Certainly thought-provoking, from The Economist. This chart begs for explanations. I wonder whether the data was observed or subject-reported. In my own case I would not take the time to self-report, as it would cut into my own leisure time.
Teddy Bear Optional
And for the record, leisure time should definitely be an equal opportunity pursuit. More to come, as this is a topic close to my heart and I lay claim to professional status in the area of leisure time.
Not A Mystery 
For the sake of my own sanity, I’m just going to assume that there was more to the story than just this chart. What was the starting point, i.e., how many minutes of leisure did women have in each respective country? Did they have ten minutes or two hours? The story makes no sense without this information.
And this brings me to my point: most individuals within the news media are morons (Webster: a person who is notably stupid or lacking in good judgment). Every time I’ve seen a news report on something I have had direct knowledge of, the news media has gotten it wrong in a significant manner. Then there is the issue of reporting on anything relating in anyway to math, science or economics. They often have no basis of understanding [of these issues] because they barely got through basic math and science in school. But that never seems to stop them from their story.
So is the news media directing or reflecting society? Are the vast majority of Americans so ignorant they no longer even see what is going on?
…..But other than that…nice little story. I think I’ll just put my hat on backwards, sit on the couch and watch the game.
SAl
Posted by Sand Pounders Union | May 22, 2009, 4:12 pmSal, I had a premonition this might wind you up a bit. Don’t worry, I am on this one (for you), tracking down the original OECD survey that provided the actual data.
Posted by Bob Gelber | May 22, 2009, 4:18 pmQuiet please, I’m watching the game.
Posted by Sand Pounders Union | May 22, 2009, 4:39 pmYou are going to be in BIG trouble for that RL comment!
L
Posted by Leslie Gelber | May 25, 2009, 1:11 pm