Studpidity in Our Society

"A recent study suggests that one in five Americans can not locate the United States on a map. Why do think that is?"

This question seems simple enough. Perhaps it's because schools are focusing more heavily on math and English and laying off the social sciences. Perhaps it's because the younger generations of Americans are losing interest in their education and so do not care where our nation is situated on the globe. There are many adequate anwers to this basic question; while this may be the case, all of these responses seemed to briefly escape the mind of Miss Teen South Carolina, competeing for the Miss Teen USA crown earlier last year. What was spoken was a completely incomprehensible babble about "South Africa" and "countries in Iraq" linked together with "such as" and "like, um." I understand that the Miss Teen pageant is considered a beauty contest, but shouldn't inner beauty and intelligence count for just as much as a flawless smile and toned physique? Apparently not.

Stupidity and ignorance are too common in this nation now adays. Pointless television shows such as Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? (apparently most contestants are not) and Flava of Love exploit the stupidity that is currently consuming America. Kids who watch this uneducational crap are finding great role models among the completely unintelligable stars of the shows. Even professional athletes interviewed after their games reflect an unintellectual society. The majority of these players can not speak using the rules of basic English. What message is this sending?

Education is a valuable tool necessary for future success. Perhaps we need to begin promoting the educated rather than focusing on the ignorant. This could go far along the road to creating an intelligent America.