Poetry Foundation Says 90% of Americans "Value" Poetry

The publishers of Poetry magazine have released a study that shows that 90% of Americans value poetry and believe it enriches their lives. For the full report, in PDF format, go:

Poetry In America Study

The study points out that only a small percentage actively seek out poetry in their lives (we're going to have to do something about this, eh, my children?) and that many have had bad experiences with poetry when they were young (oh, joy, poetry is now in the same class as alcohol, sex, barking dogs and overcooked vegetables). The tables in the course of this 113 page document include:

"Perceptions of Poetry Readers by Poetry Users and Non-Users" (ah, a 'poetry user'...sort of like a condom user?) Seventy nine percent of study subjects defined as "poetry non-users" say that society "respects" an individual who reads poetry.

"Frequency of Poetry Purchases" (cheapskates! all of you!)

"Events Associated with Early Experiences of Poetry" (I do note that "getting laid" or "being seduced" are not on this list, which means I think they missed the whole "iambic pentameter - booty call" linkage we who write poetry are well versed in (pun intentional))

Stephen Young, program director of the Poetry Foundation states: "For the first time, organizations with a commitment to poetry can make their plans and seek their funding on the basis of quantitative data, not just the anecdotal impressions which, until now, have been the only information available. The research identifies what helps to make a person a lifelong poetry reader and will serve as a benchmark against which the Poetry Foundation will measure future initiatives."

Thanks, PF, for giving those of us who live the life some ammo for our eventual plans for world domination. I like some of your suggestions and conclusions, and when the One World Government of Poets is in place, you wil get a cushy job in my administration and massive funding.