this post was submitted on 08 Feb 2026
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21% of the U.S. is illiterate, with 54% topping out at a 6th grade reading level. Meaning 75% of the U.S. reads at a middle school level, at best... So this clown trying to convince people he's in the 25% of folks able to read above a 6th grade level is legitimately hilarious!
And this grifting fuck knows that, because that 75% is exactly who he is trying to tap into by appealing to their ignorance.
Keep in mind that these people vote for reality show actors - we are screwed.
21% of the US adults or are children included in that? I'd love to see where you're getting these stats too.
That's just for adults, for children the data ranks the States against one another rather than giving an average illiteracy percentage like with adults. Here's a top tier link on the topic: https://www.thinkimpact.com/literacy-statistics
Original source: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/do-adults-have-the-skills-they-need-to-thrive-in-a-changing-world_b263dc5d-en/full-report.html
Another review of the source material for good measure: https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/research/literacy-statistics
Interesting how the percentage increases near cities.
MIddle school level is a very generous on the current generation in grade school. MATH is equally as bad english, 9-10th grade level at best as a hs graduate. alot of the problems with english and math in k-12 it is never enforced to learn, they expect you to know those skills at those level some how when you reach particular grade.
I don't use algebra, calculus etc. in my daily life, but I sure speak and read English every single day regardless of what I am doing.
Not sure why you'd expect everyone to know high level math when we don't use it.
I've seen this stat floated a thousand times, from the same single source.
I've yet to have anyone lay out what 8th grade reading level statement 54% of the population can't understand.
It’s worth noting that the editorial standards set for most news outlets are at the 6th grade reading level.
Any higher and news outlets start to severely limit their potential audience.
Checking out readability formulas, like the Flesch‑Kincaid grade level formula, should help to clear things up a bit. But in general, a 6th grade reading level is where concrete language, moderate sentence length, and single step reasoning all align. Adding abstract vocab, multiple embedded clauses, or deep cultural references push text above a 6th grade level.