Samantha Henig makes some interesting comments in her recent article, "
Annual Mind-Set List, Despite Exaggerations, Illustrates How New Freshmen View the World." I'd like to discuss the notion that "many of the list's 75 entries are arguably misleading, groundless, or downright false," taking into consideration several of the examples she provides.
First, the Google example. If the verb form of "Google" didn't appear till around 2000 or so, wouldn't we expect those who were age 12 or so to not necessarily know that it wasn't a verb beforehand? Just how English and grammar-savvy to we expect these students to be? Most of them probably didn't start using Google till they were about 10-12 -- before that, wouldn't you expect them to be spending most of their time online at kids' sites and other limited-access areas?
Second, the example of only two presidents. I'm 24 and I can only remember back to the year that Bill Clinton was first elected. Sure, I can recall George, Sr. -- but before then, that's fairly hazy. Does anyone expect me to remember who was president when I was 10? George W. and Clinton are probably the only two presidents they can recall as well as associate themselves with - in their mindset, who knows or cares before that?
Nex, the CNN-Bernard Shaw case. OK, name me a 12 year old who watches CNN (with interest). Of course they're going to be mistaken about Bernard Shaw! I was actively engaged in news and events when I was in junior and senior high school, but I never turned the channel over to CNN - I watched the local news.
And now, the coffee vs. the milkshake. This really depends on how the question was worded. If in fact it asked how long it takes to prepare a milkshake vs. a coffee, then I'd think milkshake would win (and believe me, I drink my coffee). Why? Well you have to brew coffee first! Now, if you're simply pouring a cup of coffee, then of course it doesn't take long at all - because the coffee has already been made. And as far as terminology goes... not everyone refers to mochas and lattes in only that fancy matter. How many times do you ask someone, "want to go get coffee?" And how many times do you end up ordering just a regular brewed (or drip, or cup of joe, or ...) cup of coffee?
Lastly, the bad airline food. We need to know how often any of these respondents actually flew on an airplane. I didn't step food on one (that I can remember) till I was a junior in high school... and I was lucky to get airplane food then. I have never had airline food since... and I've flown alot. Sure, there are those exceptions out there who have been fortunate enough to fly at a really young age... but in this case, more precise data is needed before we can start making conclusions.
In the end, this survey has face value, however I'm not suggesting that major or critical decisions should be based off of it. I do see it as a substantial tool, though, to begin exploring our culture and the generation gaps that exist. It would most certainly make an excellent starting document to generate discussion in freshmen orientation classes, introductory sociology classes, and I'm sure it has other applications as well.
