Dan Nerhaugen - Civic Engagement and Literacy

Listened to Dan Nerhaugen's interview via the internet. My first time listening to northern spirit and i was impressed. Yes, an informed and engaged citizenry seems likely to bring the best chances for securing life, liberty, and happiness in a democracy. I was glad to hear Dan and see the work he is doing. I visited his website as well. I appreciate this program for providing concrete examples of action: things I, my chldren, and others can use for inspiriation to move from thinking and complaining to doing. I was impressed that the host pressed Mr. N about his condemnation of television. Facile condemnations of TV are too easy. And a bias towards the benefits of reading is likewise too easy. Mr. N was led to clarify his position about TV by avoiding the question of content and describing instead the way TV steals time from people that could be devoted to civic engagement. Over my life I've developed a fair amount of skepticism about the general benefits of literacy. Despite being an avid reader of literary fiction and non-fiction, the last time i got politically involved it was due to an invitation from a high school educated neighbor with little time for reading but plenty of passion for a cause. I seem to find that skepticism and and critical thought are not necessarily linked to literacy. Nor, I imagine, is caring enough to get up and do something. Though for someone with the drive to get politically engaged, literacy may be a powerful tool. At any rate, enjoyed the show, and look forward to hearing more of them.

I heard the recent progam with Dan Nerhaugen, Civic Engagement & Literacy, and I was thrilled to hear the perspective of the connect between literacy and democracy. I was shocked, however, at the statistics he cited about the appalling lack of literacy in the US and the degree of apathy. For many years I have been a proponent of the "blow up your TV" idea because of the passivity I had witnessed in myself and others while watching TV. A life-long reader, I have encouraged and modeled reading, curiosity and civic involvement for my children. We have the power to change ourselves, which is a profound spiritual practice. Thank you for this program.