The Americans who can't read - BBC News

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  • Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
  • The US has more citizens who are illiterate - some 16 million people - than many of its developed counterparts. Why is that?
    Many complain that the system fails those who need extra help and there is a big disparity between rich and poor areas.
    Being illiterate prevents people from getting jobs. But it is not only that.
    Peggy Fleming, who lives in Kentucky, one of the worst-performing states, said she wanted to set an example for her children by being able to read and write. "I wanted to be a better mum," she says.
    Aleem Maqbool reports for the BBC's America First? series.
    Video by Franz Strasser; produced by Ashley Semler
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,6 тис.

  • @ErikaCM
    @ErikaCM 6 років тому +1598

    Being illiterate really does effect every part your life. I️t makes me so sad that we don’t invest more money in education :( I️t shouldn’t matter how much money your family has, everyone should be entitled to the same education.

    • @108nighthawk
      @108nighthawk 6 років тому +56

      Daaraofthegesert Incorrect. First of all, an education doesn't cost anything. Go to a library and read. Second, if I want to give my child an advantage I am going to give them a better, more comprehensive education. And that is the beauty of Capitalism.

    • @disneyprincessintraining2725
      @disneyprincessintraining2725 6 років тому +31

      I get what you’re saying, but nobody is entitled to education, especially if they can’t pay for it. I’m working on starting nonprofit private schools in underprivileged areas. If you want change, do it yourself, don’t beg the government to illegally use funds for it:

    • @nobody1575
      @nobody1575 6 років тому +15

      Education is not a right. Its a privilege.

    • @blah7983
      @blah7983 6 років тому +15

      In America everyone can go to school, however parents don’t have to give their child an education if they need them to work (which is bad), and in rural areas schools have really bad special ed programs. Urban poor usually still learn basic skills but rural poor often end up like this.

    • @IronMan-fv2nl
      @IronMan-fv2nl 6 років тому +8

      Entitled to the same education no, but entitled to good education, yes. Wealthy people should get better education because they can afford it

  • @marvantony9655
    @marvantony9655 6 років тому +1333

    I'm not surprised. Things like this shows you that America isn't perfect.

    • @debbiecosgrove9421
      @debbiecosgrove9421 6 років тому +35

      You believe it ? With no studies or science cited ? Based entirely on the ravings of a London Arab Muslim working for the BBC ? ..Wow .you're extremely easily led ..most people would require some proof lol

    • @marvantony9655
      @marvantony9655 6 років тому +52

      +Debbie Cosgrove I don't only watch bbc I watch cnn too. I've seen parts of america that have been ignored factories close down people out of work and struggling to make ends meet. Soooooo ya america has problem just like any other country. And that's one of the reasons one of the reasons why trump won.

    • @viccaoxy9035
      @viccaoxy9035 6 років тому +4

      Yes, you're right

    • @tara303
      @tara303 6 років тому +26

      Marv anthony I'm only 17 and I'm ashamed to be American

    • @livieegee
      @livieegee 6 років тому +75

      As a US citizen i can assure you theres a big list of things wrong with America lol

  • @primaverala1524
    @primaverala1524 5 років тому +89

    I can not imagine not being able to read. That sounds so scary, like you’re in a foreign country for your entire life. Man, atleast they’re making the effort to read as an adult instead of thinking they can’t learn now.

    • @hardthinking
      @hardthinking 3 роки тому +18

      I imagine it's even more isolating than being in a foreign country. Even in a foreign country you can read about the country in your native language.

  • @wannabepolymathofesoterica6812
    @wannabepolymathofesoterica6812 6 років тому +755

    hold up, 8.1%???? I've never even met an adult who can't read in my life

    • @TheDanielFisher91
      @TheDanielFisher91 6 років тому +17

      OnesAndZeros same

    • @TheMastergabe
      @TheMastergabe 6 років тому +142

      No 1/15 people youve met have been illiterate. Its actually hard to notice

    • @wannabepolymathofesoterica6812
      @wannabepolymathofesoterica6812 6 років тому +202

      I don't think they're just talking about actual illiteracy, they must be including people who are just really shit at reading, like stuck at an elementary school level. If you literally can't read you can't drive or get a real job

    • @victoriah9421
      @victoriah9421 6 років тому +67

      How do you know? They'll do their best to hide it out of shame.

    • @mathieumaloney4513
      @mathieumaloney4513 6 років тому +26

      OnesAndZeros maybe they meant 8.1% in Kentucky??

  • @moonstonestiitsia2997
    @moonstonestiitsia2997 6 років тому +733

    I hope they will learn to read in the future.

    • @dicswet
      @dicswet 6 років тому +1

      Moonstone Stiinsonio no

    • @dominicthedefiant3210
      @dominicthedefiant3210 6 років тому +28

      That's probably the nicest thing anyone's said in this comment section

    • @theveganfanboy7652
      @theveganfanboy7652 6 років тому +1

      Thank you!
      By the way, I'm using my brother's phone which is why the profile is different.

    • @dominicthedefiant3210
      @dominicthedefiant3210 6 років тому +2

      Welcome :). Good to see some compassion on UA-cam once in awhile.

    • @theveganfanboy7652
      @theveganfanboy7652 6 років тому

      Nevermind

  • @omarxism2
    @omarxism2 6 років тому +700

    I came here for a quick laugh but what I saw absolutely broke my heart and made me be grateful for my education. I hope the US can direct some of the money it spends on defence on public education.

    • @4g63powerhouse7
      @4g63powerhouse7 6 років тому +11

      omarxism2 it's a political hit piece on MR TRUMPS USA

    • @amerob291
      @amerob291 6 років тому +14

      You make me Cringe. Its not the federal government job to fund education. Its the state level.

    • @thenoicemango1827
      @thenoicemango1827 6 років тому +6

      I can't blame the lady I guess her parents didn't teach her how to read.

    • @kf5467
      @kf5467 6 років тому +1

      omarxism2 lol what country u from the one america saved or the one we send billions too ppl like you make me not want to help forigners you feel better hating other ppl ur the problem

    • @4g63powerhouse7
      @4g63powerhouse7 6 років тому +10

      J Jay it's time for your pills again friend.

  • @lenstacy1781
    @lenstacy1781 6 років тому +373

    I am so proud of those adults who are learning to read.
    I grew up with two parents who were similar to this. It's difficult for the child but I understand when I got older what they went through and learned it was so hard on them too.
    Instead of shaming and making fun of people, we should learn to encourage and help those in these situations. These people have my respect.

    • @user-dz8pg5sw6s
      @user-dz8pg5sw6s 6 років тому +1

      Len Stacy haha lol adults cant read what a joke

    • @princessfluffybottom1933
      @princessfluffybottom1933 6 років тому +9

      Antonio Valeri Pimonov The only joke is you. Seriously, where's the humor in laughing at someone who has less than you? That is no different than laughing at someone for being homeless, or having a disease. You are disgusting.

    • @teeoh4981
      @teeoh4981 6 років тому +1

      Princess Fluffybottom ok you see, if you're an adult and if you cant read, thats a problem, and that should be laughed at. He wont try to learn to read if something doesnt point that out.

    • @princessfluffybottom1933
      @princessfluffybottom1933 6 років тому +5

      LhorNe Gaming No it's not a problem. You're judging someones intellegence by their ability to read. In the past most most European's didn't even know how to read or write. They had scribes do all that work for them.
      I say europeans bacause you act like reading is a "human" thing. When you need to realise not *everybody* reads the same, or at all. Not everyone has access to education like most first world countries.
      Reading is a *man made* invention. You might as well laugh at someone because they don't know how to use a toilet. Or because they were born retarded. Where is your logic?
      You act as if someone who can not read is stupid. The real stupid one is the person whom is judging. You can't judge someone's intellegence by *one* aspect of their life. That is like me calling Albert Einstein stupid because he didn't know how to swim or drive a car. Regardless of the fact he is talented at mathematics.
      The only stupid one's are those whom are close-minded. An open minded person will learn how to read when he wants to, or gets the opportunity to do so. As he will many other topics. A close minded person learn's because he *has* to.

    • @teeoh4981
      @teeoh4981 6 років тому +1

      Princess Fluffybottom well the Europeans went to war all the time. War was often and those were different times. Now everybody should know how to read. They should know because there even signs everywhere with WORDS! and yes, i will laugh at someone who doesnt know how to use the toilet.

  • @Amitdas-gk2it
    @Amitdas-gk2it 6 років тому +647

    I m indian my father was illiterate and my mother studies only upto high school but I m the first member of my family to attend the clg this july and they were very happy

    • @Amitdas-gk2it
      @Amitdas-gk2it 6 років тому +11

      Commander Iden Versio thank u mate

    • @Amitdas-gk2it
      @Amitdas-gk2it 6 років тому +3

      TheWoldIsFullofSheep EducateYourselfDontBeOne yeah and u have to pay per semester.

    • @Amitdas-gk2it
      @Amitdas-gk2it 6 років тому

      TheWoldIsFullofSheep EducateYourselfDontBeOne u r right but I don't have resources neither my parents

    • @fyybbbb5012
      @fyybbbb5012 6 років тому +7

      good job(not trying to be rude)

    • @Amitdas-gk2it
      @Amitdas-gk2it 6 років тому +2

      AgentOfHydra it's ok and thank you

  • @eliseweusthuis
    @eliseweusthuis 6 років тому +22

    I just don’t understand how anyone can get through elementary school without learning to read? Surely you would be held back of all your classmates were reading books but you were still unable to read a word?

    • @tempejkl
      @tempejkl 6 місяців тому

      If you are too far behind - they just leave you behind. I was in mathematics, i believe i may be functionally innumerate. Although i was by far the smartest in my school when it came to reading (it was a mandatory test for all of us. i had the highest possible score that only like the top 0.1% can achieve, so while i may be incredibly handicapped when it comes to mathematics atleast i can be proud of something

  • @walmantristianto2404
    @walmantristianto2404 4 роки тому +37

    If you see an adult who cant read, Help them! They have been through hard times, They have to abandon education to Afford for Food! They are strong people! They just need a helper, and teacher.

  • @rogerfederer1233
    @rogerfederer1233 2 роки тому +18

    Reading is one of the greatest joys in my life. It helped me escape poverty through economic advancement. But it helped me escape the horrors of growing up in a project building too. This is heartbreaking.

  • @bahamakazi
    @bahamakazi 6 років тому +105

    I hate reading out in English class, the amount of students who can’t read or speak amazes me and it’s sad

    • @theinternetisnotarealplace4133
      @theinternetisnotarealplace4133 5 років тому +5

      I mean you can help them if they make the effort to improve ate show that they want the help well if your not busy our just dont care to help

    • @amenenema474
      @amenenema474 Рік тому

      ​@@theinternetisnotarealplace4133yes let's put the onus on other students to find the time between school, social life, extra curriculars, homework to teach their classmates to read. That's a great solution lol

  • @jamesgreer5728
    @jamesgreer5728 6 років тому +23

    How is it possible for people to be required to go to school in the US up to a certain point but there are still adults that can't read. This is sad and needs to be fixed

  • @RainyVisions
    @RainyVisions 3 роки тому +15

    I'm special needs and the more I get older the more I know how to do things

  • @isabel7428
    @isabel7428 6 років тому +111

    They don’t tend to smart kids needs either. They teach everyone the same things, dragging the kids who are ahead down and sometimes ignoring the people who are getting left behind. It’s really messed up

    • @GhostSamaritan
      @GhostSamaritan 3 роки тому +6

      Being "bright" early on is really bad because once you get to university you need to learn strategies for learning that others have worked on all their lives.

    • @frasertv4126
      @frasertv4126 3 роки тому +1

      i agree

    • @celestialorb1680
      @celestialorb1680 3 роки тому +3

      America is a joke

  • @truasheim6577
    @truasheim6577 6 років тому +90

    I'm not American and I've met my fair share of adults who struggle with literacy. This is a world wide problem and it's not just confined to one country.

    • @tokahontas9990
      @tokahontas9990 6 років тому +3

      Claire Truasheim it’s not even a problem here lmao I’ve literally never met one person that can’t read and haven’t heard of anyone that my friends know. Yes we do have people like that but it’s such a small amount of people

    • @kylem1112
      @kylem1112 6 років тому +3

      i'm american and i have never met an adult or even a child over the age of 7 years old who cant read this whole story is bullshit.

    • @wren1682
      @wren1682 6 років тому +5

      kylem1112 Well I don't think when you meet someone, they'd automatically announce whether they can read or not. You've definitely met at least one person who can't read, but you just didn't know it.

    • @kylem1112
      @kylem1112 6 років тому +2

      no... i'm pretty sure i haven't the only place i can imagine that happening is in the very rural, extremely poor parts of appilacian kentucky/west virginia, and the missisipi river delta. i don't live in those places

    • @frostywing8941
      @frostywing8941 4 роки тому +2

      ​@@kylem1112 People don't go around announcing their horrible schizophrenia for fear of being shamed. What makes it different between illiterate people? Yes, I am painfully aware that you commented this a year ago. Ignorance just makes me angry.

  • @SapphireX413
    @SapphireX413 6 років тому +281

    I read to my 9 month old son every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. I like to read both baby books and chapter books for him so he's exposed to wide varieties of words and sentence structures of varying difficulties. My mom read to me often and it paid off so I'm trying to do the same. It's common sense!

    • @StreetPeter
      @StreetPeter 6 років тому +27

      You should read Mein kampf to your son.

    • @jackdets7450
      @jackdets7450 6 років тому +23

      You're not funny.

    • @StreetPeter
      @StreetPeter 6 років тому +9

      I'm not trying to be funny. It will teach him to be a great leader.

    • @user-xm6cl4jz5o
      @user-xm6cl4jz5o 6 років тому +13

      I am not illiterate, I can read silently with my mind, but it's when I read aloud that I stutter. It's the sound of my own voice that makes me lose concentration on the words I am reading. I can read aloud fluently when I have earphones and am blasting music.
      I'm not sure, it's just hearing my voice projecting really distracts me. Weird...
      Also when/if I have children I would read to them too. My parents did not speak English and they never read to me. I grew up struggling to read, making me despise reading. Absolutely hated reading because kids would giggle or stare in class when I stuttered... Don't want my kids to go through that.
      I'm an adult and still practice reading out loud.

    • @counterkidnapping1737
      @counterkidnapping1737 6 років тому +2

      Bunny same
      Im not american but i try so hard to to learn and read english

  • @JosefaVlogs
    @JosefaVlogs 6 років тому +314

    The funny part is that they can't read our comments lol

    • @SkyscraperM
      @SkyscraperM 6 років тому

      Mayor Three Doge idiot

    • @Miquelalalaa
      @Miquelalalaa 6 років тому +8

      Josefa Vlogs I think it’s quite sad

    • @g_thbaa4909
      @g_thbaa4909 6 років тому +12

      That’s really note funny this comment is just ignorant

    • @Tanman256
      @Tanman256 6 років тому +3

      I usually find everything funny. Not this.

    • @user-jq5pr2vy4s
      @user-jq5pr2vy4s 6 років тому +1

      What the fuck. Fuckoff you immigrant old hag

  • @nadinehurley
    @nadinehurley 6 років тому +6

    Nothing like a bunch of pretentious and incredibly rude people making fun of the people in the video. Just admit that you’d rather see Americans failing than care about solutions to their problems. This is really really sad and the fact that our educational system hasn’t changed in decades despite its obvious flaws is awful.

  • @maura_the_rose
    @maura_the_rose 6 років тому +10

    It's because we focus more on our test scores than actually educating people!!

  • @rlh1984
    @rlh1984 6 років тому +239

    It's weird how well-spoken they are considering they're illiterate.

    • @coolcool9634
      @coolcool9634 6 років тому +143

      Never knew illiteracy was about talking.
      Oh wait it isn't. It's about being able to read.

    • @trinity_null
      @trinity_null 6 років тому +8

      Reginald Mizer your misinformed

    • @CraftyZanTub
      @CraftyZanTub 6 років тому +73

      Illiterate doesn't mean stupid. Many of these people adapted means to hide the fact they can't read. To adapt calls for intelligence. To function in life without the ability to read calls for EXTREME intellegence.

    • @elfoxy1997
      @elfoxy1997 6 років тому +3

      Sandy Rene' EXTREME ILLITERACY 😎

    • @CraftyZanTub
      @CraftyZanTub 6 років тому

      A pain condition makes it difficult to type.

  • @optimusprime9395
    @optimusprime9395 6 років тому +398

    Don't worry...gun and jesus will save them

    • @VCYT
      @VCYT 6 років тому +5

      except in vegas, texas, Orlando.....

    • @4g63powerhouse7
      @4g63powerhouse7 6 років тому +3

      optimus prime lol would you rather a bomb and mo?

    • @lambertlum1087
      @lambertlum1087 6 років тому +15

      Literacy is required to read a Bible. Protestants are always in favor of literacy and scholarship.

    • @dust7962
      @dust7962 6 років тому +5

      optimus prime but... how will they read duh bible?

    • @wowlizzy4039
      @wowlizzy4039 6 років тому

      L O L

  • @DarthFurie
    @DarthFurie 6 років тому +5

    My grandma had to stop going to school in the 2nd grade, she is one of the wisest people I've ever met but she can barely read. When I was a little kid she used to have me read things for her all the time 😞

  • @Liuhuayue
    @Liuhuayue 3 роки тому +5

    Future generations will probably have less illiteracy due to the rampant use of social media, which often involves texting.

    • @Roger__Wilco
      @Roger__Wilco 2 роки тому +1

      On the other hand though a good proportion of that texting contains emojis rather than text :D

    • @matthew_natividad
      @matthew_natividad 6 місяців тому

      Tru I guess

    • @lisiasty688
      @lisiasty688 5 місяців тому

      I've got more literacy, due to social media. My friends learned even more languages lol

  • @LexitaMai
    @LexitaMai 6 років тому +23

    This is a relatively common problem among children raised in the foster system. I didn't enter the foster system until I was 7, so thankfully I already knew the basics and could help my then 4 year old brother learn, but the kids who entered the system by themselves at any age before 5 would find themselves completely lost in school. they just moved around too much to be able to keep up with all of the different lessons. I remember several of my older foster siblings, ages anywhere from 10-15ish, asking me for help with their school work even though I was much younger than them. I'd have to try and read at a high school level, even though I was only 7. it was difficult for both of us, but I can only assume they went on to live an incredibly hard life. Almost everything in America evolves around literacy, from Street signs to filling out a job application.

  • @osoczy
    @osoczy 4 роки тому +7

    This actually makes me sad I'm a grown ass man crying

    • @rainbowkitten8990
      @rainbowkitten8990 2 роки тому +1

      @One Guy Named Ivan You are apart of the problem. Dyslexia is a spectrum, people have it worse than others. I too have Dyslexia, but mine concerns my ability to remember facts rather than reading and writing. Some people have such a hard time with reading and or writing and don't know what else to do.

    • @rainbowkitten8990
      @rainbowkitten8990 2 роки тому

      @One Guy Named Ivan You could also say why are there people in poverty in the United States if it is the richest country in the world.

  • @gemgirl223
    @gemgirl223 6 років тому +7

    This is sad. Our educational system is one-way where once you don't meet quota like your peers you're thrown out. I, unlike others in these illiterate states, was given extra help in elementary school in reading. we had our own little reading group and everything. Met once a day. It was nice. Later, I was tested again and passed with my classmates into the next level. Now I'm in multiple AP classes wondering which major I should do in college. People like me need the little bit of help to become successful and the fact that they are not providing it sickens me.

  • @ariannasilva4462
    @ariannasilva4462 6 років тому +7

    Most of these people were from a decade in which they can get jobs without reading.

    • @KentPetersonmoney
      @KentPetersonmoney 3 місяці тому

      Yeah 100 years ago you could get by easier without reading. Native Americans didn't have a written lanague but they were still able to build things without knowing how to read.

  • @squiggyflop
    @squiggyflop 3 роки тому +3

    My uncle Tom can't read but he still managed to serve his country and live a decent life. Dyslexic people are often very intelligent and can adapt. I am dyslexic myself and it has been a long struggle. I somehow made it to college but it took me 4 years for a 2 year degree.

  • @aquarius-lp7ty
    @aquarius-lp7ty 5 років тому +2

    The illiterate problem stems from entitlement mind set... unfortunately Americans have that issues... if you grew up poor ... you have to struggle how to at least read and write...

  • @frogextract4310
    @frogextract4310 6 років тому +5

    My grandpa was homeless and never wanted to live with us due to feeling like he would weigh us down and he couldn't read so he would struggle so much. He lived in his late moms house 4 states away and would struggle because he couldn't read. My grandpa passed away in 2014 due to a hit and run. I felt so guilty that he couldn't with us and have a better life. Every night I wish that he could have lived with us and he could learn how to read and write so that way he could feel better about himself.

  • @user-ok8yq6nc6x
    @user-ok8yq6nc6x 6 років тому +31

    8%? Where did they get those statistics from?

  • @evanwheeler634
    @evanwheeler634 6 років тому +5

    That 16 million stat seems suspect as hell. Where did they pull that from?

    • @shergirl92
      @shergirl92 3 роки тому

      Not completely illiterate its like do they a vast vocabulary can they follow an argument can they write effectively

  • @megshimatsu8615
    @megshimatsu8615 5 років тому +2

    Based on the comments posted here, grammar is also an issue.

    • @lisiasty688
      @lisiasty688 5 місяців тому

      Not everyone is native, lmao. For example, I'm not but I'm Interested in whats happening in the usa

  • @mtcondie
    @mtcondie 6 років тому +91

    Next on BBC News - 'Americans who can't ride bikes'

    • @mtcondie
      @mtcondie 6 років тому +3

      Well, I hope you know how to swim... Lol. I have known a few people (adults) who did not know how to ride a bike and who also did not know how to swim. I think they must not have had very good parents...

    • @lilaccherri7584
      @lilaccherri7584 6 років тому +2

      mtcondie I know how to scooter, does that count?

    • @Windfarmer
      @Windfarmer 6 років тому +2

      I'm sorry, your body requires manual labor to move (I don't know how to ride a bike either though)

    • @nofunatall4094
      @nofunatall4094 6 років тому

      I cant

    • @mtcondie
      @mtcondie 6 років тому +3

      Well, not being able to ride a bike sounds like NoFunAtAll...

  • @RegularInvader
    @RegularInvader 5 років тому +6

    This segment reminded me of a classmate from my 3rd grade class who didn't know how to read and hardly paid attention in class for the most part. It's hard to say if she ever got the help she needed because she ended up transferring somewhere else in the middle of the year. Her parents were probably workaholics and didn't have time to help her with homework. They most likely got a job transfer at the time she transferred schools.😔

  • @ChristinaOstil115
    @ChristinaOstil115 6 років тому +4

    Going to church and reading the bible with other people help me read words out loud.

  • @BrunosSquirrel
    @BrunosSquirrel 6 років тому +1

    The US is so incredibly stupid by not investing in their own people by making sure everyone gets educated to a certain level. This is life changing, it is a basic need I believe.

  • @amohammed5
    @amohammed5 4 роки тому +3

    This is shocking,but true. This country should not just pass people along. Give them the fundamentals and be patient with these people.

  • @6piecechickenmcnuggets23
    @6piecechickenmcnuggets23 6 років тому +1

    The ironic thing is that people who can't read wouldn't be able to read the title.

  • @TheArtemis07
    @TheArtemis07 6 років тому +20

    Parents and teachers must work together to help children. And children have to do their part as well. We cannot blame only one group.
    I tutor an adult learner for two hours each week. When we first started working together, he could not read or write at all. In ten months, he has come such a long way, and I’m really proud of him. Please, if you want to address this problem, look up your local Literacy agency and train to be a tutor. Anyone can do this, and I must say that I have learned as much from my learner as he has learned from me. Also, I have made a friend for life. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

  • @Ssm19494
    @Ssm19494 Рік тому +2

    BBC why are you doing a story trying to make the US look bad like this 😂

  • @lion2535
    @lion2535 5 років тому +9

    You can do it guys!! Practice makes perfect 👌

  • @godsbestdd
    @godsbestdd 6 років тому +9

    Not all of America sucks, there are many good parts

  • @alexh7107
    @alexh7107 6 років тому +4

    America was never perfect...
    But we’re striving to be everyday.

  • @shaina_2211
    @shaina_2211 6 років тому +3

    I would like to add that for educational purposes the term "illiterate" or "functionally illiterate" is often used to describe those who read below a 5th grade level. That's likely why the statistic is so high. Are there people who can't read at all? Of course. I've met about 6 people from my rural community that can't read at all, but those people are often older adults.

  • @theunwantedcritic
    @theunwantedcritic 4 роки тому +4

    Kentucky is a Republican state where Mitch McConnell the head of the United States Senate has been in charge for decades. He's also the richest Congressman in the country. The state is highest in the country for a literacy, poverty, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, alcoholism and every other negative metric you could think of. Voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump

    • @Stephanie56372
      @Stephanie56372 4 роки тому +1

      Ernest Walker poor people always vote for the best liar. It’s a punishment for their idiocy

  • @takithetutor8300
    @takithetutor8300 Місяць тому +1

    Reading is still underestimated, yet it holds the key to unlock so many opportunity doors.

  • @inferno3644
    @inferno3644 4 роки тому +3

    I work as a janitor and 99% of Americans can’t read wet floor sign

  • @_Orphic_
    @_Orphic_ 4 роки тому +1

    16 million people in the states are illiterate.... that’s basically half the population of Canada. It’s sad to hear that 😔

  • @fastestbasket4327
    @fastestbasket4327 6 років тому +3

    “Just spend all the money on defence”

  • @LucasFernandez-fk8se
    @LucasFernandez-fk8se 6 років тому +1

    What the hell? 16 million people can't read in this country???

  • @meredithgordon5447
    @meredithgordon5447 6 років тому +4

    I remember coming from a private school where we were very behind on math and when I switched over to a public school they didn't even bother to test what I knew- so I was placed in resources or special education. I remember having friends doing their homework and looking down and seeing that I had been given 2nd grade math homework while they were doing algebra. Honestly it's terrible that there's no effort placed in those needing extra help, even a minor correction makes all the difference.

  • @skuntanksnuggler3919
    @skuntanksnuggler3919 6 років тому +2

    It's interesting to read these comments as an American, to see what everyone thinks. It's refreshing. I agree this is sad, I have a relative who can't read, and it's just because she didn't feel like learning and doesn't ever want to learn. I wish she would.

  • @mixedman841
    @mixedman841 5 років тому +6

    I've been reading since kindergarten. I can't even imagune what it woud be like to go through life unable to read. What a handicap.

  • @mbatista5891
    @mbatista5891 6 років тому +2

    Where can I watch the rest of this news story?

  • @billiamc1969
    @billiamc1969 6 років тому +160

    50% of inner city American youth drop out in 9th grade...

    • @geoffdearth8575
      @geoffdearth8575 6 років тому +8

      That along with the disadvantaged whites account for the literacy deficit in the US.

    • @viridianz
      @viridianz 6 років тому +37

      BeeFriendlyApiary Sources

    • @4g63powerhouse7
      @4g63powerhouse7 6 років тому +5

      BeeFriendlyApiary it's all that soo called white privilege .....

    • @ivy3640
      @ivy3640 6 років тому +51

      That is 100% incorrect.

    • @lilaccherri7584
      @lilaccherri7584 6 років тому +13

      BeeFriendlyApiary more like 25% most drop out in 11th do either way, about half do. But the UK has a higher unemployment rate, and illiteracy is still available there.

  • @evanwheeler634
    @evanwheeler634 6 років тому +1

    There is another issue. The UK doesn’t actually have a government conducted study of illiteracy. That’s a really British thing to do to judge the problems for another country with out even assessing their own problems.

  • @john.do9231
    @john.do9231 6 років тому +4

    Who’s ever had their parents say ‘ you must memorise the dictionary’. Cos I have😅😅

  • @triggeredcat120
    @triggeredcat120 3 роки тому +2

    As a kid, I hated reading. But as an adult, I love it. It opens your world and diversifies it. I feel so bad for those who have struggled with illiteracy. The only times I have met people who were illiterate where individuals from other parts of the world, where reading was not encouraged, especially to women. But in regards to my own backyard of Canada, none. I can understand as to why some are illiterate, since I've struggled with learning disabilities and reading comprehension. So I have reread a question or sentence sometimes to actually understand it fully. That's why I never studied in school either. Ones who have had learning disabilities like me, we get left behind because the school system seems to favour children who don't seem to have any learning problems at all. I was not illiterate growing up, but I didn't enjoy reading.

    • @VeloriaMyVey
      @VeloriaMyVey Рік тому +1

      one must find a book that captures them fully. What would you be interested in reading?

    • @triggeredcat120
      @triggeredcat120 Рік тому

      @@VeloriaMyVey I enjoy sci-fi or just general fiction. I enjoy reading as an adult now though.

  • @blitz1049
    @blitz1049 5 років тому +4

    I guess it's time to start reading books in my language now because I can read my native language at a second grade level.

  • @aproppaknoife5078
    @aproppaknoife5078 3 роки тому +2

    America moment.

  • @minoroka6248
    @minoroka6248 6 років тому +5

    Americans who are illiterate: 16 million
    Of 0 - 6 months old 99.9%

  • @maryshaffer8474
    @maryshaffer8474 4 роки тому +1

    I wish we would help lower illiteracy rate.

  • @alyicot
    @alyicot 6 років тому +6

    I personally could read 80 wpm in 3rd grade, it is really sad for these people who are illiterate. I think the school system should teach better.

  • @shara503
    @shara503 6 років тому +1

    My son is 6. He's read the Harry Potter series. He began to read at 2 and was reading books at 3. He had an interest in space so we picked up several books on the subject. He is now learning sign language with me. Education starts at home. If it's not accessible to children at a young age, if parents do not try than its harder for a child to gain interest. I feel that is a form of neglect and child abuse. I feel for these people.

    • @MaoRatto
      @MaoRatto 3 роки тому

      I feel now days the school system clearly gives no reason for smarter than average people to read. As for me, I loved to read non-fiction books, but couldn't stand fiction, but school tried to push me into a subject I found was absolutely boring for reading, it sort of turned me away from English, but ironically I love learning difficult languages and find. Fiction is good, but I was never exposed to the proper one. I find myself enjoying manga more than any fiction book back in school.

  • @angelwitnowings5450
    @angelwitnowings5450 6 років тому +6

    If he illiterate how he rly gonna buy a hat and not know what it say🤔🤔

  • @matthewperez555
    @matthewperez555 4 роки тому +2

    I have a associate's and bachelor's degree. I hope to eventually attend graduate school in the near future as well. It shocks me to see people being incapable of reading. To me it seems like such a normal functioning tasks all people should have, but clearly here in America that is not the case.

  • @rats.4561
    @rats.4561 6 років тому +4

    "Greatest country in the world..but 32 million of us can't read and write."

    • @ThomasBob
      @ThomasBob 6 років тому

      It’s not even CLOSE to 32 million.

    • @rats.4561
      @rats.4561 6 років тому

      Well then go ahead and give me the "real" statistics then.

    • @mrockasdf6139
      @mrockasdf6139 5 років тому

      zombu there's a difference between total illiteracy and functional illiteracy

  • @jeffo1017
    @jeffo1017 6 років тому +1

    Isn’t all of America like this?

  • @kacywatson6314
    @kacywatson6314 6 років тому +7

    It’s called dyslexia
    It effects Britain as well.

    • @beninwarrior4579
      @beninwarrior4579 6 років тому

      Bluetrainer91 FireBlast I am dyslexic, and my reading level is post high school. PS: I'm a junior in highschool!!

    • @imperator692
      @imperator692 4 роки тому +3

      Not necessarily, there are a lot of older folks who cant read because they had to work instead of going to school

    • @lisiasty688
      @lisiasty688 5 місяців тому

      ​@@imperator692capitalism

  • @asiandod325
    @asiandod325 4 роки тому +1

    All parents must be able to read, please learn before having one, your child will bully you, you won't be able to teach him, and he could die soon and you wouldn't know. And Japan is representing!!!

  • @bencosta2340
    @bencosta2340 6 років тому +7

    In 2012 a study was conducted that stated that one in every five adult within the UK at the time were functionally illiterate. Approximately 8 million people in the UK were illiterate and although that is half of the amount of people in the US that are illiterate it is nearly 12% percent more of the overall population than the US.

    • @rxss6154
      @rxss6154 6 років тому +1

      ben costa but you have to understand what was considered “functionally illiterate”, how many people in the study was there, what classes someone “functionally illiterate” does it mean reading below a year 7 etc? Was disabled and people with learning difficulties included in the study because if so that could push the number up higher.

    • @rxss6154
      @rxss6154 6 років тому +1

      And if you do a bit of digging, that “fact” is only half true, there are misleading things on that report.
      fullfact.org/news/are-one-five-british-adults-illiterate/

    • @mr_slidey
      @mr_slidey 6 років тому

      ben costa FACT CHECK BEFORE YOU COMMENT PLEASE :-)

  • @mcy7328
    @mcy7328 6 років тому +1

    This is what years of inbreeding does to you

  • @rainbowpandasays8851
    @rainbowpandasays8851 6 років тому +90

    lol Trump won Kentucky in the presidential race. :)

    • @gabebrandt4867
      @gabebrandt4867 6 років тому +6

      RRRED611 actaully Detroit is in Michigan, where trump won. Chicago would be a better example.

    • @Andy-km1xp
      @Andy-km1xp 6 років тому +4

      A lot of us hate trump in Kentucky believe me

    • @younghendrix7561
      @younghendrix7561 6 років тому +4

      Rainbow Panda says fuck you I'm in kentucky

    • @ezekiel_phantom2326
      @ezekiel_phantom2326 6 років тому

      Kentucky is majority literate mate. Idk wtf your point is

    • @kylem1112
      @kylem1112 6 років тому

      so did alot of states moron.

  • @dannyburns6982
    @dannyburns6982 6 років тому +2

    I️ understand their problems completely. I️ have horrible dyslexia and I️ was always behind in reading and writing but I️m lucky enough to get the proper help through high school and college.

  • @dontmindme.imjustafraidofe9327
    @dontmindme.imjustafraidofe9327 5 років тому +6

    I believe school should _only_ teach you things that are essential for the real world.

    • @leroyjenkins4811
      @leroyjenkins4811 3 роки тому +2

      And what would be essential for the real world exactly? People have very different views on that subject.

    • @lisiasty688
      @lisiasty688 5 місяців тому

      History and poetry isn't essential

  • @Jefff72
    @Jefff72 6 років тому +1

    I had issues with reading when I was a kid too. Thankfully being from Minnesota, they had the resources to give me one on one help. I didn't come from the rich side of town but the blue collar side of the Twin Cities. Now I am an Air Force vet and college grad.

  • @zzly9338
    @zzly9338 6 років тому +6

    At least he doesn't think the earth is flat, or at least I hope so

  • @spooky_accordion7676
    @spooky_accordion7676 6 років тому +1

    Please show sources to show where you got these statistics.
    The method, the variables, and the control.
    Edit: Oh look! No sources at all in the description! So very "surprising", but ofcourse, what could I expect?

  • @bluuberries6740
    @bluuberries6740 6 років тому +4

    I've never heard anything smart being said in a southern accent XD

  • @fedup1792
    @fedup1792 6 років тому +1

    Education will fix 99% of americas problems. Find a problem in modern day America and if you follow it back far enough it usually ends up being education thats insufficient. Look at Massachusetts, the smartest state in the US, with the best education. yeah they have high taxes because of this but looks at their stats on earnings, crime, happiness, health etc. They come out on top every time.

  • @cathy-pz2to
    @cathy-pz2to 6 років тому +4

    Everyone in the comments section on UA-cam can read so why post this video on here? Is it because you want us to help? A person can not learn without wanting to learn first! These people chose not to do any work towards learning to read until way later in their lives and this is the result. Reality is just that painful!

  • @ig7002
    @ig7002 6 років тому

    For anyone who thinks these people are stupid, remember that writing systems for humans are VERY NEW. Think 10,000 years or so. Whereas, humans have been anatomically modern for almost 100,000 years. That means people could, clothe, feed, educate, and survive their entire lives without writing. People built amazing things and survived millennia without written language. Were these people more stupid than us? Absolutely not. Writing was just not a part of their life. It is only recently that reading and writing is expected of 100% of people. We need to support and encourage our fellow man to learn better themselves. Only then will we excel, ourselves.

  • @bradleyparker4035
    @bradleyparker4035 4 роки тому +3

    Trump supporters

  • @mukavynz4014
    @mukavynz4014 4 роки тому +2

    Illiteracy does not matters

    • @im14robyrich34
      @im14robyrich34 4 роки тому +1

      I feel bad for the people that can't read

    • @MollsBolls8
      @MollsBolls8 4 роки тому +2

      Yes it does.

    • @mukavynz4014
      @mukavynz4014 4 роки тому +1

      May literacy matters but if the person is humble respectful and religious.What is literacy.literacy isn't necessary.

    • @mukavynz4014
      @mukavynz4014 4 роки тому +1

      But you are also right be literate is good.in this world billion peoples are illitrate

    • @MollsBolls8
      @MollsBolls8 4 роки тому +2

      @@mukavynz4014 it's necessary if you want a job

  • @kenseitakesi4521
    @kenseitakesi4521 6 років тому +3

    In USA 16 million cant read but in North Korea everyone can read. Think about that!

  • @Skorpyos
    @Skorpyos 6 років тому

    US media won't show you this report because it dispels the "best country in the world" narrative.

  • @americaninsurgent4403
    @americaninsurgent4403 6 років тому +99

    Next: Europeans Who Cant Fight

    • @penguinpanda7479
      @penguinpanda7479 6 років тому +7

      American Insurgent French?

    • @LabRat10101
      @LabRat10101 6 років тому +8

      American Insurgent Europeans started two world wars. That what happens when the Europeans start to fight. So lets keep it civil?. Or not. Who cares, when they are not in a consentration camp.

    • @americaninsurgent4403
      @americaninsurgent4403 6 років тому +7

      Uncle Traveling Matt Lmao just stop man.... Europeans fighting eachother is like watching 2 midgets fight to us over here in America. You making me laugh a lot though

    • @americaninsurgent4403
      @americaninsurgent4403 6 років тому +2

      Brother Ares I was talking about actual fighting but you Euro clowns are still running on old glory when you only won anything because you had better weapons. Look what happens when everyone catches up... Fuckin weaklings lol. Couldnt fight then and cant fight now

    • @James-oo1yq
      @James-oo1yq 6 років тому +4

      American Insurgent an American talking about better weapons....ooo the irony

  • @kaam..
    @kaam.. 6 років тому +2

    I've read "silly Americans" far too many times in this comment section.

  • @brandentheultramangofighter
    @brandentheultramangofighter 6 років тому +17

    This is weird

    • @4g63powerhouse7
      @4g63powerhouse7 6 років тому +1

      branden8045 theultramangofighter there paid anti Mr Trumpywumpy protestors

    • @shopdog831
      @shopdog831 6 років тому

      migrants

  • @annmitchell4663
    @annmitchell4663 6 років тому +1

    I cant imagine not being able to read..how hard everyday life must be for them,I remember many years ago a British actress called Susan Hampshire, she was very dyslexic (before we knew what dyslexic was) and she had great difficulty reading,she said she would get someone to read her scripts to her, and memorise the whole script so no one would know she couldnt read.

  • @0000di
    @0000di 6 років тому +22

    My brother knows how to read he's 7

    • @Sunny-ih7xx
      @Sunny-ih7xx 6 років тому +39

      Enya ! Not impressive, most people can read when they are 7.

    • @kills26
      @kills26 6 років тому +10

      Enya ! I could read when i was three and a half, my mum taught me. What do I win ?

    • @royalbread8614
      @royalbread8614 6 років тому +2

      I learned how to read when I was 6. Now I’m 11 and I’m 6th grade and I have a 9th grade reading level 😂

    • @0000di
      @0000di 6 років тому

      Sunny ooo I meant my brother is 7 and he KNEW HOW TO READ BY NOW I said that because I’m unsure what age he knew how to read
      I could read when I was three tho. That was probably his age too.

    • @andream8671
      @andream8671 6 років тому +2

      Not impressive. I started reading at age 2.

  • @kiwifruitkl
    @kiwifruitkl 6 років тому +2

    Japan has the hardest language in the world to learn, with three syllabaries and lots of different pronunciations for the same characters. And it has the lowest illiteracy rate. Way to go, America.

    • @Lucas-ih7bd
      @Lucas-ih7bd 6 років тому

      kiwifruitkl It's doesn't matter how hard a language is to learn if your around it all the time you will learn it if you try.

  • @jessicacole8404
    @jessicacole8404 6 років тому +5

    *Most people in America have very low levels of reading comprehension. Im a highschool drop out, but I probably read better then AT LEAST 85% of people here. I'm deeply greatful that I was forces to read at 3, or I could be semi-literate too. Even though I can read, I have a middle school math level and that's something that haunts me every day. I at least had a chance being home schooled, although i was mostly left to my own devices.*
    *What does an inner city chil in a failing school that gets bullied all the time do??? How are they to make it in life. What we are doing in the Prussian based education model is not only callous, but inhumane. I hope Sudbury schools will someday be the norm, but for now we're stuck using antiquated methods that do little but establish conformity and obedience.We should be better then this **#Shame*

    • @royalbread8614
      @royalbread8614 6 років тому

      Alt Centrist Lilly ikr I’m 11 and I learned how to read when I was 6 and now I’m in 6th grade and I have a 9th grade reading level!! Last school year we were doing reading groups where certain groups read the same book and I was the last person to get a group and my teacher called me over, and told me she wasn’t sure what group to put me in because my reading level was so high she thought the books would be too easy 😂

    • @NigwardTheSquid
      @NigwardTheSquid 6 років тому

      Alt Centrist Lilly "im a highschool drop out" is where i stopped reading

  • @bandittweintraub
    @bandittweintraub Місяць тому

    The thing with Kentucky is, a majority of the counties are rural. most drop out of school, and usually it's elementary school

  • @ferritrat4239
    @ferritrat4239 6 років тому +3

    This is because of the poor education system with shitty teachers who give up on children and fail them!

  • @devincook1396
    @devincook1396 6 років тому

    Misleading, they show all American citizens, but don't show the amount of illegal immigrants in the system and their children who can't speak English or are illiterate in their native language as well.

  • @SpiralBreeze
    @SpiralBreeze 6 років тому +24

    Man I have to get out of this country.

    • @108nighthawk
      @108nighthawk 6 років тому +16

      Spiral Breeze Then leave, we won't miss you.

    • @kf5467
      @kf5467 6 років тому +3

      Spiral Breeze i hope u do too less negative nellys who hate their own country the better the middle east needs teachers go help them bet u dont bet u sit on the couch and watch t.v. and dont do shit

    • @jacoblepley9966
      @jacoblepley9966 6 років тому +7

      Good luck finding a better place

    • @gray546
      @gray546 6 років тому +3

      The literacy rate is 97 (roughly) percent. Which means 3 percent (give or take) are illiterate. This isn't as bad as BBC says.

    • @aname2627
      @aname2627 6 років тому

      Spiral Breeze please leave, less Nationalism= a weaker country.

  • @Kneong
    @Kneong 6 років тому +2

    You can't teach the unwilling, but all the rescorces are there to learn how to read