Comments

Why & how is Fantasia illiterate? I don't understand why in a country where there are millions and millions of books and opportunities to learn just about anything you want, there is a young woman or anyone for that matter that is claiming illiteracy. If she really is illiterate it is ALL HER FAULT. The last thing I would do is feel sorry for her. She's illiterate because that's what she choose to be. She can't blame teachers or school system in High Point North Carolina. Maybe if she would have pursued her class work as diligently as she did her music career - she would be able to read. SHE IS NOT AN AMERICAN IDOL - NO ONE THAT CAN'T READ SHOULD EVER BE CONSIDERED AN IDOL TO ANYONE! She's sending a message to younger kids that's it's ok to be illiterate and ignorant, but that is not the message anyone should ever send to anyone or group of people. Being a black woman with a child - Fantasia should be ashamed of herself. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on FANTASIA!

- Posted: October 18, 2005 9:15 AM

Martha you have some nerve judging Fantasia, everyone has a story, even you. You probably just don't have the courage to tell yours unlike Fantasia's courage. It took a lot of courage for Fantasia to announce to the world her short comings, but one thing about our short comings are, we can overcome them.

- Posted: October 25, 2005 7:50 AM

Martha,

Let me simply say that something spared you from receiving my response to you. My computer froze. I am prepared to judge you with the same measure that you judged Fantasia. You are a coward, and you live a pitiful existence. This is the only justification that you have for passing judgement on a young lady who is striving to make a better way of life for herself and her family. I pity you. Visit Highpoint, NC, is my admonition to you. I work with the Guilford County School system. And, I will simply tell you this, until you've dug your own hands in the trenches, you have no idea what it is like. Students get pushed through the crack daily. It's all about DOLLARS, not about educating black youth. Fantasia will learn to read, but you my dear, will remain accursed.

- Posted: October 25, 2005 10:37 PM

Martha,
It is obvious that you are a person that sees the glass as half empty. Fantasia was trying to tell young people how NOT to fall throught the cracks. But I am THANKFUL that we are blessed with her music and her vibrant personality AND her selfless words of wisdom! She may not be able to read or write well, but she is certainly an educator! May God continue to bless her and always keep her! Ohhhhhh and may God bless you too! You need prayer!

- Posted: November 10, 2005 1:17 PM

I have some great news for Fantasia. I work at Ounce of Prevention Reading Center in Flushing, Michigan.We see alot of teenagers and adults suffering with reading struggles through no fault of their own. Fortunately we are able help these people reach their highest potential in reading in a matter of 8 to 12 hours. We get an average of 3 to 8 grade level gains in that period of time. These people are typically creative, highly intelligent, and adept at compensating for their reading difficulties. Fantasia would greatly benifit from our services. She can learn more about our services by visiting our websites: www.elbi.org (look under the news tab for a powerpoint on our program)or www.ounceofprevention.net. If You can talk you can read. You are never to old to learn.

- Posted: December 13, 2005 12:30 PM

While im not ready to let Fantasia off the hook Martha was completly out of line. You have to understand that some people arent privilliged with the education that you obviously take for granted. Being a product of public school, I know first hand that everything isnt fair when it comes to education. Ive gone to both predominatly White schools as well as predominantly Black schools and there is a HUGE difference in standards and equipment used to educate students. Black schools lack a lot of the materials that White schools are given every year. Fantasia my be illiterate but its because he education system was quick to give up on her or pass her on when she wasnt ready. Dont judge Fantasia beacause she cant read, judge her by what she is trying to make of herself and what she is trying to do for her daughter. If she allows her daughter to follow in her footsteps, then we can judge her. But until then OPEN YOUR EYES and REALIZE EVERYTHING ISN'T FAIR!!!

- Posted: December 20, 2005 2:53 PM

Hi Martha, this is a declaration from a few 8th graders in Kansas...
we see many people who struggle every day. our mothers and teachers tell us, one of the worst things you could ever do is to judge someone before knowing them... and how dare you pity a life before your own. FANTASIA is not only an idol but an AMERICAN IDOL. she is where she is right now because America saw past her imperfection, they saw a woman with skill, goals, and a dream. a dream so many of us strive for each and every day, and yet our calculations still don't add up. FANTASIA is going toward her destination with the help of those who do have faith in her. and may God be with her as she looks past those, like you, who wish the worst upon her victory.

- Posted: February 11, 2006 8:54 PM

I think Martha owes Fantasia an appology. Anyone second that motion?

- Posted: February 18, 2006 12:57 PM

All the hate out there hating on Fantasia need go some were I'm young and Fantasia is my Idol I now what she bine thow SO WE L.O.V.E YOU Tasia hit me back lil Fantasia 4-lyfe

- Posted: February 21, 2006 4:20 PM

Martha I'm in the 8th grade And Just like you are judgeing Tasia I am going to judge you probally a little slow just like Tasia but what can you say she been through a lot rape, teen pregancy. Like yo mama should have told you don't judge a book by its cover. Tasia keep yo head up don't let none of these girls put you down like you said "what don't kill you just make you stronger"!!

- Posted: February 23, 2006 12:56 PM

Fantasia you're my idol no matter what people may say i encourage you to let the top be the limit go girl.

- Posted: April 26, 2006 5:02 AM

SO WHAT DID YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT FANTASIA MOVIE,"LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE".

- Posted: August 21, 2006 11:14 PM

you go girl people though that you could not make it but you did I'm pround of you

- Posted: September 3, 2006 8:03 PM

I think it is crazy to soley place all the blame on Fantasia for being illiterate.I think it also needs to be noted that she is not illiterate but is functionally illiterate which means she has recieved schooling but doesn't meet a minimum standard of literacy.There is a mammoth differnences between bieng functionally illiterate and being illiterate.It also needs to be brought to peoples attention that some of their own children could be classified as functionally illiterate because a lot of states are batling the demon of children being unable to pass standarized test.What is important is that Fantasia is making the effort to become more literate abecause she realizes it is important.What is remarkablre is that she has made it this far in life without being functionally literate.I am not making these statements in efforts to support any forms of illiteracy, but I am hoping that I have expressed that no one should be so ignorant as to single someone out aas being resonsible for being illiterate.I'll close by saying that Fantasia is not alone in this problem.There are over 90 million adults in America that are illiterate.Therefore this is a national problem that needs to be handle ;yet, dealt with respectfully!

- Posted: October 25, 2006 8:52 AM

look, guys...there's really no point in fighting and judging people about this. it could be a rumor that fantasia is illiterate...who really knows? and if she is, then she should be doing her best to fix this "little" problem she's got. and we don't know whether her carracter is amiable or not, so the logical coclusion is to give her the benefit of the doubt.

- Posted: November 10, 2006 1:39 PM