In today’s society, literacy is often taken for granted, considered a fundamental right and an integral part of education. However, throughout history, literacy was primarily used as a tool of power, wielded by the privileged few. Only recently has the Western world positioned itself as a champion of global literacy, but the underlying power dynamics remain.
A Legacy of Power
For centuries, ruling classes tightly controlled written language, intentionally keeping the masses uninformed and powerless. Governing and religious institutions thrived on this power imbalance. By denying access to literacy, those in power established themselves as the sole arbiters of knowledge, setting rules, defining scripture, and attempting to govern without opposition. This deliberate manipulation of literacy ensured the perpetuation of their authority.
Persisting Inequalities
This is not merely a history lesson. The consequences of this historical power imbalance persist today, with marginalized communities suffering the most. Centuries of colonialism and oppressive ideologies have left a lasting impact, disproportionately affecting BIPOC populations. Women, especially in marginalized communities, bear the brunt, constituting nearly two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population. These inequalities extend beyond mere literacy, influencing economic prosperity, environmental well-being, and access to healthcare.
Challenging the Status Quo
Our education system must evolve when it comes to literacy. Merely teaching reading and writing to historically marginalized communities falls short of addressing the underlying power dynamics of literacy. To truly break down barriers and redefine literacy’s power dynamics, we must abandon the notion of literacy as a “western birthright” and recognize its multidimensional nature. By acknowledging historical injustices, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, and embracing more equitable approaches to teaching and learning, we can unleash the transformative potential of literacy as a force for positive change.
