the five
5 Effects of illiteracy By Claudean Boatman
Illiteracy colors every area of the non-reader’s life with dark hues. I witnessed consequences of not reading well when I was a child, but I didn’t understand what I was seeing. Now, I look back and understand that illiteracy was a powerful, negative force in my family.
1
People who can’t read at a functional level become dependent on coping mechanisms.
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2
Non-readers often live in isolation.
They avoid going to new parts of town because they can’t read signs or directions. They miss intimate moments with children and grandchildren because they can’t read with them. They ignore what they can’t read—everything from manhole covers to notes from their children’s teachers. They don’t work with others if there is risk their illiteracy will be discovered. They don’t go where they may be asked to read aloud, including Bible study.
3
Illiteracy leaves one vulnerable to deception.
Many trust few people with their secret, including family members. Much of our lives takes place
I once overheard my family members talking about
in writing. Even family members could take
how they had copied labels from food packages
advantage of one who does not know how
to match in the store, but most of the packages
to read. Non-readers are often deceived
had changed, so they didn’t know for sure if they
financially by unethical advisors. When they
got what they wanted. Some strategies effectively
live on a cash basis, they are at the mercy
conceal illiteracy while others barely mask it. Non-
of those who cash their checks. Spiritual
readers develop listening skills and a superior
charlatans find the illiterate easy prey
memory to survive each day.
because they can’t verify for themselves what they are taught.