Readers: Endangered Species

According to new reports from the National Education Association in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service a proposal has been put forth to protect the subset of the human race commonly known as 'the reader' under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The addition of humans into the ESA is unique, however writers, naturalists, and teachers all agree that 'the reader' is severely at risk. The usage of books and other printed media has shown to be on the decline and they are struggling to compete with movies, TV, and other interactive media despite their portability. But habitat loss and underpopulation aren't the only problems that make 'the reader' an at risk species. Newspapers are closing down all over the country while many of the youth, and even whole groups of certain cultures are growing up without the love of reading instilled. Being inducted into the ESA will notify the world's governments but all that does is heighten the awareness of 'the reader's' plight. The real work in conservation has to be done by the people themselves so that we don't lose this precious treasure for good, and so that one day our great-grandchilden may have the opportunity to become 'readers' themselves.