Literacy & Democracy: The Soul for Words

by Shaiyel Seltzer

       Historian and journalist Gwynne Dyer, in the documentary film series, “The Human Race,” says of literacy and democracy: that whenever a group of people, a society, reaches over fifty percent in literacy, it then takes approximately three generations for that society to become truly democratic. This has proven true in many countries, and the U.S. is no exception.

       Just as democracy arose as citizens learned how to read and came to understand ideas on freedom and liberty, the reverse can occur. Our country’s alarming decline of literacy is an important symptom of why citizenship is not more widely practiced.

       In order to understand laws one needs knowledge--reading and comprehension. In order to follow map directions, one needs mathematics and problem-solving skills. In order to end poverty, crime, global warming, crisis in health care, endangered species-- we need more people awakened to their purpose, contributing their gifts to the world.

       When the U.S. was a new country and the concept of having a government whose power resides in all its citizens--directly or indirectly by representation--literacy was quite the phenomenon of the day. The founding fathers knew that tyrants like King George III didn’t want scholars, for he knew that having an educated populace means having access to information, which leads to independent thinking, expression of ideas, and making decisions for the betterment of community.

       Since 1966, September 8--International Literacy Day--promotes literacy and education throughout the world. The special day was set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to draw attention to its central mission.

       The United Nations proclaimed 1990 as “International Literacy Year.” In 1996 UNESCO Director-General Federico Mayor joyously reported on International Literacy Day that since 1990 the number of literates increased by over 400 million globally, but continued his declaration by saying:

       “....This is an intolerable situation. Illiteracy is not a fact of life, but a consequence of inaction on the part of governments and societies. Its consequences are pervasive and powerful. If we wish to combat poverty, injustice and the violence that so often results from them, we must begin by mobilizing minds through education and literacy.”

       That same year, President Clinton called for one million tutors to help all children read by third grade, and the “reading by nine” programs were born.

       Literacy is much more than simply learning to read, however. As children grow into their teens, TV and movies become poor substitutes for filling time. Instead of imagining for themselves what their ideal Juliet or Frankenstein looks like, or placing their bookmark inside Robinson Crusoe and dreaming how they would deal with being shipwrecked, everything is scripted for them. It may be wonderful to see someone else’s interpretation of a story on film, but how many times do we hear the movie critic or a friend say, “Not as great as the book?”

       The need for adult literacy must also be addressed. Literacy organizations need more tutors, mentors, and coaches.

       Libraries seem to be the most logical place for tutoring--they’re safe and allow free access to books on every imaginable topic. We can commune in libraries. We can share our tales and book reports of what we like and what we don’t. We can come to listen to authors and other inspired writers to broaden our minds. There is help available if you need it. There are computers that anyone can use. This is the place to go to get our facts straight.

       Baltimore has a distinguished history in the literacy movement, and in the production of literature by its residents. The modern library system originated here, and many of our country’s most prized authors have called it home. In recent years, however, the city has strayed from this noble tradition, closing library branches and cutting hours of public access.

       In 1987, then-Mayor Kurt Schmoke coined the “Baltimore: The City That Reads” campaign, recognizing that approximately 200,000 citizens age 16 and over were illiterate. Tragically, the same holds true today, for Mayor Schmoke’s political goals turned quickly to other things: big money, professional sports, new stadiums, larger convention center and hotels.

       If we want this situation to change, we have to believe in people--not high tech, but high touch. By working toward more universal literacy through one-on-one training--students with coaches, apprentices with masters--in time, we all will win.

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This story was published on August 30, 2000.