The article discusses the continued pertinence of Richard Hofstadter's book, 'Anti-Intellectualism in American Life,' particularly in the context of the L.A. wildfires and political responses. Citing a National Literacy Institute study, it highlights the low reading levels among American adults, correlating this with political rhetoric. The author, Jeoffry Gordon, then shifts to express concern over social work policies in California related to child welfare, emphasizing the demoralization of dedicated frontline workers. He commends recent media coverage as crucial to addressing systemic issues in social services while calling for more support.
It has been 62 years since Richard Hofstadter published Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, and his conclusions have been validated continuously ever since.
That is where 54% of American adults (i.e. voters) rank in reading level, according to the 2023 study commissioned by the National Literacy Institute.
Congratulations are due to Mercury News for its excellent ongoing coverage of this problem and its recent editorial, which clearly described the core issues.
As a family doctor and a volunteer member of the Citizens Review Panel on Critical Incidents, I have been very concerned since the death of baby Phoenix.
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