Introduction
In today’s world, where access to information is literally at our fingertips, it is baffling to see how so many people remain uninformed, especially in a country like the United States. This problem extends beyond personal ignorance; it has become a tool actively employed by American authorities to maintain control, leading to significant misunderstandings, miscommunication, and problems that affect not just the U.S. but the global community. The consequences of such systemic uninformedness are far-reaching, contributing to the deterioration of democracy, the erosion of justice, and the perpetuation of global issues that require urgent attention.
“Being uninformed isn’t just a personal failure; it’s a deliberate construct maintained by authorities to control the narrative and evade accountability.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
The Active Creation of an Uninformed Public
American authorities have been engaged in a subtle yet powerful campaign to keep the masses uninformed. Whether through deliberate misinformation, withholding crucial facts, or simplifying complex issues, the result is a populace that lacks awareness of critical issues both within and outside its borders. This situation benefits those in power, as it allows for the manipulation of public opinion, the dismissal of legitimate grievances, and the circumvention of accountability.
Education System: The Root of the Problem
The root of this issue can be traced back to the education system. According to a 2019 study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), American students ranked 13th in reading and 18th in science among 79 countries, despite the United States being one of the wealthiest nations on earth (OECD, 2019). This reality exposes a significant flaw in the American educational curriculum, which often prioritizes rote memorization over critical thinking and analysis. History, for instance, is taught with a narrow focus, often overlooking the complexities and nuances of world events. This educational approach results in generations of individuals who are unaware of global history, geopolitics, and their implications in contemporary society.
“The education system, media, and legal complexities in the U.S. aren’t designed to empower citizens; they’re designed to keep them in the dark about their rights and the truth.”
– Ewing Redmond Samuels III
Misinformation Through Media
Another contributing factor to the mass uninformed nature of American society is the media. In 2016, during the U.S. presidential election, the Pew Research Center found that nearly two-thirds of adults were getting their news from social media platforms, where sensationalism and misinformation often take precedence over factual reporting (Pew Research Center, 2016). Mainstream media outlets, driven by ratings and advertising revenue, frequently skew their coverage to fit narratives that serve particular interests, whether corporate or political. The result is a public discourse dominated by sound bites and emotional rhetoric rather than an informed debate based on facts.
The U.S. government also actively promotes its version of the ‘truth,’ often utilizing propaganda to shape public perception. During the Iraq War in 2003, the U.S. government claimed Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This narrative, widely disseminated by the media, led to widespread public support for the war. However, as the war progressed, it became evident that these claims were unfounded, yet the damage had already been done. This event is not an isolated case but rather a reflection of how the U.S. government engages in campaigns of misinformation to achieve political objectives, leaving the populace misinformed and unable to hold their leaders accountable.
Misinformation in the Legal System
The American legal system is also complicit in fostering an uninformed populace. Many laws and legal processes are obscured by complex language and procedures that make it nearly impossible for the average person to comprehend. In my own case, the court-appointed appellate attorney filed an Anders Brief—a tool that allows an attorney to withdraw from a case by claiming there is “no arguable error” in the proceedings. This practice effectively closes the door on appeals, even when clear violations of rights have occurred. How many people are aware of such legal mechanisms that can devastate lives? How often are these mechanisms discussed in public discourse?
In addition, American authorities deliberately create a maze of technicalities in laws and regulations that often serve to entrap rather than protect citizens. The Statute of Limitations, for example, is a tool designed to limit the time frame in which legal claims can be brought forward, often disregarding the merits of the case. The legal system, in many instances, refuses to address substantive issues and instead focuses on procedural technicalities, perpetuating a cycle of injustice that goes unnoticed by an uninformed public.
“The greatest power lies in knowledge. When authorities suppress information, they deny the public the power to demand change and seek justice.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
The Consequences of an Uninformed Populace
The effects of keeping a population uninformed are profound. People are unable to advocate for their rights, challenge injustices, or participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Furthermore, a misinformed society is more susceptible to manipulation by those in power, as they are unable to discern truth from falsehoods. This scenario leads to the proliferation of ideologies and policies that are detrimental not just domestically but internationally.
For example, the United States’ stance towards international law reflects a profound ignorance among its citizens about the global legal framework. The U.S. rejects the authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC) while expecting other countries to comply with it. Despite the fact that the U.S. engages in ‘observer‘ status, it refuses to ratify the Rome Statute, thereby shielding its own citizens from accountability for international crimes. Most Americans are unaware of this contradiction, as it is rarely discussed in public forums, allowing the U.S. to maintain a facade of global leadership while ignoring international norms.
Addressing the Issue: The Need for Information and Accountability
To address the problem of being uninformed, there must be a concerted effort to reform the education system, promote media literacy, and demand transparency from authorities. Citizens need to be equipped with the tools to critically evaluate information and understand the laws that govern them. Only through an informed populace can there be hope for meaningful change and the protection of fundamental rights.
In conclusion, the issue of being uninformed in the United States is not merely a matter of personal ignorance but a deliberate construct by authorities to control the narrative, obscure injustices, and maintain power. By highlighting the specifics, facts, and evidence of how American authorities contribute to this phenomenon, we reveal the deep-seated issues within the system. It is high time for individuals to seek out the truth, challenge the status quo, and advocate for a society that values knowledge, transparency, and justice.
Sources:
- OECD. (2019). PISA 2018 Results. Link
- Pew Research Center. (2016). News Use Across Social Media Platforms. Link
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
