…you should make sure you know what you’re talking about.
Yes, if you are a smart person, it’s important to remember to withhold comment on topics if it is something that you know nothing about. It’s better to not comment than to comment and let everybody know that you are truly a fool.
So many people offer their opinion or comment on things without having any idea on the topic. Think of all of the things on TV. Jay Leno has a segment called “Jay Walking” in which he shows videos of Americans commenting on topics which they obviously know nothing about. Of course, the people come across as fools, and rightly so.
Have a look at this video. I don’t know the origin of the video, but it appears to be a British TV station.
So, are Americans a bunch of fools? No, I don’t think they (we) are, but I do think that a lot of Americans like to talk, and often about things of which they know nothing. No wonder we have a reputation of being stupid.
So, remember, if you are smart, keep your mouth shut, unless you really know about the topic being discussed!
In response to the core topic: TAMAAAAA
Thats sad. But I know if out on the spot I would fail that test too. HAHA! Its funny, but I would like to see what would happen if they took similar questions to people on the street in the UK. Or anywhere for that matter. Great Article though Bob. I was not going to answer but I don't see myself as all that smart………
Hi Darin – I am sorry, I overlooked your comment until just now! Don't know how I did that!
You are right, probably if they asked people in any country the response may be quite similar. The USA does get kind of a bad rap for people being a bit… well… stupid!
Thanks for your comment Darin, and again, I apologize for overlooking this comment earlier.
hmm?? Not sure I get it, Jonathan. Tama, as in the Tagalog word?
Yes sir. Well, alot of Filipino teenagers say "tamaaaaa" based on the catchphrase expression of one of those celebs. Recently more say "tomaaaahh" cause one celeb says it weird.
OK.. maybe it's a young people thing. I don't speak Tagalog, so I don't know for sure, but I believe tama means "finished" or something like that. I don't really understand how it fits in to the article, but I suspect that is because of my ignorance of the language.
I think it's more Filipino rather, since Bisayans say it too. haha. It means "That's right!" . I noticed its more nationalized that "estoriyaheeee" which seems to be more concentrated here in Mindanao. I remember my English teacher made mention of this. hahaha…
Hi Bob, "tama" can be used 2 ways. One means to desist (tama na). The other to indicate in agreement "tama ka nga and to meani "hit" (natama talaga")". From memory, I don't think Cebuano/Visayan use the word "Tama" to indicate the same meaning as the tagalog. It's all how it is said in context.
Hi Jonahtan – Pilipino and Tagalog are basically the same thing. Believe me, "tama" is not used in Cebuano/Bisaya. Yes, Bisayans can use it.. because they can speak Tagalog as well.
Thanks, Christine…
You are welcome Bob. And yes, when Cebuano/Visayans speak it, they are not speaking it as a Visayan?Cebuano language, but rather they are mixing Cebuano and Tagalog, or just speaking in Tagalog, which can happen also, especially if the speaker is more comfortable talking in Tagalog. And that was a funny clip, Bob. Yes indeed, if you don't know the answer keep the mouth shut
Hi Christine – Indeed. Just because somebody who speaks Ceubano says a word, it doesn't mean that word is Ceubano too! Ha ha… I have been studying the language for 4 years, and I know that "tama" is not Cebuano! Ha ha…. I'm glad I had you here to back me up! Indeed, that video is really funny, I enjoyed it.
You're welcome Bob
I can't speak Cebuano but I can understand it and get by with short phrases. So I usually mix Tagalog and Cebuano to brush up my Visayan. This is certainly enough to confuse those who are just beginning to learn. My brother speaks straight Cebuano. One time I was at my Dentist in Cebu and bro and I were discussing something. The Dentist asked why we managed to understood each other because every time bro says something, I answer in Tagalog. We explained that we can understand both. 
I once read a statement that goes like this: "The average American always thinks he is average." I think that was funny.
Hi Christine – I thought that you could speak Cebuano! Ha ha.. Taga Cebu ka, di ba? Ha ha… For me, I can speak English or Cebuano… I know a few Tagalog words, but am not really interested in learning the language, though.
Ha ha.. that's a classic, Carlos!
I can speak basic Cebuano Bob, like short phrases. But I can't engage in conversation with it. Can you yet? And yes, taga_Cebu jud ko, real native
But that is why one must never generalize. Just because one was born in Cebu does not mean he/she can speak the language. Depends where one is raised. And no, I would not advise you learning Tagalog. It will confuse you to no end. I can't see the point unless you are intending to move to Manila, at which point I might have to give you a free Psychiatric evaluation 
Ha ha.. yeah, I can engage in straight Ceubano dialog Christine! Yeah, there's some words I don't know, but I know enough that I can always figure out the words that I don't know!
Bob, another super advice. In the office when a co workers talks about something I have no knowledge about, I'd refrain from saying anything .. but sometimes also, even if I know, I keep quiet too… unless of course my opinion is asked.
Hi Sugar! Thanks for your comment… I agree with you, better to keep quiet if you don't know about the topic! If you do know, why not join in the discussion?