Literacy in Politics

This weekend I attended a march and rally in support of the rights of immigrants where I observed many different examples of literacy.

I was impressed, and a little overwhelmed, with the variety of political interests and organizations present. Organizers carried signs, chanted, sang songs, passed out literature, and gave soap box speeches on the street. There were signs in English, Spanish, and various Asian characters. Literacy was everywhere.

It made me think about the role of literacy in democracy. In the U.S. we no longer are required to take literacy tests in order to vote -- some were in the past. However, can you imagine participating without your literacy skills? Many of us read about various political opinions and candidates every day in newspapers, on blogs and bumper stickers, etc. Certain times of the year it may feel like we can't escape it. It can be difficult to sort fact from fiction.

Most of us are equipped with the knowledge to think critically and analytically. We are educated on how to read for signs of biases. At political events and in daily life it is important to think critically about the information you're exposed and decide what you support and what you may not. A responsible citizen is informed about the issues and doesn't blindly follow based merely on ideology.

It is important to pass that information along to future generations, so they can be responsible citizens. In the future I hope to teach students how to find information about the many different sides of controversial issues and think critically about their world so they can get out and support the causes that may be important to them.