Why is being illiterate a problem for so many?

Answer 1

For the same reason(s), white people, Asian people, Hispanic people, and so on are illiterate. They have had lack of education either by their own choice, or because they were put in a bind that forced them to compromise their schooling.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, the high illiteracy rate in the United States has many causes, some of which cannot be helped. Children born into poverty are less likely to learn to read, due to the fact that their parents may be too busy working to sit down and read to their children. Also, children born into poverty often do not have the means to buy and own books that they can read at home. These children do not always get the education they need because they are distracted during school hours. As they grow up, it becomes embarrassing to admit they are illiterate. Illiteracy is something that we as a country should constantly fight.