John Clayton's Blog

Here we have yet another book proclaiming the alleged stupidity of Americans these days. As evidence, you might consider this quote:

The New York Times recently published the results of an American history test given to thousands of college freshmen throughout the United States. Among other amazing discoveries were these: that thirty percent of them did not know Woodrow Wilson was President during the first World War; that only six percent were able to name the first 13 colonies -- many even listed such states as Texas and Oregon; and a third of them did not know who was President during the Civil War.

Funny thing, though, the quote is from a memoir by Pearl S. Buck and was published in 1953.

So when exactly is the golden age when American were so smart?

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