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The reason why Americans are so bad at geography as explained by a 19-year old beauty queen

by Neil Woodburn (RSS feed) on Aug 29th 2007 at 7:25AM

So, why can't 20% of Americans find the United States on a world map?

I've been asked this question a number of times while traveling, usually by Aussies or Kiwis who normally quote a much higher percentage when subtly mocking my fellow countrymen.

Frankly, I don't know the reason why some Americans can't find their own country on a map. It's embarrassing.

Miss South Carolina has no idea either. She was recently asked this very same question by a judge at the Miss Teen USA contest and her baffling, Bushism-filled answer pretty much affirmed that she's part of that ignorant 20% minority. Wow.

If you want a good laugh at the expense of a very pretty young woman, spend two minutes to check out the video above.

And to all you Aussies and Kiwis out there, you may now rest your case; I've no defense against this type of irrefutable evidence.

Filed under: Learning

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

kouiskas Aug 29th 2007 9:09AM

HARRRRD QUESTION M MMUUUST THINK!!!

It seems like her "sentences" are made of random words mildly related to the topic that go through her mind.

Nice touch with associating South Africa with Irak! I'm sure all these "asian countries" are jealous.

Jamie Rhein Aug 29th 2007 9:10AM

My word! I hope she didn't hear the question. I thought for a second she was going to say that we should send maps to South Africa and Iraq.

Justin Glow Aug 29th 2007 9:21AM

Yeah, but can Americans place The Iraq on a map?

aawil Aug 29th 2007 10:17AM

Have a look at this one as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE

Justin Glow Aug 29th 2007 11:11AM

aawil, that's hilarious. the only thing is they obviously won't show clips from the people that actually knew the answers to these really basic geography questions. you can find idiots in every country. even so, funny stuff.

mercedes morales Aug 31st 2007 7:08PM

Poor girl, how will she live this down? She thought she could really win on looks alone. Or,I guess geography is not her subject?

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