"Cultural literacy" can be recognized as many different things. According to E. D. Hirsch Jr, he believes that "cultural literacy" is things that every modern American should know. However, who sets the limits of basic "cultural literacy"? "Cultural literacy" can be anything from the first president of the United States, to what was the cause for America to join in the Second World War. One point that Hirsch mentions is that he feels there are a few people that are at a disadvantage when it comes to learning and "cultural literacy". But who are the people with a disadvantage, and also, should we really feel bad for them?

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines a disadvantage as, a loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances; an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition. In "The Decline Of Teaching Cultural Literacy", by E. D. Hirsch Jr., Hirsch refers to those who are disadvantaged as those with a less fortunate backgrounds. Hirsch feels that the people may have disadvantage as early as kindergarten. Hirsch explains his idea of disadvantage in his essay when c

On the same note, lets take a further look into why Hirsch may feel that children with a less fortunate background are at a disadvantage. In the early ages of children's lives, they are building a foundation that will last them all their life. If a good foundation is not there to start with, then it is much easier to wonder off the right track. A steady foundation starts with your environment, which is mainly consisted of family. Those with less fortunate backgrounds lack that very essential ingredient needed to build a solid foundation. Your family is who you are, depending on how you are raised; it will reflect where you are headed. It is a commonly known fact that when your parents spend more time with you, especially to teach you, and help you understand, you are at a greater advantage in determining your future. There have been many incidents in which I have seen parents that are too busy for their children. Those "disadvantaged" children tend to have a harder time learning and understanding because they were put in front of a TV instead of a book, and given proper attention.

I both agree and disagree with Hirsch's idea of

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Approximate Word count = 767
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)