Were you taught in school that the numbers we use are Arabic numerals?

A recent poll by CivicScience has revealed a big misconception that might highlight a significant gap in American educational awareness. The poll asked 3,624 respondents whether “Arabic numerals” should be taught in schools, revealing that 56% of participants opposed their inclusion in the curriculum. Ironically, these are the very numerals (0-9) used universally in daily life and critical for basic literacy in mathematics.

The survey didn’t provide an explanation of what “Arabic numerals” meant, a move that CivicScience CEO, John Dick, said was employed to “tease out prejudice among those who didn’t understand the question.” fox10phoenix Poll: 56 percent of Americans don’t want Arabic numerals taught in schools

The irony of the situation cannot be overstated. The term “Arabic numerals” refers to the number system that is foundational to modern mathematics and commerce globally, developed originally in India and brought to Europe through Middle Eastern mathematicians. The poll’s results are indicative of a broader issue: a shockingly profound lack of understanding our numbers we use daily and a potential prejudice that skews perception.

This ignorance unsurprisingly leans heavily in one area of the political spectrum. However, while 72% of Republican respondents opposed the teaching of Arabic numerals, a significant 40% of Democrats also expressed the same sentiment. This high percentage among Democrats challenges the stereotype that such views are exclusive to conservative or right-wing voters, pointing a variety of possible factors and raising more questions.

The realization that something as fundamental as the number system might not be commonly recognized as “Arabic numerals” brings to light questions about what is being taught—or omitted—in schools or what is or should be common knowledge. In the discussion this week, one of the co-hosts recalled being explicitly taught about Arabic numerals, while the other does not remember such lessons in school. How about you? Were you taught in school that the numbers we use are Arabic numerals?
 

Watch the full conversation from the recent episode of Nuance.

Nuance with Mike Scala and Jay Carter is a weekly video podcast that engages its audience through examination of current events from the unique perspectives of its hosts and guests.

Additional:

• Most Americans Don’t Know What Arabic Numerals Are
• Poll: 56 percent of Americans don’t want Arabic numerals taught in schools