WHO READS BOOKS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

 Washington Post recently published a survey of US citizens on our reading habits. It's interesting and I note it does little to change publisher's perceptions of what books are more or less likely to be published. The survey of around 30,000 citizens suggests that reading habits aren't changing very much. 

As new generations grow up, women tend to read crime and thriller fiction more than men, who tend toward business and science-fiction. White readers also are more likely to choose crime genres while Blacks read religious and spirituality books. History apparently attracts more Hispanics. Younger readers seem to favor fantasy over other categories.

E-books and audio books are growing in importance, but still not making serious inroads on the number of people who read in general. Print books still head the line, but nearly half of the population didn't finish even a single book last year.

Reading these results of a single though fairly broad poll, I wonder about geographical differences and about trends. Can, for example, any changes in reading habits be tied to subjects taught in schools and more specifically how reading is taught.

TRUTH IN MEDIA WOULD BE AN IMPROVEMENT

I understand the benefits of propaganda. It allows  perpetrators to attempt to influence political attitudes and to solidify one's position. However, I do think we would all be better off if propagandists like Grover Norquist would at least occasionally admit that both Republicans and Democrats and--lo and behold--independents (!) joined in voting for a number of issues that have and are making life  better. The economy is improving day by day. That's a result of collaborations between right and left, regardless of Norquist's biased view as "reported" in the 12/10/23 Star-Tribune. He manages to attribute everything supported  by President Biden and Democrats and others only to the Congressional votes of Conservatives.

It is more and more clear to voters like me whose primary focus is not political but improving our lives, that the political parties, PACs and SuperPACs are becoming more and more a drag on progress. Given the displayed brilliance of the designers of our social media platforms, it is simply ludicrous for those owners to insist they are unable to adequately protect us against most of the lies and distortions they disperse. 

We had this same situation in the early twentieth century when charlatans took over radio to sell dangerous products other scams. In 1932 the Broadcasting Act was passed after only three years of design and editing by a small group of young lawyers. That law, gutted by a Democratic Administration in the 1960s, largely put an end to bad merchandising and political lies. Now we are forced to relive the experience of the Twenties with social media platforms out of control, because Congress won't get its act together. This is not a Political issue, friends, this is an issue or survival of our Republic!

Talk to your Senator and your Representative! Vote. Make your voice heard and demand justice.