[Misc] Are They Just Incredibly Thick?

[GREASED WEASEL]

Imagine telling the younger population that we once burnt the White House down

 

[Rodney Thomas]

Very common now. Possibly due to a lack of interest in ‘stuff’. Pre the internet and screens to stare at, we read books, watched documentaries, and gleaned knowledge from our parents. I’ve worked with many new graduates in the last 20 years, most of whom lacked general knowledge, weren’t interested in politics, or history, or geography. Hopeless in pub or firm’s quizzes.

But very hot on youtube videos laughing about obese people, Siamese Twins, a lion put in a fight situation with a tiger, KSI, Paul Logan, PewDiePie.

Thankfully there are switched on others who care about the world, but the vast majority (Instagram and Youtube follower numbers prove this) prefer to live in an inane bubble. Takes all sorts.

I find it quite amusing when the older generations make statements like this. Only for them to mock the young for their 'inexperience' and 'youthful exuberance' when they do decide to make a stand. For example Greta and the Fridays for Future movement.

 

[Bakero]

Let me give you a bit of advice.

As we get older, the stuff the young don't know about increases to the point of incredulity.

Let it go.

And also accept that there is probably a hell of a lot of stuff that younger generations know that you don't.

 

[Brovion]

When did WW2 start though? 1937 or 1939?

The answer may well depend on where you live in the world. From a UK-centric view, then yes, of course, we are all taught 1939. But, as I understand, there are plenty of historians that would beg to differ, and with some reason. Japan's full scale invasion of China in 1937 was hardly a minor skirmish, even if we were not directly involved.

I am not an historian, and certainly no expert, so stand to be corrected. But there does seem to be a widely held view that, in Asia, WW2 started in 1937.

It's a valid point, and indeed even for Britain it didn't really start until 1940 (the bit before was called the 'phoney war'). However you'd expect a vaguely intelligent person to say '1939', as that's the accepted date for British people - even if it isn't 100% accurate. As was pointed out before it is one of THE most important events of the last 100 years.

Also it's the date on most of the war memorials in most high streets, so not knowing isn't really the fault of 'modern education' (which tends not to be so date-centric as it used to be), it is just blind ignorance and not paying any attention to anything that isn't in your little bubble.

Still, I'm sure they know the names of all the contestants on this year's Love Island.

 

[KZNSeagull]

I am sure their general knowledge will improve once they start inserting subliminal general knowledge facts into Love Island, the Kardashians, Minecraft and Fortnite.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

And also accept that there is probably a hell of a lot of stuff that younger generations know that you don't.

Absolutely.

I have mentioned several times on NSC the amusing quotes from 'History of Western Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell about 'the young people of today' who were roundly and unreasonably criticised even back in Roman times for their vulgar and ignorant ways by the old fellahs. My comments were tongue in cheek. Badinage is a gift you youngster will learn to appreciate as you get older.

 

[Rodney Thomas]

Imagine telling the younger population that we once burnt the White House down

EVERYONE knows about that! It was for the film Olympus Has Fallen, right?

 

[zefarelly]

The apprentice is a bunch of carefully selected ****wits pulled together to bitch at each other and be humiliated for a few million couch potatos for an hour or so a week on the tellybox

 

[Weststander]

I find it quite amusing when the older generations make statements like this. Only for them to mock the young for their 'inexperience' and 'youthful exuberance' when they do decide to make a stand. For example Greta and the Fridays for Future movement.

That was touched on by me. Very switched on kids like Greta are a welcome exception. I never criticise kids and young adults taking an interest in the world, caring about the planet. The more, the better.

You’re wrongly assuming that anyone who dares comment from their real interaction with recent graduates and kids, on their different interests from immersion in the internet age, also wants them to butt out of conversations. Not making any age and party political generalisations by any chance? I’ve voted Green since Lucas first appeared on the scene in my constituency.

 

[Weststander]

When I was young, we had a set of encyclopedias at home.

When we didn't know something, we looked it up - then often strayed onto something else in the book and read about that subject too.

Now, in 5 seconds flat, the internet gives you the answer.

I'm not saying it's wrong, just that the world has changed - how many young drivers can actually read a map nowadays?

Similar here, a lovely way to learn.

 

[GOM]

Most people with these levels of knowledge summoned up the energy to vote in the referendum though.

But not enough though to win the vote

 

[highflyer]

It's a valid point, and indeed even for Britain it didn't really start until 1940 (the bit before was called the 'phoney war'). However you'd expect a vaguely intelligent person to say '1939', as that's the accepted date for British people - even if it isn't 100% accurate. As was pointed out before it is one of THE most important events of the last 100 years.

Also it's the date on most of the war memorials in most high streets, so not knowing isn't really the fault of 'modern education' (which tends not to be so date-centric as it used to be), it is just blind ignorance and not paying any attention to anything that isn't in your little bubble.

Still, I'm sure they know the names of all the contestants on this year's Love Island.

Well, I'd have certainly said 1939, so I'll take your 'vaguely intelligent' tag.

But it's always good to remind ouselves there are many versions of history.

 

[Brovion]

Well, I'd have certainly said 1939, so I'll take your 'vaguely intelligent' tag.

But it's always good to remind ouselves there are many versions of history.

Actually in retrospect it's nothing to do with intelligence (or education, or being young). Thinking about the war memorials which everyone has seen many times in their lives I should have said 'vaguely observant'.

 

[el punal]

Let me give you a bit of advice.

As we get older, the stuff the young don't know about increases to the point of incredulity.

Let it go.

I am now sufficiently serene that when the OUD announces, as it will in a few years, that fort is the past tense of fink, I will merely raise an eyebrow and think 'not in my house, it isn't'. And what happens in my house is the only thing that matters. Fact.

Wise words old bean! I will now chill out and watch Love Island or TOWIE or some other mind numbing vacuous shit with the knowledge that, well . . . that I have the knowledge.

 

[Postman Pat]

I heard that it started when a bloke called Archie Duke shot an ostrich 'cause he was hungry.

Soooo Les Ferdinand had a shot in a game in Austria and it started a war?

 

[Lincoln Imp]

My history teacher said it started with the extremely harsh surrender terms set out at the end of WW1,lost territory and punitive financial terms.

Your history teacher may have a point. An interesting local postscript to this is that those surrender terms were in large part drafted at Danny House, a wonderful Elizabethan mansion in Hurstpierpoint. It sits below Wolstonbury Hill. You can walk up close to it, or see it from New Way Lane in the car. I believe the owner is an East Stand STH.

 

[Lincoln Imp]

You're always on about demographics.How do you think this lot voted?

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Were all these 'bright young things' Brexit supporters?Racists,as well!

Sorry, you've reverted to the inexplicable. I've no idea who they are or how they voted or whether they are racists.

 

[Lincoln Imp]

But not enough though to win the vote

Excellent.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

There are many intelligent young people, but there are many that are still gullible as F**K.

There is no way the vast majority of 16-17-year-olds are old enough and have enough experience in life to vote at a GE.

This just proves why you should be a minimum of 21 years old as the brain and body have not seen enough life to judge such a decision.

Sorry for guys who are under 21 but you really need to get some life experience under your belt as many of your age group are gullible enough to believe in Corbyn and McDonnell and Swinson's breasts.

I fear the young have been groomed for far too long by Corbyn, the man wears a mask and isn't genuine.

 

[Gritt23]

I wouldn't say I have an encyclopaedic knowledge. But I can reel off all 12 call signs in Top Gun at the drop of a hat.

I'm not sure what that says about me tbh.

Ah, Top Gun. Guess what mate?