Why is America getting collectively less intelligent?

Question

Most people would blame our horrible educational system, which probably does play a role, but what is the reason for this? Is it the fact that most Americans are too focused on Celebrities, professional sports and work to put any time into reading books or having intelligent discussion? Is it the fact that most people put so much faith in major media to get their information that they have stopped actually doing their own fact finding and decision making?

Anyways, It is clear that the overall intelligence level is dropping. I remember taking a test as a Senior in high school years ago where only 12% of the class passed. The test was a 5th grade English/reasoning test from the 1950's. America isn't even anywhere near the top of the list internationally on our educational system's effectiveness. The question is what do you think the root cause is, and why aren't Americans even focusing on this or doing anything about it?

Answer 1

Apparently you are also a result of whatever it is you think is happening.  The phenomenon of which you are writing is "lack of knowledge" not "lack of intelligence".  Even the most intelligent cannot answer questions if they have not been exposed to the information required to answer them.

Answer 2

It doesn't take any intelligence to swing a hammer,.

The government wants stupid workers that generate

MONEY.

That is all that matters.

All brawn, no brained sheeple that work for peanuts and haven't got a clue.

.  

Answer 3

you need to post this ? under some topic other than words & wordplay...!!

but since you asked:

lots of folks no longer care about their fellow man, they do not "love thy neighbor", they are focused on making money, they are easily influenced by media and advertising, they do not take personal responsibility for their actions, they want to be friends to their children, not be their parents, they want the schools and government to raise their children, not take responsibility of actually rearing their children and teaching the right life lessons and they no longer know the true meaning of "work" and "sacrifice".

Answer 4

We are lowering the standards of our education system so that more kids can graduate under the "No Child Left Behind" system.

Answer 5

Eugenics.

The eugenics movement of the early 20th century postulated that the human race could be improved through selective breeding.

The problem is that the general public have a different view as to what constitutes 'improvement' from those in power.

''Just relax, let us handle everything, go watch TV or something''

Answer 6

I think technology is largely to blame. Even though we have more resources for knowledge than ever before, many people are using them primarily for entertainment purposes rather than education.  The government may also have a hand in it. I'm adding a link to a video that may interest you.