Graphic By: Andrea Hsu
In order to improve our global awareness, we as a nation must prioritize developing a well-informed worldview. America is a powerful country with a huge impact on the rest of the world, which emphasizes the need to be aware of what is happening outside our borders.
Major events are taking place around the world. In Europe, Germany’s far-right party recently won the presidential election for the first time in decades. By contrast, the United Kingdom is shifting to a more liberal political approach after years of conservative leadership. Niger is dealing with a human rights crisis in the aftermath of a recent coup. Thailand is adjusting to a new government after a chaotic election last year. While each of these current events can have significant and widespread impacts, the average American stays uninformed.
Although many Americans lack awareness of international topics, most are curious to learn more, according to a recent study. The 2019 survey by National Geographic and Council on Foreign Relations found that 70% of more than two thousand U.S. adults believe that global problems affect their lives. However, only 6% of those surveyed scored 80% or higher on the international knowledge test included in the survey.
A 2022 Pew Research study found that Americans who have completed higher levels of education are, on average, more informed about international affairs than those who have not. Additionally, adults aged 65 or older tend to have a better understanding of global affairs than younger Americans do. This indicates a correlation between education and international knowledge as well as a decline in global understanding among
younger generations of Americans.
Roosevelt High School Student Gretchen Harder ’27 believes part of the problem is that America’s priorities are not aligned with those of the rest of the world. Harder said, “I think that our politics in America are just very prioritized…we definitely put a bubble around ourselves.”
Roosevelt High School History Teacher Kristi Barnes says one of the reasons for the lack of awareness is that some people feel that, “what’s more relevant is their own job, their own family, their own lives.” To keep up with world news, Barnes has made it a habit to regularly read the newspaper and listen to informative podcasts. “It’s easy for me because I prioritize it,” she said.
Although it may seem unnecessary to stay updated on foreign affairs when you have little influence over them, it is important to build this habit early in order to grow into an educated and informed adult.
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