And then I wrote...

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that I guess it is one of those good news - bad news situations.
I heard a news story that said purchase of books was up 15% last year. I was among many who thought electronic “readers” would mark the end of real books, which was discomforting to someone who loves to read.
But the bad news is that most of that increase was in two areas. First was adult coloring books. Second was books about wizards, super heroes or zombies!
Adult coloring books were described as having the effect of occupational therapy. And I suppose that beats watching televised game shows, “talent” shows or naked shows. I remember the “paint by the numbers” fad. I think maybe the Allamakee County Fair even judged that sort of “art” work at one time.
Neither requires any talent except the ability to “stay inside the lines” which was taught in early grade school.
That second category is even scarier. I assume those readers are young, teens or tweens. But maybe not. This morning’s newspaper brought word of a university class for credit on Wonder Woman!
University students, and some of their professors, have in recent years reached the point where they demand no controversial discussions on campus, fearing introduction of ideas that are different from what they have been taught or experienced. That clash of ideas used to be one of the main benefits of a college education. And some students are demanding “quiet” zones and hours so they are not disturbed in thinking. We used to call that the library.
The latest list of best selling books isn’t promising for the future. Three of the ten deal with paranormal romance, shadow hunting and a school of children with magical abilities. There are a few by the formulaic mystery and romance writers. Only one (No. 10) deals with a real world subject, and that dates back to WWII. Heaven forbid any book about modern problems would make the list.
And the list of “must see” movies was even worse, headed by one about Superman vs. Batman, which was the top grossing film ever for an Easter weekend. Certainly in the spirit of the season!
Others on the list deal with the apocalypse, war between humans and non-humans, ghosts, global catastrophe caused by climate change (ice), Tarzan, Alice back in Wonderland, Robin Hood, a dragon and aliens.
I suppose the Robin Hood story might be topical in the light of a socialist running for president, but otherwise followers of those choices will face no exposure to the real world.
And so those readers, film goers and college students will be totally unprepared for life in the real world, where there are no wizards or superheroes to solve problems and scores of people will actually, vehemently and loudly disagree with them.
Occupational therapy of learning to color within the lines might be all that’s left as they age.