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You are probably wrong about almost everything

oftenreadingoftenreading Posts: 12,845
edited September 2015 in A Moving Train
This link, from the British paper The Guardian, looks at the perceptions (and misperceptions) of citizens of countries around the world about a whole range of facts about their own countries, including things like the percentages of immigrants in the population, unemployment rates, and rates of teen pregnancies. I particularly love the comment " Britain is the fifth least ignorant nation out of the 14 surveyed...". Something to keep in mind for those facing election season.

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/oct/29/todays-key-fact-you-are-probably-wrong-about-almost-everything
my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
Post edited by oftenreading on

Comments

  • oftenreadingoftenreading Posts: 12,845
    Okay. Well, I thought it was interesting, anyway. :D
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • dignindignin Posts: 9,336
    I saw this on my Facebook feed the other day, it is interesting.

    We are only the 8th least ignorant country surveyed. Should I be proud or disgusted?
  • oftenreadingoftenreading Posts: 12,845
    edited November 2014
    8th out of 14? Not that great. Disgusted might be a little strong, though - how about indifference?

    So is this something that everyone and their dog has already seen on FB? I'm not on FB, so wasn't aware. ;)
    Post edited by oftenreading on
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • badbrainsbadbrains Posts: 10,255
    Well, I def know I'm a fucktard no doubt. Proud of it baby! =))
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,042
    ^^^ LOL, bb!

    I have to say though, the questions in the survey don't really seem like a very good measure of our ignorance. Way too limited. I mean really, where are questions like:
    "How many feet in a kilometer?"
    "Who played bass in the British rock band, Hawkwind?"
    "What's the difference between impertinence and importunate?"
    "How many burgers has McDonald's served?" (OK, have to have one freebie question, right?
    "How many freebie questions in this survey?"
    "In which country is Joe Biden the current vice president."
    "What is the definition of the word 'fucktard'"?
    etc.


    Come on No. 1 Swedes, answer up!

    :bz
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    edited November 2014
    I actually find most of the answers to the polls absolutely shocking, especially the teen pregnancies and unemployment rates (and am also very disturbed by Canada's voter turnout, even though I already knew it... but at least we're not as bad as Poland???). What hole are all the respondents living in, seriously? Some of the numbers people guessed are fucking ludicrous and defy logic.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
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