American education has been in a steady decline. Although there are many reasons for such a downfall, I believe that one of the crucial areas in which Americans are lacking is cultural literacy, or the ability to identify allusions and other parts of speech which differ among separate cultures. An interest needs to be taken in cultural literacy so that America can advance its mental power.

Many students in America go through the school system without pursuing any academic knowledge beyond what they are spoon-fed by teachers. Students are satisfied with a minimal knowledge of literature, understanding of the backgrounds of their own culture, and the cultures of those around them.

Cultural literacy can improve not only an expanding mind, but also a clearer perception of the world. Through reading literature and learning of another culture’s customs a person can identify with other schools of thought, allowing them to create a more developed philosophy for their independent lives.

Very little in the school system allows for advancing philosophies. It prefers to remain objective in the hopes of not offending any parties with conflicting ideologies or “inappropriate” books. Unless students take AP classes, they are limited by objective thinking from standardized curriculums, and have little opportunity to practice thinking “outside the box.” Such a limitation in creativity prohibits certain types of advancement. Many countries, such as Japan, see this and now seek and encourage a broader curriculum.

Japan would not be such a large economic force today if not for such businesses as Nintendo, often considered one of the most creative companies in the world today. Originally founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi in the 19th Century, Nintendo began as a trading card company. After many explorative endeavors into other areas of business, Nintendo became a video game company. Creative ideas, such as building consoles with increased durability for young and reckless children, and the creation of some of our favorite friends; Mario and Pokémon, have fueled this gargantuan player in the economy today. Nintendo ranks as Japan’s third largest company and generated an astounding $2,523,070,032 net income in 2010. It could not have done so without catering to multi-national audiences, which it could not have done without creative thinkers.

The Japanese recognize the importance of cultural literacy. Within their school systems they have not only their national literature, but have also integrated foreign texts into their curriculum, broadening the ability of their students to think creatively and worldly.

American students are not required to read nearly as many pieces of literature as the Japanese. However, students should recognize that such an increase in reading material would enable them for success in an ever-changing capitalist economy, and supply them with enough background to build a more worldly and educated philosophy to live by.

Having named only a couple of the advantages of cultural literacy, I encourage students to pick up books that will broaden their minds. I recommend books such as Finnegan’s Wake by James Joyce, Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse, and Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit. The American education system needs to become more culturally literate in order to compete with other advancing countries. Advance your own mind, and help to increase the education level of modern day America along the way.

Jeremy Wilkes is a student writer with Hawk Tawk, Bozeman High School’s monthly publication inserted into the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Each month Bozeman Magazine features an article written by a Hawk Tawk contributor to further our connection with the greater Bozeman community, including our future leaders.