What about lack of basic geography? I mean people who can't locate the Pacific Ocean on a world map, think Europe is a country rather than a continent, don't realize that New England and New Mexico are part of the United States, etc. I'd like to blame it on the education system and say it's not their fault they aren't being taught these things. But on the other hand, if the teacher explained it while the student was busy texting friends and didn't listen, that isn't the system's fault.