In my understanding of the term “critical literacy,” I view it as the need to not only digest and analyze a particular piece of text or media, but that one has to be able to critically examine the particular author(s) or organizations who are publishing said information. Being able to discern fact from fiction or acknowledging biases and political/financial motives would also fall under the “critical” aspect.
I’m not sure if this is relevant, but I studied Anthropology in my undergrad, and topics involving medical anthropology were of particular interest to me. Specifically, the book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman details the story of a young Hmong child who receives subpar medical treatment in regards to her chronic epilepsy and how the medical staff’s lack of cultural awareness contributes to her worsening condition. Reading this direct example fully depicted how a patient’s cultural practices are not always simply “ideals” but can truly become the difference between life and death when diminished.
It seems this book you read has had an impact on you and has helped reshape the way you think about cultural awareness. That is the power of literacy. Love this example!
I also wanted to address the YouTube video itself because the word “assimilate” really struck me. I have always seen it in a negative light referring to the forced process of making an individual cut ties with their native culture, tongue, etc. but thinking of it as moreso anything that mass media wants a person to take in, to believe as fact, that is making me reconsider the word’s meaning.
Dr. Ogbu studied and wrote a great deal about voluntary and involuntary assimilation (of immigrants, however, it could apply to sub-cultures ang groups as well). There are also the Founding Father's who knew the nature of groups in that 80/15/5 would have varying degrees of participation, whereas the majority would go along or assimilate.
I don't think assimilation is totally problematic; only to the extent that one hasn't given proper consideration to their decision (critical thinking / critical literacy)
Ooh very interesting! I would like to read more on the 80/15/5 breakdown. Absolutely agreed, proper consideration is important even if the person doesn’t necessarily feel coerced into assimilation since maintaining their native identity tends to be important, especially to inform future generations.
Critical literacy extends beyond reading words on a page; it's about understanding the power behind those words and who's behind those words. It's important to recognize the effects that type of information can have on a person or people. All the information that is provided to the public must be questioned! When people just take the information as is. It will cause the masses to be manipulated in many forms where they can even lose sight of their own "true thoughts".
Reading The Diary of Anne Frank (almost three decades ago) wasn't just about understanding the nightmare of the Holocaust; it was about recognizing the subtle ways that propaganda and prejudice can take root and how easily people can become complicit in injustice, even through inaction. It made me realize the importance of questioning the narratives presented with and standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult.
Paula, you’ve hit the essence of critical literacy with precision! I couldn’t agree more—reading is never a passive act; it’s a mental dialogue with the author and, at times, with the cultural forces they represent. You’re right—when we stop questioning what’s on the page, we risk becoming spectators instead of thinkers, and that’s when manipulation sneaks in like a quiet villain. The Diary of Anne Frank, as you so beautifully put it, isn’t just history—it’s a mirror, reflecting how silence and inaction fuel prejudice. Standing up for truth, especially when it’s uncomfortable, is a lesson many adults still wrestle with. Thanks for the reminder that even old narratives can spark revolutionary thought.
1: If to "critique" means to observe, compare, consider, understand, and judge, and "literacy" is absorbing and accepting communication or media from any given platform (written, verbal, or visual), "critical literacy" can be understood as the art of observing and comparing various forms of media. To learn and consider fact from fiction. To judge based off of personal knowledge, but maintaining willingness to adjust opinions if new and correct information comes to light.
By my observation, learning the art and skill of critical literacy and continuing to practice it can help an individual become more compassionate, intelligent, and genuine version of themselves. I consider it an art and a skill because not everyone takes the opportunity to learn or practice critical literacy. The truth is, it is much easier to hear what organizations, corporations, and other people, even peers and family, have to say and take it at face value without question. But if we fail to use our own minds to observe, compare, consider, nor lean into our sense of self, we can loose out sense of self and the opportunity to become a better version of ourselves one intake of information at at time.
2: I am a little embarrassed to say that I cannot recall a book I have read in the recent past. (Part of the reason I am so excited to join this course this semester is to get back into the habit of reading with others in hopes to hold myself more accountable). I have however, in the past 2 years started getting into the Star Trek series. Although it is science fiction, it is so inspiring to me following the storyline of a future. Where people from our world use space exploration purely to learn and understand cultures across the galaxies. Not to extract their planetary resources or exploit their peoples, but to simply explore the universes to seek out new life and civilizations, and "to boldly go where no man has gone before".
As an American, It's so refreshing to imagine a time in the future. Where the exploration and discovery of new worlds does not imply the spread of disease, slavery of people groups, ect... It is all too easy to become overwhelmed by the unrest around the world. But- Star Trek written in the future. Our future. Yes it is fiction, and believe me, I love the action and drama. But it is written as a spark of hope for what our world could be someday. Knowing that there is a possibility that our number one priority someday as a human race can be the pursuit of peace and knowledge is a really wonderful thought that I hope I'll live to see more of. And hopefully be apart of.
On critical literacy, you’ve captured something many overlook—it’s not just a skill but an ongoing practice of questioning and growth. You’re right: it's far easier to accept pre-packaged truths, but the real challenge lies in constantly recalibrating our beliefs with evolving knowledge. The ability to do that? Pure intellectual artistry.
Now, as for your Star Trek inspiration, don’t be embarrassed about not reading a recent book—fiction like that carries its own kind of weight. What’s beautiful about your reflection is how you connect hope for humanity with exploration driven by curiosity rather than conquest. That’s a powerful commentary on the role of science fiction in shaping our ideals. Keep that spark alive—critical literacy and optimism are a formidable duo.
My understanding of critical literacy is honestly what I've seen from social media every day. With the political climate that I've experienced in its many aspects over the years, critical literacy taught me the underlying messages that are hidden in plain sight to its viewers. From the passage of harmful laws to the think pieces of said laws through the media.
The way I see it shaping our interactions of today? I feel...optimistic, which sounds slightly less optimistic as I type this out but at least in my community ( and I hope I'm not being reductive here ) I do because of the amount of information that we tend to research and share with others, the correcting of misinformation that bring us to better understandings as time goes on.
I love the optimism! And I agree there has been such a powerful movement of education. People are seeking knowledge and with k owledge comes the ability to avoid mindless assimilation!
When I was young, my Pop-ops instilled in me the power of knowledge and the value of education and one of his most important lessons was to question everything. I think this thought process plays well into the concept of critical literacy because, especially in this day and age, there is an endless supply of information out there -texts, articles, videos, maps, and so on- and it isn't just about taking in that information and accepting it as fact. Research and context are required or you may go around saying that the sky is green because 500 people on the internet wrote something to that effect and you took it as gospel. You have to thoughtfully consider the information from all angles that you are absorbing. Like I was told in high school about trusting Wikipedia: anyone can put anything on the internet. You have to understand the reputation behind the source(s) and consider that.
I love the access to a wide database of information that we have in the year 2025, because it means when I am faced with a question or a problem that I am not 100% decided on (or maybe I am and then that gets challenged by an outside force), I am able to accumulate resources on both sides of the argument to examine and determine my best path forward. I'm someone who loves to have all the information possible, available, to make a plan or decision.
Maybe I wrote too much, my apologies. Sometimes things get away from me, and I have been out of school for a minute now
It is so fortunate there was someone in your life who raised you to ask questions. I think, today, a lot of this type of nurture from family members is completely misguided. Nobody seems to be teaching their childeren to ask The "right" questions.
1. To critically analyze and absorb the information provided by the chosen medium of the authors/creators' choice; to determine whether their bias' may affect the information provided and if so how does it? Then continue to cultivate your own beliefs and thoughts on the topic. I think it's possible that if people can utilize this they can have the tools to piece things together with different diverse sources of information and help free themselves from negative connotations. Which may give you power against propaganda and allow you to understand other perspectives while sticking to your own.
2. I've found myself close-minded on a personal situation in the past, almost certain there were no alternatives. As I took the time to reflect and read up on the topics from more resources it helped me escape that narrow point of view.
1 - critical literacy is being able to analyze text or media for discrimination and other subliminal targeting messages. I think not enough people think so deeply about what they're reading or absorbing and it's dangerous. Too many people are falling subject to the controls of doublethink and are believing without even considering validating for themselves.
2 - For me, when I read or view something, I often consider the motivations of the author. As a writer, you own the perspective you hope for your consumers to have. I try to think about a situation critically on my own, then review the literature to determine if the source is valid. It may still be useful information nonetheless, even if not totally true, but it does let me know if it is biased or not.
Motivations! I love that you have said this. If we understand what is motivating someone to release any form of media it's the first step in critical analysis!
I think one of the statements I use almost daily is "consider the source." I try to practice that as well. In every situation, I try to consider what or who are they selling? Even individuals talking to us on social media, seemingly about their lives.
It truly feels that everyone is trying to feel us something. Even if we point the finger at ourselves, there is still something we as individuals want to gain when releasing content.
I agree with you that not enough people are actively practicing evaluating the daily info they’re taking in. You also make a good point about writers being mindful of the perspective they want their consumers to accept. I appreciate the way you worded that. As an educator, I did also want to comment on your last part about not knowing whether info is biased or not. Something I end up discussing with students a lot with research is really honing in on the organizations publishing content. Who are they, what are their proposed values, where does their majority funding come from etc. It’s extra effort but sometimes it’s worth it.
That's awesome! I really want a world where that extra effort takes place. I think it will inform the content creators and historians that we, the people, have a higher standard and expectation.
Also wanted to add, I've read Freire Pedagogy of the Oppressed several times and refer to it often bc of how it forces me to consider thinking deeper and looking for greater meaning in things. I feel like critical thinking is a core life skill that all should have. Critical literacy is one component of this especially in the digital age where we find ourselves.
My understanding of critical literacy is the ability to engage with media through a variety of lenses to better understand the background, message, and purpose of said media. For instance, where an article is published, who financial backed the article, and/or other things advertised where the article is available can tell us additional information that may impact our initial reading. When it comes to fiction it is more about finding the underlying message. Take The Hunger Games, for instance, this is set in a futuristic dystopia where children are forced into a death arena to essentially keep each district in line. Looking into it further, though, we can see the commentary on the United States and the path we are heading down. There is a girl on TikTok that does a really great analysis on this entire series, I will try to find her @, but no promises.
I have been working through a backlist of nonfiction books by Black authors over the last 2-3 years, with The New Jim Crow being my current read for another class. I've read some works by Angela Davis, a compilation of her speeches and conversations, and have learned more about the school-to-prison pipeline that exists for Black Americans, particularly Black boys, but I could not quite reconcile myself with the complete abolishment of the prison system. She did make me a strong believer of expanding social programs to better combat crime, though. I'm less than 100 pages into The New Jim Crow and I already see the need for a massive overhaul of the penal system as whole swaths of it are designed solely to force a particular demographic, black and brown people, into the same circumstances as slavery, i.e. second-class citizens that lacks the right to vote.
Shauna, this is a masterclass in connecting media literacy to social justice. Your ability to transition from The Hunger Games to the complex realities of The New Jim Crow and Angela Davis’s work speaks to your depth of understanding. You’re not just consuming texts; you’re actively interrogating them. That’s the hallmark of critical literacy—seeing fiction as a reflection of reality and non-fiction as a call to action.
Your perspective on the school-to-prison pipeline and the penal system reveals the importance of engaging with these narratives critically, not as isolated events but as systemic issues. Keep going. The intersection of hope, fiction, and activism you’re building could inspire more meaningful solutions than any textbook ever could.
1-Critical Literacy is to examine anything you're reading and being able to reflect on it. I think it's an important skill that's being lost by a lot of people due to lack of education and/or lack of interest in learning.
2-Reading helps me see things differently by informing me and teaching me. Even if what I'm reading isn't constructive, it's still useful.
I mean that even if it turns out that by the timr I'm done reading that the information is false, harmful or something like that, I still learned that the source of it isn't necessarily reliable, and to be wary of the same in the future.
when you say lack of interest in learning - what do you think prompts a lack of interest? Do you think it is an an active choice? Like a lack of interest in poetry or music or any other subject?
I think it's partially due to not wanting to be wrong, and partially due to things like anti intellectualism being on the rise. A lot of people seem to be okay with ignoring facts and such to doing, believing and saying the same things.
Sorry, I have to challenge a bit here. (Not directed at you), but the idea that anti intellectualism is a being validated as an “it is what it is” reason, is to me the exact lack of critical literacy and critical thinking that were referenced in the article and video. Not enough looking deeper and asking “why” until you get to the root cause.
Saying people “seem to be okay with…” is a mirage one may want you to see. Unless you dig further, you don’t see basic inability, deficiencies, learning disorders, learned behavior, or issues with motivation, lack of guidance, models or even the impact of environmental factors including situational and communal lack of aspirations.
Intelligence is social capital. It defies socio-economic status. Everyone wants it and has since the dawn of time. It seems a wild concept to consider large groups of people would intentionally opt out. I can’t believe that’s voluntary without underlying factors. When presented with this reason as an explanation, I can’t help but continue to ask “but why?”
You may find it hard to believe, but it's true. There may be reasons behind why it got there, but ultimately there's people that prefer to ignore facts. Like for example,flat earthers that reject evidence being shown. We can look at causes til the cows come home, but if the people don't want to be taught there's not much more to do
In my understanding of the term “critical literacy,” I view it as the need to not only digest and analyze a particular piece of text or media, but that one has to be able to critically examine the particular author(s) or organizations who are publishing said information. Being able to discern fact from fiction or acknowledging biases and political/financial motives would also fall under the “critical” aspect.
I’m not sure if this is relevant, but I studied Anthropology in my undergrad, and topics involving medical anthropology were of particular interest to me. Specifically, the book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman details the story of a young Hmong child who receives subpar medical treatment in regards to her chronic epilepsy and how the medical staff’s lack of cultural awareness contributes to her worsening condition. Reading this direct example fully depicted how a patient’s cultural practices are not always simply “ideals” but can truly become the difference between life and death when diminished.
It seems this book you read has had an impact on you and has helped reshape the way you think about cultural awareness. That is the power of literacy. Love this example!
I also wanted to address the YouTube video itself because the word “assimilate” really struck me. I have always seen it in a negative light referring to the forced process of making an individual cut ties with their native culture, tongue, etc. but thinking of it as moreso anything that mass media wants a person to take in, to believe as fact, that is making me reconsider the word’s meaning.
Dr. Ogbu studied and wrote a great deal about voluntary and involuntary assimilation (of immigrants, however, it could apply to sub-cultures ang groups as well). There are also the Founding Father's who knew the nature of groups in that 80/15/5 would have varying degrees of participation, whereas the majority would go along or assimilate.
I don't think assimilation is totally problematic; only to the extent that one hasn't given proper consideration to their decision (critical thinking / critical literacy)
Ooh very interesting! I would like to read more on the 80/15/5 breakdown. Absolutely agreed, proper consideration is important even if the person doesn’t necessarily feel coerced into assimilation since maintaining their native identity tends to be important, especially to inform future generations.
There are some cultures that believe full assimilation into American culture is required as well as a sign of success.
Ah yes this does make sense. Thanks for the clarification!
Critical literacy extends beyond reading words on a page; it's about understanding the power behind those words and who's behind those words. It's important to recognize the effects that type of information can have on a person or people. All the information that is provided to the public must be questioned! When people just take the information as is. It will cause the masses to be manipulated in many forms where they can even lose sight of their own "true thoughts".
Reading The Diary of Anne Frank (almost three decades ago) wasn't just about understanding the nightmare of the Holocaust; it was about recognizing the subtle ways that propaganda and prejudice can take root and how easily people can become complicit in injustice, even through inaction. It made me realize the importance of questioning the narratives presented with and standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult.
Paula, you’ve hit the essence of critical literacy with precision! I couldn’t agree more—reading is never a passive act; it’s a mental dialogue with the author and, at times, with the cultural forces they represent. You’re right—when we stop questioning what’s on the page, we risk becoming spectators instead of thinkers, and that’s when manipulation sneaks in like a quiet villain. The Diary of Anne Frank, as you so beautifully put it, isn’t just history—it’s a mirror, reflecting how silence and inaction fuel prejudice. Standing up for truth, especially when it’s uncomfortable, is a lesson many adults still wrestle with. Thanks for the reminder that even old narratives can spark revolutionary thought.
1: If to "critique" means to observe, compare, consider, understand, and judge, and "literacy" is absorbing and accepting communication or media from any given platform (written, verbal, or visual), "critical literacy" can be understood as the art of observing and comparing various forms of media. To learn and consider fact from fiction. To judge based off of personal knowledge, but maintaining willingness to adjust opinions if new and correct information comes to light.
By my observation, learning the art and skill of critical literacy and continuing to practice it can help an individual become more compassionate, intelligent, and genuine version of themselves. I consider it an art and a skill because not everyone takes the opportunity to learn or practice critical literacy. The truth is, it is much easier to hear what organizations, corporations, and other people, even peers and family, have to say and take it at face value without question. But if we fail to use our own minds to observe, compare, consider, nor lean into our sense of self, we can loose out sense of self and the opportunity to become a better version of ourselves one intake of information at at time.
2: I am a little embarrassed to say that I cannot recall a book I have read in the recent past. (Part of the reason I am so excited to join this course this semester is to get back into the habit of reading with others in hopes to hold myself more accountable). I have however, in the past 2 years started getting into the Star Trek series. Although it is science fiction, it is so inspiring to me following the storyline of a future. Where people from our world use space exploration purely to learn and understand cultures across the galaxies. Not to extract their planetary resources or exploit their peoples, but to simply explore the universes to seek out new life and civilizations, and "to boldly go where no man has gone before".
As an American, It's so refreshing to imagine a time in the future. Where the exploration and discovery of new worlds does not imply the spread of disease, slavery of people groups, ect... It is all too easy to become overwhelmed by the unrest around the world. But- Star Trek written in the future. Our future. Yes it is fiction, and believe me, I love the action and drama. But it is written as a spark of hope for what our world could be someday. Knowing that there is a possibility that our number one priority someday as a human race can be the pursuit of peace and knowledge is a really wonderful thought that I hope I'll live to see more of. And hopefully be apart of.
On critical literacy, you’ve captured something many overlook—it’s not just a skill but an ongoing practice of questioning and growth. You’re right: it's far easier to accept pre-packaged truths, but the real challenge lies in constantly recalibrating our beliefs with evolving knowledge. The ability to do that? Pure intellectual artistry.
Now, as for your Star Trek inspiration, don’t be embarrassed about not reading a recent book—fiction like that carries its own kind of weight. What’s beautiful about your reflection is how you connect hope for humanity with exploration driven by curiosity rather than conquest. That’s a powerful commentary on the role of science fiction in shaping our ideals. Keep that spark alive—critical literacy and optimism are a formidable duo.
My understanding of critical literacy is honestly what I've seen from social media every day. With the political climate that I've experienced in its many aspects over the years, critical literacy taught me the underlying messages that are hidden in plain sight to its viewers. From the passage of harmful laws to the think pieces of said laws through the media.
The way I see it shaping our interactions of today? I feel...optimistic, which sounds slightly less optimistic as I type this out but at least in my community ( and I hope I'm not being reductive here ) I do because of the amount of information that we tend to research and share with others, the correcting of misinformation that bring us to better understandings as time goes on.
I love the optimism! And I agree there has been such a powerful movement of education. People are seeking knowledge and with k owledge comes the ability to avoid mindless assimilation!
When I was young, my Pop-ops instilled in me the power of knowledge and the value of education and one of his most important lessons was to question everything. I think this thought process plays well into the concept of critical literacy because, especially in this day and age, there is an endless supply of information out there -texts, articles, videos, maps, and so on- and it isn't just about taking in that information and accepting it as fact. Research and context are required or you may go around saying that the sky is green because 500 people on the internet wrote something to that effect and you took it as gospel. You have to thoughtfully consider the information from all angles that you are absorbing. Like I was told in high school about trusting Wikipedia: anyone can put anything on the internet. You have to understand the reputation behind the source(s) and consider that.
I love the access to a wide database of information that we have in the year 2025, because it means when I am faced with a question or a problem that I am not 100% decided on (or maybe I am and then that gets challenged by an outside force), I am able to accumulate resources on both sides of the argument to examine and determine my best path forward. I'm someone who loves to have all the information possible, available, to make a plan or decision.
Maybe I wrote too much, my apologies. Sometimes things get away from me, and I have been out of school for a minute now
It is so fortunate there was someone in your life who raised you to ask questions. I think, today, a lot of this type of nurture from family members is completely misguided. Nobody seems to be teaching their childeren to ask The "right" questions.
1. To critically analyze and absorb the information provided by the chosen medium of the authors/creators' choice; to determine whether their bias' may affect the information provided and if so how does it? Then continue to cultivate your own beliefs and thoughts on the topic. I think it's possible that if people can utilize this they can have the tools to piece things together with different diverse sources of information and help free themselves from negative connotations. Which may give you power against propaganda and allow you to understand other perspectives while sticking to your own.
2. I've found myself close-minded on a personal situation in the past, almost certain there were no alternatives. As I took the time to reflect and read up on the topics from more resources it helped me escape that narrow point of view.
It takes alot of humility to take a step back and truly ask ourselves if how we feel about something is wrong. I commend you for this, I really do.
1 - critical literacy is being able to analyze text or media for discrimination and other subliminal targeting messages. I think not enough people think so deeply about what they're reading or absorbing and it's dangerous. Too many people are falling subject to the controls of doublethink and are believing without even considering validating for themselves.
2 - For me, when I read or view something, I often consider the motivations of the author. As a writer, you own the perspective you hope for your consumers to have. I try to think about a situation critically on my own, then review the literature to determine if the source is valid. It may still be useful information nonetheless, even if not totally true, but it does let me know if it is biased or not.
Motivations! I love that you have said this. If we understand what is motivating someone to release any form of media it's the first step in critical analysis!
I think one of the statements I use almost daily is "consider the source." I try to practice that as well. In every situation, I try to consider what or who are they selling? Even individuals talking to us on social media, seemingly about their lives.
It truly feels that everyone is trying to feel us something. Even if we point the finger at ourselves, there is still something we as individuals want to gain when releasing content.
it's really sad that it also applies to what may seem like harmless shares about personal experiences. ;(
I agree with you that not enough people are actively practicing evaluating the daily info they’re taking in. You also make a good point about writers being mindful of the perspective they want their consumers to accept. I appreciate the way you worded that. As an educator, I did also want to comment on your last part about not knowing whether info is biased or not. Something I end up discussing with students a lot with research is really honing in on the organizations publishing content. Who are they, what are their proposed values, where does their majority funding come from etc. It’s extra effort but sometimes it’s worth it.
That's awesome! I really want a world where that extra effort takes place. I think it will inform the content creators and historians that we, the people, have a higher standard and expectation.
Absolutely, accountability goes a long way. Even tiny changes are still progress.
Also wanted to add, I've read Freire Pedagogy of the Oppressed several times and refer to it often bc of how it forces me to consider thinking deeper and looking for greater meaning in things. I feel like critical thinking is a core life skill that all should have. Critical literacy is one component of this especially in the digital age where we find ourselves.
My understanding of critical literacy is the ability to engage with media through a variety of lenses to better understand the background, message, and purpose of said media. For instance, where an article is published, who financial backed the article, and/or other things advertised where the article is available can tell us additional information that may impact our initial reading. When it comes to fiction it is more about finding the underlying message. Take The Hunger Games, for instance, this is set in a futuristic dystopia where children are forced into a death arena to essentially keep each district in line. Looking into it further, though, we can see the commentary on the United States and the path we are heading down. There is a girl on TikTok that does a really great analysis on this entire series, I will try to find her @, but no promises.
I have been working through a backlist of nonfiction books by Black authors over the last 2-3 years, with The New Jim Crow being my current read for another class. I've read some works by Angela Davis, a compilation of her speeches and conversations, and have learned more about the school-to-prison pipeline that exists for Black Americans, particularly Black boys, but I could not quite reconcile myself with the complete abolishment of the prison system. She did make me a strong believer of expanding social programs to better combat crime, though. I'm less than 100 pages into The New Jim Crow and I already see the need for a massive overhaul of the penal system as whole swaths of it are designed solely to force a particular demographic, black and brown people, into the same circumstances as slavery, i.e. second-class citizens that lacks the right to vote.
Shauna, this is a masterclass in connecting media literacy to social justice. Your ability to transition from The Hunger Games to the complex realities of The New Jim Crow and Angela Davis’s work speaks to your depth of understanding. You’re not just consuming texts; you’re actively interrogating them. That’s the hallmark of critical literacy—seeing fiction as a reflection of reality and non-fiction as a call to action.
Your perspective on the school-to-prison pipeline and the penal system reveals the importance of engaging with these narratives critically, not as isolated events but as systemic issues. Keep going. The intersection of hope, fiction, and activism you’re building could inspire more meaningful solutions than any textbook ever could.
1-Critical Literacy is to examine anything you're reading and being able to reflect on it. I think it's an important skill that's being lost by a lot of people due to lack of education and/or lack of interest in learning.
2-Reading helps me see things differently by informing me and teaching me. Even if what I'm reading isn't constructive, it's still useful.
I love how you said " even if it isn't constructive it's still useful" do you mind explaining this a little more?
I mean that even if it turns out that by the timr I'm done reading that the information is false, harmful or something like that, I still learned that the source of it isn't necessarily reliable, and to be wary of the same in the future.
This is so important!
when you say lack of interest in learning - what do you think prompts a lack of interest? Do you think it is an an active choice? Like a lack of interest in poetry or music or any other subject?
I think it's partially due to not wanting to be wrong, and partially due to things like anti intellectualism being on the rise. A lot of people seem to be okay with ignoring facts and such to doing, believing and saying the same things.
Sorry, I have to challenge a bit here. (Not directed at you), but the idea that anti intellectualism is a being validated as an “it is what it is” reason, is to me the exact lack of critical literacy and critical thinking that were referenced in the article and video. Not enough looking deeper and asking “why” until you get to the root cause.
Saying people “seem to be okay with…” is a mirage one may want you to see. Unless you dig further, you don’t see basic inability, deficiencies, learning disorders, learned behavior, or issues with motivation, lack of guidance, models or even the impact of environmental factors including situational and communal lack of aspirations.
Intelligence is social capital. It defies socio-economic status. Everyone wants it and has since the dawn of time. It seems a wild concept to consider large groups of people would intentionally opt out. I can’t believe that’s voluntary without underlying factors. When presented with this reason as an explanation, I can’t help but continue to ask “but why?”
You may find it hard to believe, but it's true. There may be reasons behind why it got there, but ultimately there's people that prefer to ignore facts. Like for example,flat earthers that reject evidence being shown. We can look at causes til the cows come home, but if the people don't want to be taught there's not much more to do