this post was submitted on 29 May 2025
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Donald Trump seemingly had a meltdown during a press briefing at the White House on Wednesday after a "nasty" reporter asked whether he was familiar with Wall Street analysts' new term, "TACO trade," an acronym suggesting "Trump always chickens out" under tariff threats.

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[–] neukenindekeuken@sh.itjust.works 17 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Think of how absolutely stupid the average person is, with average intelligence. Likely, they can barely read at a high school level in most cases and can barely make good decisions about, well, anything, especially things outside their limited area of expertise/influence.

Now, we need to realize that half the people in the US are dumber than that.

[–] Nythos@sh.itjust.works 15 points 2 days ago (2 children)

I have a job working with the public and I know I’m thick as shit but some people I serve I truly do wonder how some of them even tie their shoes in the morning.

Yup, it's truly horrifying some days.

[–] melisdrawing@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 2 days ago

Same same. They walk out the door and I honestly wonder if they will make it home.

[–] Clent@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

More than half of Americans read at a middle school grade level or lower. Around a half of those are at a elementary school level.

Just over 10% read at a level 11th grade or higher level. Which is shocking given that over half of Americans have some level of college education. Americans are educated but not well educate.

It's common to blame the education system but given how wide spread the problem it is far more likely it is a cultural failure and most Americans lack the qualifications to evaluate this issue (or any issue) but flap their jaws about it anyway.

[–] AHemlocksLie@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I don't think it's cultural. I think it's republicans repeatedly targeting education for decades. I mean have you ever been in a teachers' subreddit or community? Modern American education is a fucking dumpster fire.

Remember Trump's "I love the uneducated"? It's not because he's friendly, it's because they're more manipulable.

These are far worse stats than I had expected haha, appreciate the context; and agreed that it's a multiple of variables, not just education. Cultural issues are a real problem, especially in the more entrenched southern states/towns.