It's no exaggeration that public school here is terrible. And, surely it has a huge impact on the populous.
I mentioned that I recently relocated to NYC, but I didn't mention where. I actually grew up in Hawaii. Hawaii is very simple, very laid-back. Majority of it's citizens have no interest in health, education, in science, in sustainability -- anything of that sort. They value tradition, culture, and family (which is great, to a point). Due to a low graduation rate, a terrible education system, the population is...not very bright. Poverty is an issue. Though a melting plot, due to the early 40's and 50's plantation villages, there is a lot of racism and hate crimes. They are not fond out foreigners or tourists (for good reason though). There is some interesting content regarding native Hawaiians and sovereignty. For anyone not from Hawaii, it's simply a vacation destination -- a tourist trap.
The public education I received, as well as the food I grew up with left me basically unhealthy, overweight, and stupid. I never took math. I literally did not take math. How the hell do you go to college without knowing math? I didn't really take any science courses either. Or History. I took an English class every year (reading & writing), and a bunch of electives. P.E for the first year. As a freshman and a sophomore, I did fairly OK in my classes, but I stopped going to school all together by the time I reached my senior year. I graduated. All I had under my belt was a few years of English and the slop they served for lunch. Spam and rice was a norm. Playing catch up wasn't easy. I had to learn everything by myself to even compete in a college classroom.
When I moved to NYC, my perception of Americans and my perception of the world changed. People from all over the world live here. Aside from Time Square, small businesses run the show. Neighborhoods are littered with coffee shops and bodegas. NYC, like Hawaii, has a false view. It is very forward thinking, very liberal, and very activism-driven. City parks and museums are well protected. Entrance is free or have a pay-what-you-want option for most of them. The education is better. The food is great. The people are great. Perhaps this is why people from all over the world come to visit in live in NYC, but no where else in the US.
Anywho -- the Swedes got it right by prioritizing education. (And, healthcare!) These are basic human rights, that we all should have access to -- good quality healthcare and education. These are the foundation for a successful society. I 100% agree with you that if that were the true intentions of our politicians, as well as the wealthy and elite members (though it should not matter, but it does, because money talks and money sways politics).
Americans need to be sick and stupid to be controlled. Sounds borderline conspiracy-theorists don't it?
Like you mentioned, you pick up these things when you travel and talk to different people. Not everyone is going to pick up a book or conduct research on this issues if there is no motivation to do so. The US is very good at preventing this and instead encouraging and feeding complacency and dependence. Think of our current presidential candidates for ex. Can you believe TRUMP is actually ahead on votes? It's because Americans feel he is "real", honest, blunt, bold and saying what the others won't say. Problem is -- he ain't really saying anything worth hearing. He LITERALLY represents the ignorant, racist, hateful America. He is the populous. He is what the populous wants to hear. He is what Americans want to be -- rich.
Re: 2/2
I mentioned that I recently relocated to NYC, but I didn't mention where. I actually grew up in Hawaii. Hawaii is very simple, very laid-back. Majority of it's citizens have no interest in health, education, in science, in sustainability -- anything of that sort. They value tradition, culture, and family (which is great, to a point). Due to a low graduation rate, a terrible education system, the population is...not very bright. Poverty is an issue. Though a melting plot, due to the early 40's and 50's plantation villages, there is a lot of racism and hate crimes. They are not fond out foreigners or tourists (for good reason though). There is some interesting content regarding native Hawaiians and sovereignty. For anyone not from Hawaii, it's simply a vacation destination -- a tourist trap.
The public education I received, as well as the food I grew up with left me basically unhealthy, overweight, and stupid. I never took math. I literally did not take math. How the hell do you go to college without knowing math? I didn't really take any science courses either. Or History. I took an English class every year (reading & writing), and a bunch of electives. P.E for the first year. As a freshman and a sophomore, I did fairly OK in my classes, but I stopped going to school all together by the time I reached my senior year. I graduated. All I had under my belt was a few years of English and the slop they served for lunch. Spam and rice was a norm. Playing catch up wasn't easy. I had to learn everything by myself to even compete in a college classroom.
When I moved to NYC, my perception of Americans and my perception of the world changed. People from all over the world live here. Aside from Time Square, small businesses run the show. Neighborhoods are littered with coffee shops and bodegas. NYC, like Hawaii, has a false view. It is very forward thinking, very liberal, and very activism-driven. City parks and museums are well protected. Entrance is free or have a pay-what-you-want option for most of them. The education is better. The food is great. The people are great. Perhaps this is why people from all over the world come to visit in live in NYC, but no where else in the US.
Anywho -- the Swedes got it right by prioritizing education. (And, healthcare!) These are basic human rights, that we all should have access to -- good quality healthcare and education. These are the foundation for a successful society. I 100% agree with you that if that were the true intentions of our politicians, as well as the wealthy and elite members (though it should not matter, but it does, because money talks and money sways politics).
Americans need to be sick and stupid to be controlled. Sounds borderline conspiracy-theorists don't it?
Like you mentioned, you pick up these things when you travel and talk to different people. Not everyone is going to pick up a book or conduct research on this issues if there is no motivation to do so. The US is very good at preventing this and instead encouraging and feeding complacency and dependence. Think of our current presidential candidates for ex. Can you believe TRUMP is actually ahead on votes? It's because Americans feel he is "real", honest, blunt, bold and saying what the others won't say. Problem is -- he ain't really saying anything worth hearing. He LITERALLY represents the ignorant, racist, hateful America. He is the populous. He is what the populous wants to hear. He is what Americans want to be -- rich.