Originally Posted by ErichM

I have been to Europe. I'm not disagreeing with this, I even said so in what you quoted. I do think in Europe it is generally less socially acceptable to be ignorant and proud. In America, it's something to be proud of if you're dumb. I heard a Bachman supporter recently interviewed. He said he didn't care that she was frequently completely incorrect in the "facts" she shares. He just likes her enthusiasm.

My point is that there are certain cultural aspects in America that exacerbates the problem of stupidity.