Kellie Pickler and some insight into America's geographic ignorance

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12-03-2007 @ 12:21PM

Eva said...

I think there must be something more going on than just the lack of formal schooling, because in Canada we don't have much in the way of geography classes either - I think we had one required course in grade 9 that dealt only with physical geography: cumulus clouds, etc, not political geography - but I still know that Europe is not a country. Then again, I've never seen any data to compare geographical knowledge in the States to any other country. I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't much better lots of other places, Canada included. Every country has their share of Kellie Picklers...

Abha, I am curious if you've ever been to the States? You seem to post a lot about American culture.

12-04-2007 @ 7:33AM

Abha said...

Eva: Yes, I have been to America - twice. Once when I was 6 (doesn't count), and once when I was 14 -- I stayed there for two months.

I think my perception and reaction on American culture comes out in a certain way because I tend to compare the situations with India.

Although we have a high illiteracy rate, majority of educated Indians can point out their country on a map, and know that Europe is a continent -- of course, there are always exceptions. But, let's not forget that although Kellie Pickler doesn't represent everyone in America, she is not just anyone either. She is a celebrity / "idol" that people look up to, the "best of the best" in her category and has tremendous international exposure -- so I think whether she studied geography at school or not, she really should know that Europe is not a country. So, the fact that she didn't, and the previous case of Miss South Carolina leaves me befuddled.

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