Going Cruisin':

I thought Three's Company was rather funny. At least in the first three seasons. Then like most sitcoms, they had a tendency to get dumb and dumber.
Such as Happy Days: it started out as a cute sitcom, funny at times, good enough entertainment for the family. Then near the final season, The Fonz was wearing his leather jacket while water skiing, and performing the death defying stunt of jumping over a shark in the water.

You mentioned dumb shows from the 70s and 80s. But don't forget the 60s too; who can forget Gilligan's Island?

quote:

Originally posted by goin' cruisin':
Over my 52 years of life, and perhaps because of the field in which I work, it appears America is getting dumber. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

Hmmmm... I wonder how the replies to this tread would be if someone like me started it

But seriously, I think the whole world is getting dumber. I sometimes get real surprised here in Norway over how ignorance and stupidity is so common among people.

I think those blaming brainless TV-series and "reality" shows are onto something.

quote:

Originally posted by goin' cruisin':
Over my 52 years of life, and perhaps because of the field in which I work, it appears America is getting dumber. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

I think the dumbing of America has many sources and, in my opinion, it all starts in the home. Parents are relying on mind-numbing television to raise/rear their children. I think obesity in children is a major issue and is contributing to the dumbing of America. Lack of exercise contributes to the dumbing factor. Art/Music programs in public schools being cut is a contributing factor.

It is not the children's fault. We (adults) are to blame.

I think, Svein, that it would go over about as well as if I started a thread about the dumbing of Norway. It is okay to make fun of ourselves, but not someone else (it's no longer politically correct).

60s TV "Get Smart" was comedic genious.

Going back a little to the education our kids get, it is not entirely the education's system's fault; did not mean to imply that. GenCan, you're right; it all starts at home. However, as the cliche states, "it takes a village to raise a child." Here in California, the voting public repeatedly defeats efforts to infuse more money into the school system. Then we complain about how poorly the system is managed and we wonder why Johnny can't read.

I guess you're right.

Maybe it's time to chlorinate the gene pool.

GenCan, it's not just art and music that are abruptly being cut in schools' curriculums. I was talking to a parent at my daughter's college yesterday. They live in the Bronx.

According to her, even the sciences are being cut down to once a week at the inner city school level. There are too many students and not enough educators to teach the class. Therefore, they are forced to rotate the science program.

We are in serious trouble in this country if the day has come that we have to start cutting out science class.

They have already eliminated physical education classes at colleges in New York. Just feed them more starches in the dining halls. That should solve the problem. Is it any wonder we are an obese nation?

A'ndrea

Teachers don't want to work in a school where they will be stabbed or shot in the parking lot for failing a student.

And about obesity -- have you ever noticed that people who use food stamps are fat and so are there kids?

I hear you Andrea. That is why I am in the process of going back to school to get teacher certified. I am currently a graphic designer but I want to make a difference in another area. I do believe one person can make a difference, even if it is one one child's life.

Physical education has been replaced by computer games. Quality family time has been replaced by mind-numbing "reality" shows.

Congratulations, GenCan! I also believe teachers can make a difference. Take a look at the "most inspirational person" thread on our site, as several people mentioned teachers.

My husband started teaching about four years ago. He left the IT field to do so. It's hard work, but rewarding. The only problem, at least where we live, is that the hiring process leaves a lot to be desired and is very political. Many new teachers give up because of it. But, don't let that dissuade you. Send me a PM if you want to know more on that topic...

SuzyCruise
Serious Cruiser

Posted August 21, 2007 07:06 AM Hide Post
Teachers don't want to work in a school where they will be stabbed or shot in the parking lot for failing a student.

And about obesity -- have you ever noticed that people who use food stamps are fat and so are there kids?


Aw c'mon now, SuzyCruise, that's would be like saying all rich people are like Leona Helmsley, all New Yorkers are organized crime figures, all blondes are stupid, all Californians are surfer dudes, or all southerners are part of the KKK. We know most of that isn't true.

I love how parents like to blame trans fats, popcorn butter, and mcdonalds for their kids out of control obesity. I just want to walk up to them and simply say...TURN OF THE PLAYSTATION AND GO TO A PARK!! Sorry about the screaming but kids are just so lazy nowadays. I ate fried foods every day growing up and I was very thin. Kids are coddled too much. If you tried to get me to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or skateboard, I would have hurled it at you. Kids in many school systems can't even play "tag" outside because it is considered too dangerous. I had my share of bruises and cuts but, when I was a kid, we wore them like badges of honor. There is clearly a dumbing down of America. From outcome-based education to silly zero tolerance rules, the American education system is going to heck in a handbasket. Schools are more interested in removing soda and pizza from lunchrooms instead of teaching kids math and science. Mr. Wizard and Wild Kingdom have been replaced by Spongebob and the Power Rangers. Alabama is even thinking about removing the math section of the high school exit exam because too many students are failing it and they are worried about losing federal funding. Quote from radio personality Earl Pitts, "Wake Up America!!" While other nations are implementing tougher academic standards and more schooling, North and South Carolina, Florida, and Kentucky actually have organizations called Save Our Summers that are trying to get their states to start school later in the year and finish earlier the next year. I fail to see the logic in shortening the school year as a way of improving children's educational experience. Alex Trebek better be getting his resume in order because in a few years there will be no one qualified to be on his show. America is a great country with many opportunities but, if we do not stop this generation of whining parents and out of control government entitlements, we will become the laughing stock of the world community.

fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice, and uh, uh, er...nuculer proliferashun.

For all of the reasons everyone has listed above is EXACTLY why our youngest was pulled out of public and put in a private school beginning in 6th grade. Our oldest graduated from public, and we saw the downward spiral in the educational system. We weren't about to see our youngest experience the same disservice.

Of course, I understand everyone doesn't have this opportunity. It works for us, so we do it.

What a difference it's made.

A'ndrea

quality family time has been replaced by...uh, er, dare I say? Cruise Chat! Shut up mother, you know it's true, no it's not, yes it is, the end is near, what's for lunch?

Psycho, great prospective! Here we all are dissing reality shows, t.v. shows, the computer, computer games....

and here we all sit, on-line!

How poignant.

Have "Mother" grab your meds, please.

A'ndrea

A'ndrea and Psycho, I've been thinking the same thing! At least on cruise-chat we do learn some things and it does stimulate our minds.

Grab my meds? That might hurt...oh, I lost my train of thought...you did say meds...so did I. OK. Yes, Digdmr, there are some questions here, that stimulate the mind; others (too many) though, numb the mind. Mother's a numbskull...

...but at least we can all agree that drifting at sea for days at a time with no responsibilities and nothing to do but eat, drink and be merry is doing wonders for our intellectual ability and health..

or...wait a minute...cr@p