Constitution and accrue debt that will take at least a century to pay down (if ever).

Answer 1

We don't lack in intelligence.

We lack in education and commitment.

We lack in common sense, and a sense of

purpose and unity.

We have too many toys and distractions, too

many options and status symbols.

Answer 2

We are not more or less intelligent than other countries. We live in a country that takes care of us, so we have the opportunity to read about celebrities or whatever and don't have to spend all our free time stressing about if we are going to eat tonight. And yes, that kind of thing is trivial, but what we do in our free time shouldn't be a huge concern to you. If we decide to enjoy ourselves by reading a magazine, what's the difference between that and another country drinking tea or another playing soccer or whatever the case may be, both of which aren't of huge importance in their lives. O, and if electing our president was left to popular vote, he wouldn't be our president.

What country, may I ask, are you from and what, may I ask, makes it so perfect compared to America? I'm sure it's laundry list is just as dirty, if no more so.

Answer 3

Why are u hating on us?!!! Where do u live?? Sum place boring with lame ppl?? We are a FREE country...so we do wutever we want. Get out of our business! Worry about ur own boring country!

Answer 4

Yes.  I agree with you that americans are preoccupied with unimportant matters.  Those pro athletes, actors and singers are way overpaid...and they are not good role models either.

And they even have elected actors for prominent political positions.  This is not saying that certain actors are not fit for office, but the majority of actors are of a lower class and morality and are not fit for such a position of trust.

I don't think tho that americans are any less intelligent than others.  It's just an environmental thing.  They are exposed to the wrong stimuli throughout their lives.

Answer 5

I dunno... genes?

Answer 6

I so agree with you. They pay their government officials so much money. Their actors make millions but don't do any hard work. Real people like teachers and other professions are living in poverty. The youth are getting more and more stupid (not being able to read and write). People are more concerned with what Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are doing than what their own kids are out doing, or wrecking, or killing!!! It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.  

Answer 7

If you had ever spent a day in our public schools, you would know.

Example:  In my state, the debate over evolution just resulted in MANDATORY teaching of Intelligent Design.

So, move over Darwin.  We need to cut the chapter on Evolution short so that we can make room for...fairy tales.  Sigh.  I think it would be preferable to teach NIETHER theory, and just concentrate on the essential subjects that we can all agree on, like mathmatics.

Answer 8

One of our more astute citizens once said "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public!"  However - we have kicked butt militarily and economically for generations.  We hold our own, despite the sometimes incredibly stupid things we say or do.  And,I might add, we hold no monopoly on stupidity.  I believe neither world war of the Twentieth century began on our shores...

Answer 9

Lousy education standards

Bible Belt mentality that stresses conformity over innovation.

"Our way or the highway" arrogance, which means that, when you start running things off into the ditch, you don't listen to people that tell you you're making a mistake.

Answer 10

Just because you see things one way doesn't mean it looks the same to anyone else. You obviously have an anti-American bent which I'm sure happens in a a trace minority in America. If you are from another country, there are plenty of bad things America can say about your country too so Shutup!