Why are We so Illiterate in Mathematics?

          U.S. Citizens aren't very savvy mathematically. We think we are the most intelligent, intellectual human beings that have ever existed, but in reality-we are not.  Americans tend to exaggerate over just about anything and everything, and as an American, I know for a fact that one feels satisfied when people believe your stories.
          In daily life, math is everywhere, as Ms. Mariner's blog states so.  One may be acing their math class at school or be extraordinarily smart, but when we try connecting math to the real world, things tend to get out of proportion. In Ms. Mariner's blog, she talks about how in daily life we're always supposed to put in 110% effort (even though that's impossible). In "street terms", putting in all your effort signifies that you are working very hard and that needs to be rewarded, but instead of '110%', there needs to be another term to use that is correct. Americans like to throw out random percentages,proportions, mathematical terms, and numbers to make themselves feel smart- even if their statements are false. We may be smart in class, but  U.S citizens aren't the most street smart people because we take random shapes and facts from our math class and try relating them to the real world, even if one doesn't have anything in common with the other. 

     Ms. Mariner's blog "Jamm n' Peaches" is truly about how it is imperative to work hard and effectively in order to get impressive results.  Right off the bat, she assumed that just because in the past she had been unsuccessful with her plants, she would be this time too.  This is very similar in math class because if you previously have been struggling, you may think you're out of hope.  In her home, she has the privilege of seeing beautiful plants which is similar to the potential one has in math class.  The clippers are similar to the different approaches/techniques we will need to use in order to get good results, but if we don't utilize them correctly, we may not get the outcome (test grade) we were looking for. One needs to approach math class with a clear mind and and willingness to accept help from others. The message in "Jamm n' Peaches", is even if you may think you're working with no skills, there is always access to better yourself.
     Personally, I enjoy mathematics the majority of the time.  When I don't like it, are the times when I'm having a difficult time understanding the material, and in that case I tend to get frustrated. Math can either come very easy to me, but many times I have trouble grasping my head around the concept. I learn math best when the teacher is clear in explaining, and answers my questions in the most simple way possible. The most effective way that I learn is when the teacher does problems up on the board, and goes through everything step by step. Just as long as my questions are answered to the best of the teacher's ability I should be fine.