This book investigates the systemic decline of writing proficiency among American students and professionals, questioning why a culture historically adept at speech struggles with the act of written communication. Thomas C. Wheeler examines the intersection of educational policy, the rise of television, and the resulting erosion of self-expression in academic and professional environments. He argues that the current state of literacy is a product of institutional failure to prioritize coherent thought and grammatical structure, necessitating a widespread re-evaluation of how writing is taught and valued.

Experts and educators often cite this work as a significant contribution to the discourse on the crisis of literacy in American schools. Readers frequently note the direct, critical tone of the prose, which serves as a foundational text for those studying the history of educational standards and the influence of media on cognitive development.