Why make kids read Shakespeare?

[Big Bend]

I'm sure most of us have read some of the classic works of William Shakespeare in high school & college. I know I had to, and I thought it was a waste of time. Now my son is in HS and he is getting assignments to read them and write reports.

So what ya'll think, does reading Shakespeare really help prepare our kids to be successful in today's world? That old English is a pain to read. I think the student's time could be better spent.

L8r.. BB