One recent public-opinion poll asked Americans their thoughts on different periods of European history. Most Americans probably know little about events that took place in their own country 10 years ago, but they nevertheless expressed to YouGov fairly strong opinions about Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and Late Antiquity.
I still found it reassuring that the majority holds a "very or somewhat favorable" view toward the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. However, 17 percent were favorably disposed toward the Dark Ages. Even funnier, 9 percent held the Black Plague in high esteem, with 32 percent positively inclined toward the Crusades—small, but not insignificant numbers. Such people live among us, although maybe they just have a great sense of humor.
Such polls confirm one of my favorite maxims: "Whoever sets the agenda wins." Basically, if I start a public debate about whether to launch nuclear strikes against Myanmar or start electing house cats to state legislatures, some percentage of the public will support it. Once an idea is placed on the agenda, it gets legs—no matter how absurd. A more thoughtful expression of this is called the Overton Window.
