Krugman: new study shows Americans think income is much more equal here than in Europe. The opposite

[bklyncowgirl]

14. My guess is that America is Type C or B but is evolving toward a Type A society

We are not or never have been type D.

As for why Americans are so ignorant about the facts in Western Europe I'd point out two things.

1. Physical distance, it costs a great deal of money to go to Europe and therefore most Americans will never actually go there. If they do go there, it is usually on tours where they will have little contact with actual Europeans aside from tour guides. Tour guides concentrate on dead Europeans--not the living. They know their audience--leave the politics behind. The few who actually get an in depth experience usually lose their faith in American exceptionalism rather quickly.

2. Americans are quite proud and stubborn and even if they know that things are better elsewhere they will often double down on defending why our way is better than theirs. "Why do they all want to come over here then?" Is a common response.

3. The American media does not give a true picture of what life is like in other countries. Fair enough. The media is in the business of selling entertainment. The fewer Americans offended the better.

I am really concerned about the future of my country. We seem to be stuck on stupid which is a very bad place to be.