A Challenge for 21st Century American Intellectualism

There is an alarming trend in modern American society. We, as a people, have abandoned the ancient treasure that is knowledge. In our near-perpetual exposure to mindless television (reality TV and nine-tenths of the MTV lineup, for instance) and constant advertisement, we've become a dumbed-down society. For those of you wondering why half of the world hates us, there's your answer - we've become a superficial people focused only on ourselves, our MySpace profiles, and the latest cast of The Real World.
Throughout my time in high school I noticed an alarming fact - a lack of literacy. Very few people during study halls or breaks would sit and read, and the majority of those who did would only do so as required by their curriculum. Discussions would revolve around garbage television programs, mind-numbing "high-octane" action films, and, in general, nothing truly stimulating. My visits to the library during study hall periods were lonesome, as I would seat myself near the books. For ever computer in use, there was a screen covered in Flash games and MySpace pages.
Though I'm not attending a major university now, but rather a local community college, I notice that a lot of these values have carried over from high school to college in seamless transition - take the light classes, not the ones that make you read or think too much! Take the easy A classes, pick the professors who just talk at you and don't expect you to open the textbook! And at every possible opportunity, fill the library computer room with MySpace and Facebook users!
So here I am, worried. We've carried our illiterate high school values into the college world, and I fear for the future led by those willing to take the easy way out of learning. We've abandoned our intellectual values. I challenge you all to restore that to our society.
Think of it - an America filled again with the Ben Franklins, the Jack Kerouacs, the John Steinbecks and Washington Irvings that we've left behind. I challenge you all to think. I challenge you all to read. Most importantly, I challenge you all to make a change in your life. Experience the world with your mind as well as your senses.
Comment here about your thoughts. I look forward to discussion with you all.