The Never Ending Argument of Literacy

After reading Lunsford’s writing on the misconception that today’s generation is semi-literate, I can’t help but laugh.  Honestly, I have never before come across a writer who defended this generation’s media oriented literacy.  It really throws a wrench into Carr and Hedges’s argument.  I will consent to the idea that while our generation may not be as messed up with literacy as either of them suggest, it definitely is not at it’s best.  Let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment, the idea that literacy has three states as explained by Scrinber is not only unnecessary, but completely foolish.   Literacy has and always will adapt and change with the times, its never stationary.  It has changed and evolved from oral speech, hieroglyphics, calligraphy, cursive, print, text, and images.  Because literacy is a human construct, it makes sense that it would be as adaptive and diverse as mankind.  This concern over literacy is stupid. Yes, stupid. It’s as simple as that.  Why?  Because rather then focusing on how we return to the methods of the past to improve the present, we should turn to what is in front of us and make the best of a “perceived” bad situation. 

Now, there is one thing that all these writings have in common; they show fear, contempt, guilt, and concern for the illiterate.  Where does this come from? Are we afraid that they will be taken advantage of as was seen during medieval times?  Or are we concerned that their “ignorance” will inevitable doom us all?  No, the answer is much more pretentious, they are different.  We admire literacy, but we shun those that do not share our own versions or concepts of it because it is not the majority.  We have the great gift of literacy, the ability to share and express ideas.  That’s the true meaning of literacy, its very purpose.  Its unfortunate we use it rather to label, segregate, and berate one another.