As an outsider (Canadian) I’ve often wondered about the propensity for wilful ignorance, proudly worn. We have this here, of course, but more subtle.
What surprised me, however, was a conversation I once had with a gentleman from Texas, an academic and successful businessman. The conversation took place just after Obama’s election as President and I casually remarked how Texas must be happy to have their native son (Bush) back home.
Then he let loose with a speech for the ages. In summary, God would be beyond blessed to someday be able to kiss the feet of the (then-greatest) President EVER!
If everyone in the world thought the way they do in Texas, what a Utopian existence we would all experience.
He was serious, and I was squirming to keep silent.