Illiteracy in Society: More Than Just a Lack of Schooling

When people hear the word illiterate, they often think of someone who can not read or write. Sadly, the term is sometimes used in a rude or mocking way, as if being unable to read makes a person less human. But many people who can not read or write are not ashamed of it. In fact, some do not even see it as a problem. They live their lives doing everyday things like selling, buying, raising families, and working hard. These are not signs of ignorance. They are signs of practical knowledge.

However, the idea of illiteracy has been treated almost like a disease. Governments and organizations now speak of the "war" against illiteracy. They talk about "campaigns," "strategies," and "eliminating" illiteracy as though people who can not read are enemies to be defeated. This kind of language dehumanizes those who need help. Instead of treating them with kindness and respect, we treat them like problems. We should change our words and our attitude. People who can not read or write should be supported, not attacked.

But beyond this traditional view, we need to understand that illiteracy is not only about people who didn’t go to school. In today’s world, many people have formal education, some even with university degrees, yet they behave like illiterates. These are the educated illiterates. They read and write, but they refuse to open their minds to new knowledge. They believe their opinion is always right and are not ready to listen, learn, or grow.

True literacy is more than being able to read and write. It is about understanding, thinking critically, and being open to learning, unlearning, and relearning. An educated person who can not accept correction or other people’s ideas is as limited as someone who never went to school. When a person shuts down every new idea, ignores facts, and speaks only to prove they are always right, that is a form of ignorance.

We live in a world that is constantly changing. New ideas, new discoveries, and better ways of doing things are coming up every day. If we refuse to adapt, we are no better than the illiterate who never had the chance to go to school. In fact, it may even be worse because we have access to knowledge and still choose to remain blind to it.

So, when we talk about fighting illiteracy in society, let’s not limit it to teaching people how to read and write. Let’s also fight the mental laziness and pride that make people refuse to grow. Let’s encourage true learning, learning that goes beyond books and helps people become better thinkers, better listeners, and better members of society. Only then can we truly say we are building a literate and enlightened world.