Essay On Illiteracy In America

It is an impairment nearly as old as time: illiteracy. The issue of illiteracy in America has taken many forms from the year 1776 to present. According to the U.S. Bureau of Census and the Historical Statistics of the United States, twenty percent of the population during the colonial era were illiterate, but could still function adequately in society (National Assessment of Adult Literacy). Society then prioritized being able to work and farm land then to knowing how to read a book. Today, however, the ability to read is nearly as important as the ability to breathe. The importance is evident of America’s basic learning principles: the 3 R’s, reading, writing, and arithmetic. Reading today is required in the most basic of functions. The detrimental effects of illiteracy in the modern era includes low incomes, issues with health, and the genetic passing of illiteracy to offspring.
All jobs require the use of reading. The steps to getting a job even requires reading, such as filling out an application or preparing a resume. Some blue collar jobs, such as factory work and construction, necessitate read in order to follow close instructions. Jobs that do not require literacy are scarce due to the fact that literacy is essential to complete the work needed and because most employers are simply unwilling to hire someone …show more content…
Since the ability to read is a necessary skill in all job fields, finding quality work is rare for illiterate individuals and they are often left with living below the poverty line. Illiterate persons are usually in ill health due to their inability to read how to properly care for themselves. Finally, children of illiterate parents are more likely to become illiterate as well because their parents may hold thoughts of school in nonchalant regards and encourage them to find work