Evolution less accepted in US than other Western countries: study

[sixmile]

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21329204.html

'This chart depicts the public acceptance of evolution theory in 34 countries in 2005. Adults were asked to respond to the statement: "Human beings, as we know them, developed from earlier species of animals." The percentage of respondents who believed this to be true is marked in blue; those who believed it to be false, in red; and those who were not sure, in yellow.

A study of several such surveys taken since 1985 has found that the United States ranks next to last in acceptance of evolution theory among nations polled. Researchers point out that the number of Americans who are uncertain about the theory's validity has increased over the past 20 years.'

From National Geographic

[applegrove]

1. Wow. Just Wow!

[crimsonblue]

2. The main problem with evolution..

is that it is called a theory. In science, a theory means a demonstrable hypothesis supported by overwhelming evidence. A theory is about as close to being 'fact' as you can get in science ('dogma' is very rarely attributed to an idea). In mainstream society, 'theory' implies doubt. Many people believe that evolution is just a guess, and that there is no evidence to back it up. I challenge anybody in this world to take an evolutionary biology class and deny that evolution exists. It is the basis for much of modern medicine, and microevolution is so undeniable as to be dogma.

[tridim]

4. Yep, it's a fact that fruit flies evolve.

It can be demonstrated in very few generations.

That's why I don't even bother reading polls like this. They're the very definition of pointless.

[Turbineguy]

3. Fundies are trying hard

to increase ignorance elsewhere too.

[DCKit]

5. An ignorant and uneducated population is easier to control.

Whether it's the Taliban, the TaliBaptists, or any other fascist wannabe group or organization, the formula is always the same - and they always start by banning the education of girls and disempowering women, either twisting a perfectly fine religion or rallying nationalism to justify their acts.

Remember about a decade ago when the TaliBaptists created so much outrage when they went public with the statement about how women should submit to their husbands in all things? The ongoing attacks on girls and girls' schools in Afghanistan? The U.S. of Terra! Terra! Terra! from 2001-2009? No Child Left Behind? It's all the same game.

[Kievan Rus]

6. This is not a shock at all

The fundies have tried their hardest to block teaching of evolution. Fortunately, ignorance can only hold out for so long.

[GoesTo11]

7. Maybe it works better over there

At least that's what some amoeba told me.

[etherealtruth]

8. Embarrassing, but not surprising :(

[Incitatus]

9. It would be interesting to see where these countries rank in education.

[chollybocker]

10. Why are Canada and Mexico not listed on this chart?

Or any of the Americas?

That would be interesting....