Illiteracy is not only about not being able to read or write – it is about dependence. It is about helplessness in everyday activities. People who are illiterate are deprived of an ability that most of us take for granted. If I were illiterate, I would not be writing this article. If you were illiterate, you would not be reading it. If you were illiterate, where would you be right now?
People who are illiterate are often ashamed of this fact. They do not want anyone to know that they never learned how to read and write; they will try to hide it from other people as long as they can. This is the main struggle of being an illiterate. How does one pretend to be able to read without revealing their illiteracy? That is where routine plays into their lives.
People who are illiterate tend to stick to prescribed patterns and routines. Imagine trying to find your way somewhere. You are not able to read the street names. How will you find your way without having to ask someone for directions? Imagine that you are choosing a meal in a restaurant. You cannot read the menu. What will you order? Perhaps you will ask what the special is for the day. People who are illiterate have to memorize information and often order the same food every time they visit that particular restaurant.
People who are illiterate are deprived of everyday activities that we often take for granted. They cannot pick up a newspaper and read the news. They are not able to read a book or write a letter. They do not even have email because they would not be able to check it. Traveling would be particularly difficult for the illiterate. If you are not able to pass a written exam or read a road sign, you will not be allowed to drive. Imagine trying to find your way in an airport. How would you be completely sure that you are on the right flight without revealing your illiteracy?
Illiteracy often occurs in the poor. They may not have the money to get an education. Consequently, they do not have the education to find a job. Almost any job I could name requires the ability to read and write, from a secretarial job to truck driving. It is a vicious cycle – the poor illiterate people remain poor because they cannot get a good job because of their illiteracy.
Literacy is something that I have taken for granted all my life. I have been able to read and write for almost as long as I can remember. I have been reading books since I was just a child. I have enjoyed writing stories and poetry for many years, as well. Being able to read and use a computer is a part of my job. I check my email every day and I read the news on the internet. If I were illiterate, where would I be right now?
Illiteracy is about complete and total dependence on other people and daily routines. Illiterates rely on other people to do simple, everyday activities. They rely on routines to get by in the real world. Illiteracy is not only about not being able to read a book or write a letter, but it is about dependence.
