Blog 2: Jeanna White

“Each formulation of an answer to the question ‘What is literacy?’ leads to a different evaluation of the scope of the problem (i.e., the extent of illiteracy) and to different objectives for programs aimed at the formation of a literate citizenry.”

There are some that would lament the seemingly declining state of literacy amongst the youth of today.  But where is the evidence and hard facts to support this theory?  One would be hard-pressed to find anything that could stand up in an argument because the outlets for expressing oneself today are far more varied compared to, say, 50 years ago.  While we still have the option to write letters and publish articles and books, most of us choose to utilize the easier and faster outlet of posting our ideas via the internet.  Not only is it free but you have the ability to instantly reach a wider audience.  This new technology has allowed us to break down the formal walls of more sterile traditional writing, and we can connect to one another in a more familiar and personal level.  These same voices decrying the state of our youth are certainly nothing new, as the concept of favoring tradition and resisting change can found in every generation. 

Moving on, there is another factor that impedes our ability to view this concept of literacy in an objective and analytical manner.  In the most basic terms, one is considered “literate” once they are functionally able to read and write.  This used to be the satisfactory interpretation of the word, but with our newer technologies that allow us to read and write about more diverse content through different mediums, there are now more facets of this subject to be considered.  Literacy now seems to take on the unique aspects of ourselves as humans.  For example, we all may read a passage and interpret it differently, but does that mean that one individual should be considered more literate than another?  This problem has caused a headache for instructors and politicians alike, as the content for standardized testing is always being debated over and thus continually evolves.  So now to add to our original problem, the standard for reading comprehension has been changing, which throws the very  concept of literacy into question and chaos ensues.  I’m sure it will continue to do so, which makes me wonder what the acceptable definition of literacy will be in another 50 years.