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<p>Well, we did start the thread talking about knowledge of the 50 states, which is basic knowledge that all Americans should know, but isn’t required of foreigners.</p>
<p>Indulging my pedantic side, I’d like to say that the answer to the question in the thread title is “No, typically they’re just ignorant of the 49 states where they do not live.”</p>
<p>The widespread ignornance of both domestic and international geography is truly appalling. I wonder what these kids are actually taught in school. </p>
<p>Son was a three time Nat’l Geographic Society Geography state finalist in middle school and did place within the top three one year.</p>
<p>Seeing the depth of knowledge amongst the hundred semi-finalists assembled for each year’s state final round still amazes me to this day. Forgetting the fact my son was involved, I felt very privileged to witness the superb performance, level of intelligence and recall of this group of kids. </p>
<p>There has to be a happy medium somewhere between the two ends of this spectrum.</p>
<p>I’ll add in my own little anecdote, which to make matters worse, was said by not a kid, but by the bank manager at my local BoA, located in what is universally known as a very educated town.</p>
<p>I was setting up a BoA account for college and the manager asked me where I was going to college. My response: Boston University.
His response: “Is that in Maryland?”</p>
<p>I swear to all that is holy.</p>
<p>^^ as for the bank people not being too orientated…
Years ago , while I lived in Canada (so this is canadian bank tellers story:) ) I happened to mention something about going to Europe soon and how expensive it will be. The sympatetic lady had a lot of understanding while she has asked me if I will be going by train (!).
Thinking about it now, maybe she was having a difficult day and was just trying to make a polite conversation???</p>