Watch More Laverne & Shirley

It seems to me that our geographical knowledge is diminishing with each successive generation.

I was fortunate to have a good geography teacher. And I have a rather unique interest in maps and knowing where places are. I realize that I am the exception to the rule, not the norm.

While checking out at Target the other day, I overheard a conversation between a worker and the person checking me out:

"He went to Milwaukee."

"Where is that?"

"I don't know."

One of them finally had the epiphany that it might be in Wisconsin. They asked me if that were true; and I nodded in agreement.

I was glad they finally discovered the state Milwaukee is found in. But I was more sad than glad that neither of them could recall it immediately.

These two workers were both college-aged. And I am certain they have both been in geography courses and have been around the world long enough to have heard about Milwaukee on a number of occasions. I knew where Milwaukee was by the age of probably four of five, thanks to Laverne & Shirley. All you have to do is watch the opening credits; and you're given this golden nugget of information. I'm guessing reruns of the show were not as prevalent in their childhood as in mine. But still, "Where is Milwaukee?" . . . Really?

It just seems sad to me. Not morally sad or anything like that. It's not a huge travesty that young people cannot locate towns, in America, much less the world. I just find it sad, or maybe the better word is unfortunate, that young Americans have such an unawareness. It's not just this example. I have seen this pattern time and again over the last ten to fifteen years. High school geography classes seem to be letting kids slip through without hardly any retention at all.

Like I said, I realize that I probably know where towns are located much more so than most people. I enjoy looking at maps, enjoying knowing where places are, am interesting in finding stuff like this out. I know this is not exactly normal. Maps scare most people. I love maps.

But still . . . Really?