Overheard a Republican in my local Subway today

[Caliman73]

8. The only thing that truly combats ignorance is exposure.

One of the reasons that people in rural areas (and I do not hold these beliefs necessarily) are considered "ignorant" is because they are typically not exposed to a diversity of views, of people, or of situations. Exposure in smaller and rural areas, or areas in suburbs that are segregated by choice or economic conditions can also face similar obstacles. There are limited amounts of radio and television services that would offer a broad range of view points. Communities are typically small and cohesive in thought and attitude, and simply, people often self select around whom they want to associate.

When those factors exist and there are social pressure to maintain those type of "small" communities, you are going to find very rigid ideas and not a lot of debate or discussion.