According to Entertainment Weekly, influencer Alix Earle has never read a book before. Whether Earle was joking or not, this is an absurd comment to make. This commentary not only shows privilege, but also adds to the growing literacy crisis in America.
Merriam-Webster defines literate as someone being able to read and write, with the knowledge and competence to perform both tasks correctly. However, the issue at hand shows most Americans cannot even read or write.
The literacy crisis is an ongoing problem, with numbers growing every year. According to the National Literacy Institute, 28% of adults in the U.S. are at the lowest reading level this year, up from 19% in 2017. As for reading levels, 44% of adults read at a strong level, but that number has decreased from 48% in 2017.
These numbers are jarring, but not surprising with the rise of artificial intelligence and how the defunding of public schools is affecting learning. However, as a 25-year-old woman with a large online platform, Earle is not funny or cool for never having read a book.
Earle also faced some controversy over the years. Her huge online presence has grown since her Netflix show, “Earle Meets World,” debuted this year. Earle’s relatable, fun content featuring makeup transitions and family drama helps drive content numbers and fame. However, as an influencer, she has the responsibility of influencing viewers. Earle might think her comment is a funny bit to relate back to her reality TV show, but this shows how harmful influencers can be.
The literacy crisis sparked global attention in 1975, with an article from Newsweek titled “Why Johnny Can’t Write,” by Merrill Sheils, which detailed the issues of a failing public school system in the U.S. The literacy crisis was not new, but Sheils advocated against it and built support through conference calls and printed copies of the article. Her effort rallied support and expanded the conversation from literacy to digital and informational crises, which remain issues.
Sheils also emphasized that while it is easy to blame institutions and public schools, it is a person’s sole responsibility to actively engage with materials and readings to receive a full, knowledgeable outcome. She also points out there is no true literacy crisis, but an added weight of refusal of learning objectives. Since education is inherently flawed, Sheils emphasizes people need to consider initiatives to improve literacy in the education system.
Earle attended college at the University of Miami and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration while studying marketing. Business courses are rigorous, especially at a highly regarded institution such as Miami. To earn a degree such as Earle's, the university requires multiple specialized classes that involve a heavy course load, most likely with loads of texts and books to complete assignments.
It is hard to believe a person who has never read a single book in their entire life completed a college degree.
People do not not have to enjoy reading to read, but it strengthens our brains tremendously. It helps build critical thinking skills, decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and helps build vocabulary and conversation skills. It may not be fun for others, but the benefits show how life can be fulfilling when picking up a book.
According to the National Library of Medicine, researchers found what people were advocating for decades: reading improves our education. Its findings also demonstrate how lower-income communities face a higher chance of illiteracy. Proper education is something Earle has been granted throughout her life through attending private schools.
With Earle’s confession about never reading, social media and the internet blew up in conversation. The View, a TV broadcast show on ABC, discussed Earle’s literacy. Host Alyssa Farah Griffin laughed and said, “Just lie.” The other co-hosts also shared how shocked they were about Earle’s confession, but the comments on the TikTok video are concerning.
Comments, such as “leave her alone” or “she’s just a girl,” excuse the dangerous behavior Earle demonstrates. This encourages the idea that reading is “not cool” and people can use generative AI for all their wants and needs. However, the future reacts and follows influencers who promote this behavior. The conversation about reading is bigger than “she does not have to read books.” It is an example of where the U.S. can go when not taking advantage of learning and knowledge.
Reading is powerful and can be enjoyable. The ranges of genres, characters, worlds and storytelling all contribute to the love of books. While Earle is adding to the bit and mocking concerns, this is not an example a person should wish to follow. Enough is enough, just pick up a dang book.
Natalie Saddler is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Natalie about their column? Email them at ns505423@ohio.edu.
