Re: CHAT: Vexillology and games (was: Re: Flag of England)

Roger Mills wrote:

[speaking of who wants to be a millionaire

>         It would be interesting to see a European version, since the level
> of general education is supposed to be a bit higher there.  It is dismaying
> and depressing to witness the abysmal performance of some of the contestants
> in the US.
Well, that's the thing.  In America, we have a universal education system, where
everyone (within geographical restrictions based on state and school district guidelines)
takes approximately the same curriculum, whatever their ability level might be.
In most countries in Europe, at some age,  usually around 10 or 12,
you take a test to see if you can get into the college-bound Gymnasium (that's
the German name; other countries have different names for it).  Comparisons
between the US and many European education systems  have in the past been
between your average American Highschool (TM) and the Gymnasien -- which
is rather unfair.  A more proper comparison is between US honors students or
US magnate schools;  one study two years ago showed no statistical difference
when that was taken into account.  So, American highschools are egalitarian but
don't prepare those with less skill level for technical professions which might suit
them better;  European schools are elitist, effectively reenforcing class distinctions
preexistent in society, but do prepare all according to their ability in *something*.

As such, if you take a random person from America and one from Europe, I don't
think you're going to find it substantially easier or harder to find someone able to
answer the question:  neither will necessarily be prepared for that subject.

>  Never mind the most elementary facts about world history, geography, art
> etc. They _do_ know 1) TV shows of the last 30 years 2) pop music of the
> same period 3) (men only) sports.  I confess, those categories would do me
> in quickly.
I remember one question which went something like:  "The Carthaginian general
Hannibal  crossed the Alps with:  (a) horses (b) elephants (c) cattle (d) llamas."
I was stunned, and insulted, but that was *before* the contestant tried to answer "(d)".

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Tom Wier <artabanos@...>
ICQ#: 4315704   AIM: trwier
"Cogito ergo sum, sed credo ergo ero."
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