[wayner]

My over simplification:

1) Not all but many people tend to take the easy route instead of doing the hard thinking (see Tabs last paragraph)

2) Many people tend to only see what is immediately around them and assign meaning (even if they are only ever around just CNN or some internet forum or backyard BBQ discussion) - See motion's world travel posts for a good example of gaining a broader perspective instead.

3) Failure to test assumptions (willingness, or even awareness to).