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Yesterday I had about ten different meshulachim from Eretz Yisroel come to my door. In the last group of three men, one of them was collecting for Kiruv in Belarus and part of his prepared speech (in Eastern European accented English) was that “It’s not just a city, it’s a whole country!”.
As I was writing out the checks, I told him that yes, I happen to know that Belarus was a country and was surprised that he has to mention this. He looked at me, surprised himself, and said that he didn’t expect me to know that. He turned to his colleagues and translated the conversation in Hebrew for them, adding in something about “All Americans study in University”. A bit annoyed, I told them that I had known about Belarus since I was a kid and had nothing to do with my college education, and besides (I continued), I do not agree with the Chareidi aversion to university education and find it a bit puzzling. For didn’t Rabi Yishmael know the streets of Punpedisa? Why should this be any different?
Anyways, just wanted to get CRs opinion on this thing.
I officially learned geography in school and I still dont know all the 50 states and where they are and their capitals- that’s just not one of my strong points. But I dont think that there is a problem if someone does know.
So, there you have it. Their speech is for people like realtalk.
I have heard frum people say:
“Isn’t Germany next to Eretz Yisroel?”
“The Netherlands is part of the USA, right?”
“I thought Scotland is in Australia.”
Being quite fond of maps myself, I do find it shocking. There is nothing wrong with learning basic geography. Not learning it make us look like a bunch of idiots.
(For the record, I’m not saying those who don’t know anything about geography are idiots – because they know plenty of other things. But we do look like idiots that way.)
Even as a child I used to spend hours studying atlases and maps for fun. Now, still, I love Google Earth/Maps. I dare to say I know the USA (which I have never visited) better than many frum Americans.
I think its an american thing, I met someone from Wales in Italy. He was shocked I knew the capital of Wales was Cardiff. Americans arent supposed to know that
I’ve heard people say, “America? Isn’t that next to New York?”
Pffft
The 5 Boros of New York: Williamsburg, Boro Park, Flatbush, Monsey and Kiryas Yoel.
Who needs to know? Just google it.
(jk – geography is really important. Try traveling without knowing it!)
No, not all. There’s a lot of krum stuff out there, much more than you realize.
Isn’t Bnei Brak in Palestine? Or is that Jerusalem? Who knows these things anyway
that’s so embaressing.
As a nation, we should want to present ourselves as knowledgable and educated- not ignorant.
I have a European friend who can tell me where each state is. Something I don’t know to well.
Hey what about the annoyingly common mistake of 52 states!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at least I know their are 50 even if I cant seem to remember where they all are.
how bout knowing that puerto rico is part of america?
Obama thought there were at least 57 states and now he’s the president. So there you go.
“Obama thought there were at least 57 states and now he’s the president. So there you go. “
LOL
Everyone on this board needs to see Idiocracy, directed by Mike Judge.
I learned the states and capitals in fourth grade and the countries and capitals in fourth. I’m probably one of the only ones in my grade who remember it though…
Gateshead, that’s crazy — I don’t believe people said such things. Like you, I’ve always loved maps, so I don’t understand it.
But I know that many people here in America have no clue where anything is. Even my wife (despite having traveled to various countries, including Belarus) often is unsure about where particular US states are on the map, at least until recently, when we started going over maps with our kids.
I would guess that 90% of Americans have no idea that Belarus is a country. Jews are more likely to know it’s a country, since many have ancestors from there.
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