If America is the richest country in the world,howcome one in five americans is illiterate?

Question

Results of the latest suevey. In Washington dc the rate is even worse.

Answer 1

Because America obviously isn't the "land of opportunity" anymore. The government doesn't actually care about the people. Those politicians just want their money.

Answer 2

The Truth is in the evidence. There is a group of extremely rich and powerful individuals that hide behind their money. (that means they have the means to keep form been seen in public since they control the media, that is another story) There is a program called "no child left behind" if you do some research the truth is that the policy is design to remove money from schools. How does it work? If you do not do well enough in your exams designed by the federal government then money will be taken away. Lets say that the school you go to does pass the exams. What happens? NOTHING The public education is as good as its going to get. Another factor is parenting. Due to the industrial revolution mothers are going to work. Now stress and time is placed and time is reduced to improve their child's education. This are the main factors. Some my argue with my opinion but the truth is out there and it is very easy to find if you keep an open mind and do not accept the what the government feeds you. Remember, never trust the government. That is exactly why there is something called separation of powers. Our founders of this great country understood the dangers of governmental control to a small pockets of individuals. That has been changed. That is why it is easier for government now to put in their own policies that are not popular with the people. (Iraq war). Lack of education is just the tip of the iceberg.

Answer 3

America IS NOT the richest country in the world. We are not the wealthiest and we do not have the highest standard of living. As far as the illiteracy goes, where did you get that statistic? That's extremely high. I seriously doubt that it is anywhere near that high.

According to Wikipedia.org, "In 2003, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), conducted by the US Department of Education, found that fourteen percent of American adults scored at this “below basic” level in prose literacy in English."

Fourteen percent below basic level is substantially less than 20%, though still extremely high. I believe that roughly 85% of the world's population is only around 16%, but that figure may be incorrect.

Wikipedia.org has an excellent, well-sited article on illiteracy and I strongly recommend checking it out. I've included the link in under "sources".

Answer 4

I would guess 2 things.
1. You don't have to read to be rich. Just get others who can read to help you.
2. The ones who can't read are not the ones who are rich.

It is really sad that so many can not read. I feel there is really no reason more of them could not learn to read. Reading is so important.

Answer 5

Education system in USA is too mellow.
Some other places like Japan , Central and south america are more rigid and the system works fine

Answer 6

maximum recent verify by using Forbes, us of a is seventh. extra, we did it without centuries of wealthy nobles accumulating wealth and then having it secure in the in keeping with capita evaluation for our u . s . a .. we've extra self-made-millionaires than any u . s . a . in the international or any time in history. i'd say we are doing purely superb.

Answer 7

i count you as one of the. how come one in five Americans are illiterate not is illiterate. you can blame it on the government school system and the teachers unions.

Answer 8

Rich people (think paris hilton, george bush, etc..) have no time for education. Oh, how I long for the good old days!

Answer 9

maybe 5% of the population is also too young to read?

Answer 10

some people's money doesn't really have anything to do with other people's choices.
my sister being rich, doesn't make me rich, or rich with choices.