I am unsurprised people can't read cursive. I had to go to a number of different stationery shops today just to find writing paper and envelopes to write a fucking letter. :| I don't know if they teach it any more here in NZ.  I know people don't get taught Roman numerals any more though - even in jobs I've had to translate them for people five years younger than me.  Dying arts are why I try to keep a traditionalist culture going by writing letters, &c. Sadness. :(