Kozol's Argument in The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society

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The Effectiveness of Kozol’s Argument
Education is indeed one of the most basic needs in the 21st century at least that is what Jonathan Kozol seems to believe and preach. Kozol is an intelligent man who went to Harvard and dedicated his life to helping illiterate people as well as raise awareness on the issue. In his book The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society, Kozol makes a compelling argument while explaining some of the dangers of illiteracy in the society. He not only uses a simple language in his book but also makes use of several examples and statistics which help to paint a clear picture of illiteracy and its effects. He appeals to reason and also emotions as he shows the deplorable conditions illiterates find themselves in. Simple examples like getting lost in one’s neighborhood help to further his agenda and he does drive his point home. He further infers that there is no democracy or equality if a significant section of the society is condemned to illiteracy. By the end of the article, one cannot fail to empathize with the illiterates and Kozol’s pursuit for change.
In his autobiography, Malcolm X mentions how his life was transformed, and he felt like a part of the society after he was able to read and understand what he was reading. “Anyone who has read a great deal can imagine the new world that opened” (Malcolm X, 226 - 227). Illiteracy locks out a person from the world and makes sure one can never be a part of the greater society. It robs one the right to do and go where one wants without the fear of getting lost because one cannot read the street they are in. Kozol also explains how some people often fall victim to landlords and billing agencies who take advantage of people’s illiteracy. “Billing agencies harass poor people for the payment of the bills for purchases that might have taken place six months before” (Kozol, 173). The above example coupled with Malcolm X’s is one of many, and unless the situation changes, a significant part of the society will remain in a cycle of poverty and desperation. Illiteracy makes one vulnerable and susceptible to a manipulative society and individuals. As Malcom X notes, his world changed after he was able to read a privilege many people do not have because of illiteracy. Kozol makes this clearly in his argument which further enhances the effectiveness of his approach.
Kozol is indeed an intelligent man dedicated to enlightening the world on the effectiveness of illiter...