MAC_Whore
Well-known member
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Respectfully, still missing my point. It goes back to unequaled expectations, but I really don't feel like going into it again.
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The figure of Americans with passports is estimated between 20%-30%. To my knowledge, the Dept of State does not publish the official percentage of Americans that hold passports, so all numbers are estimates. To my knowledge they only publish the figure of how many passports are issued within a given year. That number is increasing steadily due to tighter travel restrictions.
Why is it so important that the "average American" holds a passport or travels? Can someone not educate themselves on another country's issues and culture without setting foot into it? Sure, to me, within my personal values, I feel it is important for me to travel, as I enjoy new experiences. However, if your "average American" is born in Wyoming or Maine or where ever and educates themselves, works hard and lives a good life, are they less of a person because they didn't know where Budapest was? Or because they didn't own a passport?
We also come back to geographical circumstance. As I said, within Europe, countries are about as far apart as states are here in the US. Europeans may need a passport to travel small distances, as it most often means traveling through another country. Most Americans have traveled a bit within their own country. Most have been to different states. If we required Americans to have passports to travel small distances within our country (and most likely crossing into another state), thus putting us on equal goegraphical boundaries with Europe, about 70% of us would probably have passports.
Again, back to geographical circumstance, when DH and I lived in Europe, we could hop in the car and drive to another country for dinner if we felt like it. It was no big deal. I was as expensive as a tank of gas (and yes, it required a passport). However, in the US, it is cost-prohibitive for many Americans to travel to foreign countries due to the distance. There's the cost of long flights, hotels, cars, meals, misc expenses, etc. It is simply easier and less expensive for most Europeans to visit a foreign country.
Another reason a lot of Americans never held passports is that the only countries that we are adjacent to, Mexico and Canada, did not require passports for certain types of travel. Obviously as regulations have tightened up, more passports are being issued.
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I'm sure a lot people within the handful of coalition countries may not be able to pinpoint Iraq. It doesn't lessen their feelings towards or involvement in (if applicable) the war. Documentaries also sway in whatever direction the editors and documentarians want them to. How many positive/correct responses did they edit out? That's like using reality TV to judge what life in America is like.
Agreed, everyone should study geography. As someone who attended American schools, I can tell you that it is taught there.
I appreciate education and would love for all Americans to embrace the geography and cultures of the world, but if some can't afford to travel or if some choose to focus their studies or attention on other matters, I understand. Everyone's circumstances and value systems are different.
Passport figures and documentaries aren't the best way to judge a person's circumstances, a country's educational system or their understanding of certain topics.
I too have been the subject of REALLY uninformed questions and statements about my country when traveling abroad. No, we don't all carry guns. No, all of the girls in California do not have fake boobs and dress like hookers. No, you can't drive to Hawaii.
Originally Posted by MissChievous
Oh probably not many, but that was my point - it's not relevant..... |
Respectfully, still missing my point. It goes back to unequaled expectations, but I really don't feel like going into it again.
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| Originally Posted by MissChievous
...I agree that one's immediate surroundings probably rank over knowing countries in Asia or the Far East or something, but the lack of knowledge in very basic geography I have witnessed from the average American worries me, especially as it is such a powerful country. I am sure there are many factors to blame, such as the media which tends to be very national-centric and maybe the school system where the curriculum maybe doesn't emphasize geography and world events enough? I don't know that's just a guess. I certainly don't think Americans are "too stupid" or anything of the sort to learn such things - it's probably a lack of exposure to these subjects. I mean, only 20% of all Americans have passports for foreign travel, and whenever I am in the States I immediately notice that the media has much more strong emphasis on local or national events and politics, international events are often only briefly touched upon - at least, not nearly as emphasized as in Europe or Canada..... |
The figure of Americans with passports is estimated between 20%-30%. To my knowledge, the Dept of State does not publish the official percentage of Americans that hold passports, so all numbers are estimates. To my knowledge they only publish the figure of how many passports are issued within a given year. That number is increasing steadily due to tighter travel restrictions.
Why is it so important that the "average American" holds a passport or travels? Can someone not educate themselves on another country's issues and culture without setting foot into it? Sure, to me, within my personal values, I feel it is important for me to travel, as I enjoy new experiences. However, if your "average American" is born in Wyoming or Maine or where ever and educates themselves, works hard and lives a good life, are they less of a person because they didn't know where Budapest was? Or because they didn't own a passport?
We also come back to geographical circumstance. As I said, within Europe, countries are about as far apart as states are here in the US. Europeans may need a passport to travel small distances, as it most often means traveling through another country. Most Americans have traveled a bit within their own country. Most have been to different states. If we required Americans to have passports to travel small distances within our country (and most likely crossing into another state), thus putting us on equal goegraphical boundaries with Europe, about 70% of us would probably have passports.
Again, back to geographical circumstance, when DH and I lived in Europe, we could hop in the car and drive to another country for dinner if we felt like it. It was no big deal. I was as expensive as a tank of gas (and yes, it required a passport). However, in the US, it is cost-prohibitive for many Americans to travel to foreign countries due to the distance. There's the cost of long flights, hotels, cars, meals, misc expenses, etc. It is simply easier and less expensive for most Europeans to visit a foreign country.
Another reason a lot of Americans never held passports is that the only countries that we are adjacent to, Mexico and Canada, did not require passports for certain types of travel. Obviously as regulations have tightened up, more passports are being issued.
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| Originally Posted by MissChievous
....I remember seeing a documentary once and many people on the street were randomly stopped and asked to pinpoint on a map, where Iraq is located - I was astounded most people couldn't even place the country their own nation was fighting a huge war against. That said, when I traveled in Asia, many people also didn't know much about geography, and didn't know where Canada was, etc. But, I can't hold them to the same standards as the western world - many of these adults never had the opportunity to attend school as kids, or only got a very very rudimentary, basic education. I do think world events and geography should play a much more important role in all schools, regardless of country. I think it can't hurt for all of us to know a little bit more about our "neighbours". |
I'm sure a lot people within the handful of coalition countries may not be able to pinpoint Iraq. It doesn't lessen their feelings towards or involvement in (if applicable) the war. Documentaries also sway in whatever direction the editors and documentarians want them to. How many positive/correct responses did they edit out? That's like using reality TV to judge what life in America is like.
Agreed, everyone should study geography. As someone who attended American schools, I can tell you that it is taught there.
I appreciate education and would love for all Americans to embrace the geography and cultures of the world, but if some can't afford to travel or if some choose to focus their studies or attention on other matters, I understand. Everyone's circumstances and value systems are different.
Passport figures and documentaries aren't the best way to judge a person's circumstances, a country's educational system or their understanding of certain topics.
I too have been the subject of REALLY uninformed questions and statements about my country when traveling abroad. No, we don't all carry guns. No, all of the girls in California do not have fake boobs and dress like hookers. No, you can't drive to Hawaii.
