posted on August 6, 2002 07:36:59 AM new
The World Almanac for Kids asked over 1600 children ages 6 to 14- "Who is the most important person in the world?"- the top 10 are:
1. President Bush
2. Mom
3. Dad
4. Osama bin Laden
5. Teacher
6. God
7. U.S. military
8. Firefighters
9. Pope
10. Police
posted on August 7, 2002 01:02:54 PM new
The way the question was worded(as opposed to 'important to you') would cause such a response from many kids. Also when they get to that age and are understanding of what it means to be President, the response is reasonable. The positions of God and bin Laden are interesting.
posted on August 7, 2002 01:16:34 PM new
Hi zoomin!
That's what I was thinking stusi. It might not be a reflection of themselves but more of a reflection of what they hear talked about (ie - Osama). I agree with them, but not in the same order of course.
posted on August 8, 2002 08:59:24 AM new
Hi Krafty
hey stusi, I agree with you regarding the presentation of the question. Questions I ask my kids get so twisted around sometimes that the answers are practically in a different language!
Last night:
Put on your pj's, wash up, brush your teeth, and go to bed.
child #1, done. child #2, no response.
Why aren't you getting ready for bed?
answer:
I don't know how to do all of that at the same time.
(while still watching cartoons)
ennyhoo...
why do you think Grandma & Grandpa missed the list?
...just curious...
posted on August 10, 2002 01:01:34 AM new
I think the answers were right for the question. But, if the question was who is the most important person in "your" life of course the answers would be different. I sure hope grandma would make that list.
posted on August 10, 2002 06:06:54 AM new
I remember the World Almanac when my kids were little. My kids loved it.
It is called World Almanac though. I wonder how many of those 1600 kids were from around the world (World Almanac!) or just the U.S?
I am sure African children wouldn't have listed the Pope, though Italian children might. I am sure most children from other countries wouldn't have given Bush a thought, much less number one! They wouldn't have listed the U.S. Military.
Maybe they should call it The United States Almanac for kids if they did survey only one country.
