Influencing People to Read in a Visual Culture
Summary
In this article, we explore the decline of reading culture in a visual world where people rely on computers to remember everything. We also discuss the importance of memory in reading and how it affects the ability to become an avid reader.
Table of Contents
- The Decline of Reading Culture
- The Importance of Memory in Reading
- Strategies to Encourage Reading
- Conclusion
The Decline of Reading Culture
Gary Indian, a prolific writer with six novels and seven non-fiction books, laments the decline of reading culture in today’s society. He notes that writers no longer hold the same prestige they once did, and people no longer read as much as they used to. This is due to the rise of visual culture, where people are more interested in watching videos and looking at pictures than reading books.
The Importance of Memory in Reading
Indian argues that one of the reasons people do not read as much is because they rely on computers to remember everything. He believes that memory is a crucial component of reading, and that avid readers need to be able to remember what they have read. Without memory, reading becomes a meaningless exercise, and people lose the ability to connect ideas and concepts.
Strategies to Encourage Reading
To encourage people to read more, Indian suggests several strategies. First, he believes that parents should encourage their children to read from an early age. This can be done by reading to them, providing them with books, and setting aside time for them to read. Second, he believes that schools should place a greater emphasis on reading and make it a core part of the curriculum. Finally, he suggests that writers need to make their work more accessible and engaging to readers by using storytelling techniques that capture their imagination and keep them interested.
Conclusion
Reading is an essential part of our intellectual development, and it is crucial that we encourage more people to read. While the rise of visual culture has made it more challenging to promote reading, there are still strategies that can be employed to make reading more accessible and engaging. By emphasizing the importance of memory and encouraging parents, schools, and writers to promote reading, we can help create a more literate and intellectually curious society.
