To wonder why people are still so woefully misinformed?

[Lucia39]

We now have access to more information than any previous generation. An entire reference library is available at the click of a mouse, public libraries were still free last time I checked, and general reference books are readily available and comparatively cheap.

Why then is the apparent standard of general knowledge and informed opinion amongst many people in Britain [especially the younger generations] so abysmal?

Probably would be for the best, machu. After all, I wouldn't have MN, and so would be lost anyway

"I don't quite know where this extrapolation that a good general knowledge somehow equates to being more intellegent comes from"

Where has that been suggested?

It seems that several posters are unable to comprehend what has actually been written. They merely assume that the poster wrote something and then go off on their own little rant!

I just asked DP to explain infinity over dinner and he said something very nice about an ant crawling over the circumference of the earth in a straight line and being surprised to get back where he started. There was some other stuff about 2, 3 and 4 dimensions I didn't quite get because I was thinking about chocolate.

I do sometimes hope for a backlash against this whole ringtone cocoon some teenagers are locked in - I'd like to see them demonstrating for latin lessons and violin concertos, etc.

Is this about fat people again? Once I saw who the OP was I couldn't be bothered to read the whole thread.

A lot of people are on here to relax so that might be why there is lots of 'venting grievances against the in-laws' etc.
If someone wants to discuss something more specific, they are away on other more specialist forums.
Despite not being religious, i find that if you want to read or contribute to something that makes you think a bit, the spiritual / philosophy section is pretty good here.
Also don't underestimate the level of sleep depravation on here. I am fully aware that my brain has shut down a lot to cope with the treadmill of bringing up young children. Maybe my energy will be channelled back to my brain one day but not right now as I have to spend the next hour cleaning up and getting ready for tomorrow.
One last thing, I think having the internet at out finger tips takes the pressure off us having to remember things. I know that if i need to know something I can look it up.

Misinformed is just a nice way of saying thick .....

Of course Spam! I sense that you and I have similar areas of expertise.

But on the classical music issue - it is one of those knowledge areas which is a strong marker of social class - and I think that is why I feel 'let down'. It's like my accent, my love of fried food, and never having read any children's classics as a child. They give me away. Not that I'm ashamed of my background - but I'd rather be apparently classless than have to wear my upbringing like a badge.

maki your DH appears to have explained one possible hypothesis on the shape and working of our universe to you, rather than an explanation of infinity.

Although obviously I wasn't there and your chocolate befuddled mind may have reported his exaplanation incompletely. (I'm not saying ee's fick, innit).

ROFL @ "he said something very nice" also

Maybe he can make it up to you by explaining how the internal conbustion engine works?

BionicleBill: I wasn't "wrong" as you put it. As to where I have been - enjoying the last hour or two of sunshine and then watching Rory Bremner on Channel 4+1!

A paraphrase is a "rewording of a passage". A "parody" is the imitation of the style of an artist, genre, or writer with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect - like this.

Nita - so does she equate thick with fat or was this a thread of which i am unaware??

Well i pushed.............

You have to be intelligent to parody anything Lucia, which is what i thought you were doing - i obviously overestimated you.....

Lucia, you seem to have a talent for insulting everybody. If you dont like our threads why bother coming on here at all and go read some more of your books, so you become even more intelligent.

Portblacks- there was a thread last week about fat people- same OP, similar thread. I can't remember what it was called or what forum it was in though. I'm so misinformed

Lucia, read NickyTwoTimes' post of 20:56 and you will understand why you don't get the responses you perhaps are hoping for.

The fat thread was nasty. Lots of people on MN upset. Many of us are, after all, too fat

However despite lucia's best attempts to stir this one up it should be pretty funny. Cos the vast majority of women on MN are not secretly harbouring anxieties that they/their kids are fick. Nothing to get in a lather about.

Try again lucia

Well, one of the 'thickest' men on the planet managed to become President of the USA so there's hope for us all!!

Although, to be fair I think that had a lot to do with money and his daddy putting in a good word!

So she's done fat
She's done thick / uneducated

What next? Do you worry you're a bit scruffy??

Fat and thick?My lucia you are the real deal

I'm a bit scruffy .

I am quite short if that helps

AIBU to think that shortarses should either wear heels at all times or never leave the house?