Americans apparently know more about "The Simpsons" than they do about the First Amendment.
Only one in four Americans can name more than one of the five freedoms
guaranteed by the First Amendment (freedom of speech, religion, press,
assembly and petition for
redress of grievances.) But
more than half can name at least two members of the cartoon family,
according to a survey.
The study by the new McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that 22
percent of Americans could name all five Simpson family members, compared
with just one in 1,000 people who could name all five First Amendment
freedoms.
Joe Madeira, director of exhibitions at the museum, said he was
surprised by the results.
"Part of the survey really shows there are misconceptions, and part of
our mission is to clear up
these misconceptions," said Madeira, whose museum will be dedicated to
helping visitors understand the First Amendment when it opens in April.
The survey found more people could name the three "American Idol"
judges than identify three First Amendment rights.
It also showed that people misidentified First Amendment rights. About
one in five people thought the right to own a pet was protected, and 38
percent said they believed the right against self-incrimination contained
in the Fifth Amendment was a First Amendment right, the survey
found.
(Agencies)
