Episode 170: The Theft of Meaning - Literacy as Enclosure

“Today’s episode critiques the conventional literacy industry, arguing that it prioritises control and standardisation over genuine comprehension and diverse learning styles. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that dominant literacy models, rooted in colonialism and capitalism, often erase and exclude those who don't fit narrow definitions of reading and knowing. The text contrasts this rigid “one” of imposed literacy with the fluid, holistic “myriad” of traditional, community-based knowledge. They suggest that current literacy practices function as a tool of enclosure and a barrier to true understanding, ultimately serving profit rather than fostering genuine learning. Dr. Hoerricks shares personal experiences of being unseen by these systems and critiques the uncritical acceptance of standardised literacy approaches. Ultimately, they champions a broader understanding of literacy that values diverse ways of knowing and learning beyond mere functional compliance.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-theft-of-meaning-how-literacy

Let me know what you think.