How America got so Stupid
Many Americans are not very knowledgeable about other countries or global issues. This is because the United States has a large and diverse geography, so people don't feel the need to travel much. Also, American culture, like movies and music, is very popular worldwide, but Americans don't consume much foreign culture. Historically, after World War II, the U.S. promoted free flow of information globally, which benefited American media companies and spread American views. During the Cold War, the U.S. government also limited foreign media and ideas that could be seen as communist. Strict rules in Hollywood also prevented more diverse foreign films from being shown. However, things are changing. More foreign music and films are becoming popular in the U.S., and social media is exposing Americans to more international content. Interestingly, studies show that political extremists in the U.S. tend to be more knowledgeable about the world than moderate voters.
Key Vocabulary
Relating to or characterized by a particular style, especially in art, literature, or fashion. It refers to the manner or technique used to express something.
Examples:
- The architect designed the new building to be stylistically consistent with the historic structures nearby.
- Her writing is stylistically innovative, blending traditional narrative with experimental prose.
- The band's new album is a departure, moving stylistically into a more electronic sound.
This term is used colloquially as a derogatory or contemptuous way to refer to people, often implying they are unpleasant or difficult. It can also be used, as in the video, in a more affectionate or ironic sense among friends, despite its negative origin.
Examples:
- Those bastards cut me off in traffic without even signaling.
- He called his friends 'lucky bastards' when they won the lottery, but he was genuinely happy for them.
- The old man, though gruff, secretly admired the young bastards who dared to challenge his authority.
To push someone or something roughly or forcefully.
Examples:
- He shoved the last piece of the puzzle into place, completing the image.
- The wind was so strong it felt like it shoved me backwards.
- She quickly shoved her books into her backpack before the bell rang.
The end or failure of an enterprise, institution, or system. It often implies a downfall or termination.
Examples:
- The company's demise was attributed to its inability to adapt to new technologies.
- Many speculate about the true cause of the ancient empire's demise.
- The sudden demise of the newspaper left many journalists without jobs.
In terms of geography; relating to the physical features of an area, its climate, or its population.
Examples:
- The region is geographically diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to arid deserts.
- The two cities are geographically close but culturally distinct.
- The company decided to expand geographically, opening new offices in different continents.
Has a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another.
Examples:
- Studies show that a higher level of education often correlates with higher earning potential.
- The amount of rainfall in spring directly correlates with the success of the harvest.
- His mood often correlates with the success of his favorite sports team.
Involving or existing between different races.
Examples:
- The film explores the challenges and joys of an interracial couple in the 1960s.
- Many schools today have a diverse, interracial student body.
- The community celebrated an interracial festival, bringing together traditions from various cultures.
Full to the very top; overflowing, often used metaphorically to describe a state of being full of a quality or emotion.
Examples:
- Her eyes were brimming with tears as she listened to the emotional song.
- The old chest was brimming with antique coins and forgotten treasures.
- The young artist's portfolio was brimming with creative and original designs.
Having a strong and unpleasant smell.
Examples:
- The old gym socks were particularly stinky after the long run.
- He opened the lid of the garbage can and was hit by a stinky odor.
- The cheese, though delicious, was quite stinky and filled the entire kitchen with its aroma.
The state of being naked or unclothed.
Examples:
- The art exhibition featured classical sculptures that depicted human nudity.
- The film contained scenes of artistic nudity, which contributed to its mature rating.
- He felt a sudden chill from the unexpected nudity after stepping out of the warm shower.
Relating to existence, particularly human existence, and the search for meaning in life.
Examples:
- The long train journey gave him time to ponder existential questions about his purpose.
- The character in the novel grapples with an existential crisis after losing everything.
- Her art often explores existential themes of solitude and the human condition.
Fated or determined in advance; having a future that is predetermined.
Examples:
- From a young age, it was clear she was destined for greatness in the field of science.
- The ancient prophecy foretold that the hero was destined to defeat the dark lord.
- Despite his efforts, he felt that some things were simply destined to happen.
A small tool, typically made of metal, with two arms that are pressed together to pick up small objects.
Examples:
- She used tweezers to carefully remove the tiny splinter from her finger.
- The jeweler used fine-tipped tweezers to set the delicate gemstone.
- He rummaged through the medicine cabinet, looking for his tweezers to fix his glasses.
The dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in profile.
Examples:
- The sunset cast a beautiful silhouette of the trees against the orange sky.
- She recognized his silhouette immediately as he walked towards her.
- The artist created a striking portrait by focusing only on the subject's silhouette.
A colloquial term for movies or films.
Examples:
- We spent the entire weekend watching old horror flicks.
- That new action flick has some incredible special effects.
- He prefers independent flicks over big Hollywood blockbusters.
Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.
Examples:
- The artist's whimsical paintings often featured flying teacups and talking animals.
- She had a whimsical sense of humor that always made people smile.
- The garden was designed with whimsical statues and winding paths.
In a way that leads to or is associated with the end of life; or, colloquially, extremely or hopelessly.
Examples:
- He was terminally ill and spent his last days surrounded by family.
- The outdated software was terminally slow, making it impossible to work efficiently.
- She was terminally optimistic, always finding a silver lining in every situation.
A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or grandeur, often with a sense of being spied on or plotted against; or, a strong, irrational suspicion or distrust of others.
Examples:
- His constant checking of the locks bordered on paranoia.
- The character's paranoia grew as he became convinced everyone was against him.
- After the incident, a sense of paranoia lingered in the small community.
Having received insufficient education.
Examples:
- Many of the new hires were undereducated for the complex tasks required.
- The report highlighted the challenges faced by undereducated individuals in the job market.
- He felt undereducated compared to his peers who had advanced degrees.
Members of a tribe, especially a man.
Examples:
- The tribesmen gathered for their annual celebration, performing ancient rituals.
- The anthropologist spent years living among the isolated tribesmen, studying their customs.
- The leader of the tribesmen negotiated a peace treaty with the neighboring village.