Illiteracy surrounds each of us everyday. From the people we pass walking on the street who may not be able to read the street sign, to those we pass who may have little knowledge beyond the basic required facts. We may not realize how many people are truly illiterate in our country until someone conducts and researchs studies of people to truly grasp the vast number of people illiteracy is directly affecting.
Illiteracy goes beyond one’s ability to read and write to encompass different types of illiteracy, such as civic illiteracy. As the article “What’s past is prologue, so read up” states, Americans have become illiterate to their own country’s past. Knowledge which many of people consider basic is difficult for people to answer according to studies by columnist Cal Thomas. The questions regarding the history of our country were formatted and based on a literacy test which many people struggled with: “For the third straight year, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute has found that a large number of Americans cannot pass a basic 33-question civic literacy test on their country’s history and institutions”. Just as being a literate citizen is crucial in our society, it is important for Americans to know and understand the history of their country. This knowledge constitutes a large part of being literate; having knowledge about events and people which were crucial and important in society and history.
Many citizens clearly do not realize the importance or significance of being able to pass a basic literacy test. The information should be familiar to every graduate of K-12 considering it is all material which was covered in one’s basic curriculum. Just as literacy is considered essential and important to many citizens, knowing ones history is tied closely with it: “The survey found that up to three-fourths of Americans believe teaching America’s heritage is fundamental to a good education and to producing good citizens. So why is it not being done?” Many people choose to leave problems and issues such as illiteracy in the hands of others and hope it will progressively improve in time, but everyone knows it cannot with the encouragment and support of literate citizens striving for a change. According to the article TV has a negative influence on one’s learning of basic facts and basic knowledge. One therefore spends too much time focused on the media and not on important knowledge crucial to being an informed citizen.
While illiteracy in which one cannot read or write is namely more important than civic illiteracy, it is still an important issue. Students in K-12 need to be able to read and write as well as be well informed about history and events relevant to the country. It is important to stress to students the importance of them having this knowledge when outside influences such as the television and media have such a large impact on their lives and how much time one spends focused on homework or other studies.
Illiteracy is not an issue that is going to go away, there will continue to be citizens which struggle or fail to read and write, or obtain/know certain important knowledge. It is interesting and important to note the different types of illiteracy present in our country, and how many people choose to continue living their lives illiterate to certain information (such as civic illiteracy). While some may not see the significance of such knowledge, it is crucial for future and present educators to stress to their students that illiteracy is an issue at all levels and types which needs to be changed.
“What’s past is prologue, so read up”
Cal Thomas
November 23, 2008
