My first thought runs to Common Sense, but I suspect the question is asking for a few more specifics.
There was a time when knowing how to read or write, and even do basic math was a skill of the few.
There has been a great deal in the news lately about the 40 some odd people in the United States who receive food assistance benefits each month. And there is just as much hullabaloo over that fact.
But, there are approximately the same number of people – 21% of the adult population – who a considered functionally illiterate! And there isn’t one word about THAT!
In today’s society, there is no excuse for anyone not being able to read even on a basic primary school fourth or fifth grade level. Most newspapers in the country are written on a sixth grade level with the more technical level papers like the Wall Street Journal on an eighth grade level. Obviously, highly technical journals are written on a higher level since their readers also have a higher education.
Most fiction books are also geared toward a sixth grade level – sometimes referred to as the lowest common denominator.
I am a reader…an avid reader. I read every day. It absolutely boggles my brain to hear people say that they don’t like to read. I don’t read, is often interpreted as I can’t read.
But in this day and age, there is no reason why someone can’t learn to read – a few disabilities aside.
Reading can lead to so much more when it comes to learning and being informed.
I must admit that when I see erroneous information being spread around on social media, I have to wonder are people really that gullible or are they so lazy or lack the skills to learn the truth.