Why are the majority of Americans ignorant when it comes to politics or our society?

Question

Why are the majority of Americans ignorant when it comes to politics or our society?

Answer 1

Well..as a society ,we've become fat and lazy...both mentally and physically. We've taken for granted the freedoms in this country that were fought for by our ancestors.  We say the pledge and have no concept of what it stands for and what our responsibilities are as citizens. When we debate issues at work, we have only a minimal grasp on the concepts behind the issues and most of the time we wind up sounding completely ignorant. When we do vote, we don't think past the minute we drop the ballot in the box. We don't consider the consequences of our actions when we elect puppets who are more concerned in helping themselves and their oil buddies get rich and at what price?  We pay our teachers less than our garbage collectors. We're more concerned with making sure our kids go to soccer camp than doing their homework....and yet...we all wonder why our country is in the mess it's in now with the environment with war...the list goes on and on..

Answer 2

Mainly because people want thing right now these days.  There's little patience to take the time to do their own research on political topics. Most people live their lives at a fast pace that is unhealthy and it doesn't leave enough time for rational thought. They don't have the time to keep informed on what's going on. It also breeds  short-sided views instead of looking at the long-term future.

Answer 3

Are they ignorant - or do they just disagree with you?

Has it occurred to you that those same people make be assuming _you_ are ignorant?

Answer 4

the honest answer is that it tends to bore people,until their impacted by it.

Answer 5

It's not just that.

Why are so many Americans just plain wrong about politics or our society?

I'm talking about Liberals.  Socialists.  Closet communists.

Answer 6

Because most people focus on their individual lives and are willing to abide by whatever happens in the political arena. Which, when you think about it, makes a lot of sense. I know my life goes forward pretty much unaffected by elections and Washington policy and whatnot.

Answer 7

The dumbing down of the news media is a major contributer to the ignorance of America. It's become a lot harder to get legitimate news in this country. A good way to get Americans interested in politics would be to improve transparency in government decision-making, including mechanisms for direct discussion between concerned citizens and policymakers. As it is now, our representatives talk down to their constituents and treat them as if they are idiots using cheap marketing gimmicks to convince people that they are concerned about them or their problems. Or they simply don't respond.

But ignorance isn't limited to just America.  It exists everywhere.

Answer 8

Ignorance is not limited to politics, it runs rampant throughout society. Anyone who answers the question, "Where is Central America?" with "Kansas" should not be allowed to vote.

Answer 9

Why do so many people assume that someone that disagrees with them is ignorant.

Answer 10

   AS THEY ARE  BUSY IN

SOME OTHER ROUTINE

Answer 11

Because they didn't have the attention span to learn while in their History/Government/Civics/Etc. classes in High School and or College.

And because they don't want to hear what they don't like. And only listen to people that believe the same as they do. So therefore, they don't know how to have a mind of their own and think for themselves.

Answer 12

A combination of pop culture of television and internet and poor parenting.