How Did Some Americans Become So Stupid?

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25 Aug 2023, 11:31 am

Would it be acceptable to say Jamaicans, Mexicans, Croatians or Kenyans are stupid, and link a video to prove it?

I doubt it.

Whoever started the thread needs to just tweak the title so it’s about the American education system or a certain pedagogy being flawed, not the people themselves.

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Cornflake
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25 Aug 2023, 11:33 am

It's not an attack - it's a considered criticism by a well-respected American astrophysicist.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:35 am

Saying that Americans are stupid is an attack and against PPR guidelines no matter who says so. I just think the title to this thread needs to be tweaked.

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Last edited by TwilightPrincess on 25 Aug 2023, 11:35 am, edited 1 time in total.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:35 am

IsabellaLinton wrote:

Whoever started the thread needs to just tweak the title so it’s about the American education system or a certain pedagogy being flawed, not the people themselves.

That's already obvious from the content of the video and requires no tweakage.
Besides, that won't tweak the title of the video itself.

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TwilightPrincess
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25 Aug 2023, 11:37 am

Maybe you could tweak the guidelines and say that they do not apply to Americans.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:40 am

I haven’t watched the video and I’m sure it’s sound, but since most people won’t watch it the thread title seems a bit harsh.

Maybe even add “ _____ : Video Critique” to the thread title if it doesn’t need reworded?

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25 Aug 2023, 11:46 am

I’m American and many are stupid. How else to you explain the Trump phenomenon?

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25 Aug 2023, 11:48 am

There have been bad, corrupt political leaders everywhere. It’s not just an American thing.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:49 am

TwilightPrincess wrote:

Maybe you could tweak the guidelines and say that they do not apply to Americans.

Maybe you could stop focussing so intently on an attack that doesn't exist and watch the video, instead of the title? :chin:

While an attack can be phrased as a criticism, that doesn't automatically mean all criticisms are attacks. The title should be understood as part of the video presentation where "stupid" in this case is clearly related to the state of American education and the results it has on people. As I've said elsewhere it could just as easily be about the UK's education system - both seem to focus on what to think instead of how to think.

Video description wrote:

Neil DeGrasse Tyson Talks about how the United States is being left behind in areas such as physics, math, and engineering comparing it to Europe and Japan which are generating more scientific papers and have better infrastructure.
Drawing upon his deep understanding of scientific trends and global dynamics, Tyson highlights the contrasting landscapes of scientific progress between the United States, Europe, and Japan. He articulates how these regions have surged ahead, not only by generating more scientific papers but also by investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and fostering collaborative research environments.

Throughout the video, Tyson engages in a captivating analysis of the key elements that have propelled Europe and Japan to the forefront of scientific innovation. He discusses the significance of robust funding mechanisms, visionary leadership, and educational strategies that cultivate a new generation of researchers and innovators. With an analytical yet accessible approach, Tyson addresses the underlying challenges that the United States must confront to regain its competitive edge in the global scientific arena.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:53 am

I have watched the video.

The title is still an attack. Saying that Americans are stupid IS an attack, not a criticism. Saying that there are serious issues with American education, on the other hand, is a criticism.

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Last edited by TwilightPrincess on 25 Aug 2023, 11:53 am, edited 1 time in total.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:53 am

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25 Aug 2023, 11:54 am

IsabellaLinton wrote:

I haven’t watched the video and I’m sure it’s sound, but since most people won’t watch it the thread title seems a bit harsh.

If you watched the video you'd very likely find it funny, and be in agreement with what he says.

The still of the video shown on its page says "HOW WE BECAME STUPID" with the subtitle "Neil DeGrasse Tyson on How Did America Become Stupid".
I suggest you take it up with Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

Perhaps if the thread title had said "We" instead of "Americans" - or is that an attack on all mankind?

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25 Aug 2023, 11:56 am

I would find “we” less offensive because it wouldn’t be about a single nationality.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:57 am

TwilightPrincess wrote:

And if you'd only view the title within the context of the video instead of plucking it out of any context, you'd reach the same conclusion as you gave above.

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25 Aug 2023, 11:58 am

It would seem the French aren't actually stupider but they're just as stupid.

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Last edited by MaxE on 25 Aug 2023, 11:59 am, edited 1 time in total.

TwilightPrincess
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25 Aug 2023, 11:58 am

Cornflake wrote:

TwilightPrincess wrote:

And if you'd only view the title within the context of the video instead of plucking it out of any context, you'd reach the same conclusion as you gave above.

The title for a thread in PPR and the title for a video aren’t equivalent.

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