The Importance of Literacy

In today’s society, it seems to be vital for everyone to know how to read and write. We are taught the importance of literacy at a very young age. It has become a focal point of the American education system. It is difficult to imagine that there are cultures all over the world who do not find it necessary for everyone to be able to read and write. In our ignorance, we often wonder how these people get by in day to day life. Heath’s statement “Literacy unlocked a variety of doors, but it did not necessarily secure admission”, proves that it is possible to be a vital member of society without a strong concept of literacy.
In Trackton, it was very clear that people were able to survive without strong reading skills. Many people had jobs in factories and mills where reading was not necessary. When it came to applying for a job, the applicant did not have to fill out their own application because someone else was able to do it for them. New people in the factory were shown through examples how to do their jobs. They did not have to read a manual in order to do well in their job. Heath explains that just because some people were more literate than others, did not mean they had more opportunities in society. People had no problem communicating with one another. Within this group of people, there was no need to be able to read more than road signs, labels, or news papers. People found out information by word of mouth.
Health’s quote can also be applied to a much larger scale as well. Many people in America believe that the more education a person has, the better off they will be socially and financially. However, there are many exceptions to this belief. There are many people who only have a high school degree and are very successful. An example could be Bill Gates. There are many other people in society who are important parts of society and have not had extensive education. People rely on one another for society to function and everyone is needed no matter how insignificant they believe their contribution is. On the other end of the spectrum, there are people who have had a great deal of education. They may have gone to college, graduate school, or even have a P.H.D. Although these people have had extensive education, it is possible for them to have many problems finding a job. Sometimes people are over qualified for a position. The employer is afraid that since the person had such extensive education, that they will demand a higher pay and in turn are not employed.
It is evident that people are able to survive without set literacy. People are able to form their own concept of literacy within a society. Heath explains that literacy is not necessary for survival and that it is merely a skill that can be useful.