Books, for me, provide an escape into another world. They are the source of my imagination, my knowledge and most of my opinions. I read on holiday, in the bath, on my lunch, with my breakfast; any chance I get really. Therefore it shocks me the level of illiteracy that still exists in our day and age.
Around 16% of the adult population in England can be described as “functionally illiterate”. This means that their literacy level is below that expected of an 11-year-old and they would struggle with unfamiliar texts or sources. This is a huge disadvantage in any walk of life. It restricts the ability to fill in official forms, apply for jobs, help children with homework or start new jobs with unfamiliar sources of text. This leads these individuals to be left in often poorly paid, low sector work with little opportunity for advancement and social mobility.
A second result of this is the inability to read some sources of information is an uneducated populace about social and political issues that affect them. Unable to engage with information in a written form restricts sources of information that an individual can use to form opinions on issues that may affect them. It also restricts their ability to fight back against any injustice against them. Literacy is a main skill in life that everyone needs; without it we are crippled from engaging in society fully.
The third impact of illiteracy is the inability to enjoy reading a book. This may seem trivial but for someone like me this is such a huge part of my identity. Many of my opinions are formed through my recreational reading as well as it nurturing what little imagination I have. Fiction can impart ideas and concepts that are relevant to everyday life; whether it be about political, romantic or social life. The inability to enjoy a book restricts sources of opinions, making an individual’s world smaller and more at the whim of whatever television show is popular.
Charities and programmes exist to try and address this issue but with any problem the taboo around it must be addressed first. Adults need to feel comfortable to ask for the help they need and this can only be done by acknowledging that this is still a wide-spread issue making these individuals realise they are not alone nor are they stupid. Once this has been done and illiteracy levels are increased it will open a new world for some and increase social and political engagement for many.
Thoughts of a Millennial 