Although from the Greater Vancouver, BC area, I have travelled a lot in the U.S. (thought I would refer to the U.S. as most of the conversation in this thread touches on the U.S., although many of the topics/personalities are shared around the world, Canada included). Except for a half dozen flights, have driven an estimated 80+ trips to various U.S. locations in about 16 states. I enjoy meeting and speaking with many locals, and other (U.S.) travellers, about a number of topics.
Just came back from an RV trip during which I met a couple, he a recently retired teacher from the Denver area, she also a teacher but not quite yet retired. During conversation, he actually asked where British Columbia is and if it was in Canada. On another trip, talked to a young fellow (early 20's) who was pumping gas in a small S Dakota town, who actually asked me where Canada is.
Over the years in the U.S., although not as extreme, I have met many, many people who know very little, not only about locations a bit of a distance from their home areas, but surprisingly very little about their immediate areas.
The point of these examples, is it seems many people either don't care to or have little ability to learn anything beyond their immediate sight, geographically, politically or anything else that may affect their lives. They hear/see something from what they determine (not sure how though) without investigating, is an acceptable source and run with it. And to my point in my previous post, I do not see any current or future generations suddenly desire to become enlightened. We're going down a rabbit hole from which we will likely not return in good shape.
