Aye, carumba! U.S. fails History
Aye, carumba! U.S. fails History
March 2, 2006
Americans apparently know more about "The Simpsons" than they do about the
First Amendment.
Only one in four Americans can name more than one of the five freedoms
guaranteed by the First Amendment. But more than half can name at least
two members of the cartoon family, according to a survey, The Associated
Press reports.
The study by Chicago's new McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that 22
percent of Americans could name all five Simpson family members, compared
with just one in 1,000 people who could name all five First Amendment
freedoms.
Joe Madeira, director of exhibitions at the museum, said he was surprised
by the results.
"Part of the survey really shows there are misconceptions, and part of our
mission is to clear up these misconceptions," said Madeira, whose museum
will be dedicated to helping visitors understand the First Amendment when
it opens in April. "It means we have our job cut out for us."
The survey found more people could name the three "American Idol" judges
than identify three First Amendment rights. They were also more likely to
remember advertising slogans.
It also showed that people misidentified First Amendment rights. About one
in five people thought the right to own a pet was protected, and 38
percent said they believed the right against self-incrimination contained
in the Fifth Amendment was a First Amendment right.
The telephone survey of 1,000 adults was conducted Jan. 20-22 by the
research firm Synovate and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3
percentage points.
Do you know your rights?
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the government for a redress of grievances. "
SOURCE: U.S. CONSTITUTION
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.
March 2, 2006
Americans apparently know more about "The Simpsons" than they do about the
First Amendment.
Only one in four Americans can name more than one of the five freedoms
guaranteed by the First Amendment. But more than half can name at least
two members of the cartoon family, according to a survey, The Associated
Press reports.
The study by Chicago's new McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that 22
percent of Americans could name all five Simpson family members, compared
with just one in 1,000 people who could name all five First Amendment
freedoms.
Joe Madeira, director of exhibitions at the museum, said he was surprised
by the results.
"Part of the survey really shows there are misconceptions, and part of our
mission is to clear up these misconceptions," said Madeira, whose museum
will be dedicated to helping visitors understand the First Amendment when
it opens in April. "It means we have our job cut out for us."
The survey found more people could name the three "American Idol" judges
than identify three First Amendment rights. They were also more likely to
remember advertising slogans.
It also showed that people misidentified First Amendment rights. About one
in five people thought the right to own a pet was protected, and 38
percent said they believed the right against self-incrimination contained
in the Fifth Amendment was a First Amendment right.
The telephone survey of 1,000 adults was conducted Jan. 20-22 by the
research firm Synovate and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3
percentage points.
Do you know your rights?
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the government for a redress of grievances. "
SOURCE: U.S. CONSTITUTION
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.