[ckannan90]

I don't actually see the problem. The analogy between learning computer programming and learning to read and write is flawed. The written word is a tool which, to be used, requires both parties to know how to read and write. There is no way to use written media unless you know how to read. Computer programs are not like that. You don't need to know programming to use programs, and there is really no problem if most people don't know how to program. The real analogy would be programming, and knowing how to operate a printing press. You need this knowledge to produce the end product (programs and printed books), but not to use it. And that's fine, really.