America the Ignorant

[liberal N proud]

By David A. Graham

Chances are that by now you've heard about the Aug. 19, 2010, Pew poll that found that nearly one fifth of Americans (mistakenly) believe that President Obama is a Muslim. Perhaps you think that a terrifying outlier; or perhaps you're a believer, and then you are in good company. Either way, you're wrong: in fact, remarkably high numbers of Americans believe the most unusual things. Although the portion of poll respondents who believe Obama is a Muslim has risen recently, some of these oddball opinions contain more consistent numbers of believers. Here's a sampling of the nuttiest.

Evolution:
To mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, Gallup thought it might be a good idea to poll Americans on their beliefs of the British naturalist's theory. But the results must have had Darwin spinning in his grave, since only 39 percent of Americans believed in the theory. The good news: only a quarter said they didn't believe it; the remaining portion either didn't have an opinion or didn't answer. (Also, only 55 percent correctly linked Darwin's name with the theory.) However, it appears that views may, um, evolve: younger people believe in evolution at far higher rates than older ones.

Witchcraft
It seems obvious that it's not a good idea to put too much stock in witchcraft. But it turns out that 21 percent of Americans believe there are real sorcerors, conjurers, and warlocks out there. And that's just one of the several paranormal beliefs common among Americans, according to Gallup: 41 percent believe in ESP, 32 percent in ghosts, and a quarter in astrology. In fairness, the numbers in this poll are a little old—they date back to 2005. But then again, if people haven't changed their mind since the Enlightenment, it's not clear another half decade would make much difference.

There is much more at article/slideshow...

Death Panels
Saddam's WMD, 9/11 involvement
Heliocenterism
History of Religion
Supreme Court vs Seven Dwarfs


World Geography
Three Stooges vs Three Branches (government)


Freedom of Religion
President Obama's religion



http://www.newsweek.com/photo/2010/08/24/dumb-things-americans-believe.html

[mmonk]

1. That was both fun and sad.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. I found this to be very sad and very scary....

The ignorant are the prime targets of the evil and the self-serving.

This country is in much worse shape than any of us know.

They could name 2 of the seven dwarfs and not two of the Supreme Court Justices!!???? OMIGAWD!!!

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

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[Riftaxe]

4. The 3 stooges picture has to

be one of the best graphical summaries I have seen in months! K&R for that alone :)