Are Americans Really So Ignorant and Repressive? (Want to Ban Bitcoin)

[ebliever]

From: http://www.coindesk.com/survey-people-know-least-bitcoin-want-ban/

After being told that bitcoin is “a new online digital currency that is not connected to any particular country’s currency system and is not controlled by any government”, 54% of Americans who had previously known nothing at all about bitcoin said that their government shouldn’t allow it to be used to purchase goods and services.

Living in America all my life, I've been aware of the pro-enslavement mentality of modern Americans (who will choose comfort and security over responsibility and freedom every time). But this sort of thing really drives it home. No one is forcing these people to use bitcoin, but they reflexively react to it by declaring that you and anyone else should not be allowed to use bitcoin either.  They are wanting to ban voluntary transactions between two other parties because they, in their ignorance, dislike it.

And people wonder why I won't say the Pledge of Allegiance. For a man living in America in 2014 who wants to be neither a slave nor a slave-owner, I can't help but feel like an outsider.

[serenitys]

Yep....sad, aint it.

I'm more seriously considering marrying a Canadian every day if it'll get me the hell out of here faster 

[thddx]

It's silly, but I can't say I'm surprised.  If your only knowledge of bitcoin was what you read in the headlines, you might be quick to hop on the "ban" bandwagon as well.  It will take some time for the majority of the populace to decouple the technology from its negative associations over the past few months.

[whtchocla7e]

What does a choice currency have to do with freedom?


Survival is first priority. Everything else comes after.

If fiat money gives me access to food and water, it's fiat money for me. If Bitcoin gives me access to food and water, I'll consider which one gives me access to more food and water.

I'm a free man but only as long as I'm alive.

You may not see yourself as a slave of the government but are you a slave of money? What are you a slave of?

[NorbyTheGeek]

I think humans in general (not just Americans) are quick to fear that which they do not understand.  It's a defense mechanism.

But the media surely plays a part.  If the only time you heard the word "Bitcoin" was in conjunction with "Silk Road", you'd probably think negatively as well.  (Unless you were a fan of Silk Road products...)

[seriouscoin]

What does a choice currency have to do with freedom?


Survival is first priority. Everything else comes after.

If fiat money gives me access to food and water, it's fiat money for me. If Bitcoin gives me access to food and water, I'll consider which one gives me access to more food and water.

I'm a free man but only as long as I'm alive.

You may not see yourself as a slave of the government but are you a slave of money? What are you a slave of?

Reading thro your post history, wow you're a fcking hater arent you?

a typical grape sour.....

[seriouscoin]

I think humans in general (not just Americans) are quick to fear that which they do not understand.  It's a defense mechanism.

But the media surely plays a part.  If the only time you heard the word "Bitcoin" was in conjunction with "Silk Road", you'd probably think negatively as well.  (Unless you were a fan of Silk Road products...)

It has nothing to do with defense mechanism. Its about 95% of population has avg IQ or below.

[whtchocla7e]

What does a choice currency have to do with freedom?


Survival is first priority. Everything else comes after.

If fiat money gives me access to food and water, it's fiat money for me. If Bitcoin gives me access to food and water, I'll consider which one gives me access to more food and water.

I'm a free man but only as long as I'm alive.

You may not see yourself as a slave of the government but are you a slave of money? What are you a slave of?

Reading thro your post history, wow you're a fcking hater arent you?

a typical grape sour.....

A hater of ignorant fools like you - yeah.

[dissident]

most americans are fairly airheaded but it can't be helped... that's the way they are taught to be by the culture... from what I've seen most americans care and talk about the following... their own drinking stories, sexual conquests, and personal lives, or the drinking stories, sexual conquests, or personal lives of those around them.

Try to bring up discussion about history, politics, science, or anything of substance, and their eyes gloss over.  I'm not very talkative because I'm around people and that's all they know how to talk about is their past bar stories which do not interest me. Same old, same old.

Don't get me wrong I find them to be well adjusted, nice enough people, just a bit on the shallow side.  I think this is more a human nature thing though.. humans are attracted to what makes them 'feel' and not necessarily what makes them 'think' ... people love to tell stories and gossip about one another.

[jrossIV]

What does a choice currency have to do with freedom?


Survival is first priority. Everything else comes after.

If fiat money gives me access to food and water, it's fiat money for me. If Bitcoin gives me access to food and water, I'll consider which one gives me access to more food and water.

I'm a free man but only as long as I'm alive.

You may not see yourself as a slave of the government but are you a slave of money? What are you a slave of?

You are a slave to the things needed to keep you alive, yes.

The OP was a well written post IMO.  His was a comment on the kneejerk reaction of many who do not understand something. They wish to ban/remove it and it simplifies the world for them.  The internet is a spooky place.  It opens up a whole range of possibilities of which people vaguely aware. 

The saddest part is not that these people exist, but that they are pandered to by our elected representatives.

Don't think other cultures are much different.  It is a human thing.

[Joshuar]

I think humans in general (not just Americans) are quick to fear that which they do not understand.  It's a defense mechanism.

But the media surely plays a part.  If the only time you heard the word "Bitcoin" was in conjunction with "Silk Road", you'd probably think negatively as well.  (Unless you were a fan of Silk Road products...)

Very true, the media influences a lot of decisions people make, as well as having a natural desire to fear the unknown.

[leopard2]

And 90% are probably against the legalization of crumple horned snorkaks, especially those in nursery homes

[Bit_Happy]

This is the type of BS poll you would expect from the NY Times or other Big media.
Why is it coming from "Reason" an alleged friend of freedom?

[RodeoX]

Protip: You can safely ignore the stupid.
People who don't know shit rarely do anything to cause change.

[av123]

Protip: You can safely ignore the stupid.
People who don't know shit rarely do anything to cause change.

I agree. However, if too many "stupids" raise their voices in unison, that could create a problem.

[CurbsideProphet]

From: http://www.coindesk.com/survey-people-know-least-bitcoin-want-ban/

After being told that bitcoin is “a new online digital currency that is not connected to any particular country’s currency system and is not controlled by any government”, 54% of Americans who had previously known nothing at all about bitcoin said that their government shouldn’t allow it to be used to purchase goods and services.

Living in America all my life, I've been aware of the pro-enslavement mentality of modern Americans (who will choose comfort and security over responsibility and freedom every time). But this sort of thing really drives it home. No one is forcing these people to use bitcoin, but they reflexively react to it by declaring that you and anyone else should not be allowed to use bitcoin either.  They are wanting to ban voluntary transactions between two other parties because they, in their ignorance, dislike it.

And people wonder why I won't say the Pledge of Allegiance. For a man living in America in 2014 who wants to be neither a slave nor a slave-owner, I can't help but feel like an outsider.

Vs what percentage from other countries?  Until you have that data, this is mostly meaningless.  Also, these people know nothing about Bitcoin by their own admission, the fact that 46% are even willing to consider it for purchases is promising to me.  100% adoption/acceptance doesn't happen overnight.

[Lethn]

Of the 1,000 Americans surveyed

This survey is a load of bullshit, stop panicking and learn about percentages, it's 54% out of 1,000 people that they picked off the street or more than likely specifically picked because they knew what kind of backgrounds and attitudes they had towards Bitcoin, American media in particular are usually the ones who use these kind of tactics the most.

[BittBurger]

Are Americans ignorant?

I'd say we top the charts.

-B-

[Lauda]

Protip: You can safely ignore the stupid.
People who don't know shit rarely do anything to cause change.

Well said. There would be no change ever if there wasn't that small percentage of people who think differently.

[Mike Christ]

We're going to democracy our way into oblivion at this rate.