Reading Only for the Rich?

Have books become too expensive? Why do first world countries have higher literacy rates? Is it because of their governments or the people of the country? Do people really want to read? Has reading become elitist?
After conducting an investigation to try and answer some of these questions, I have discovered some interesting facts. If you look at a graph of the literacy rates from around the world, first world countries have the highest numbers. This is because in most of those places the governments has made policies to encourage reading, their education is at a higher standard and they have a less amount of unemployed people, so more of them can afford books and an education.
As many countries face an economic turmoil, the blue-collar worker can’t afford to buy the basic necessities, therefore they cannot afford books. They don’t have easy access to a library, making reading a luxury.
The younger generation of today would rather watch television, go to movies, be on their cell phones, play on computers or go to parties rather than read. Most people only read when they absolutely have to. Some people in society consider other teenagers as “nerdish” if they read a lot; by wanting to fit in, they rather do things that are considered as “cool”. This could be the reason literacy rates are decreasing, people don’t want to read!
In my opinion reading has definitely become elitist; but how can we help? In our own country there are many children and adults that are illiterate. South Africa is still a developing country; some schools in rural areas don’t have qualified teachers or reading material. Schools around the globe could learn from Mayertown High School for Girls, as they have started a fifteen-minute reading period each day, encouraging reading! Read more, learn more, help your country, help your future generation! [continues]

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