"Reading," like most activities, varies widely in nature. I find it anything but "passive." Unfortunately a form of character assassination in our culture is that of smearing certain activities or processes as "traditional," and extolling others as "modern."
"Reading" can be used in many positive ways, but like aspirin, it too can be used questionably by questionable teachers.
Relatedly, I keep hearing about the wonders of "educational TV" and now "computers in the classroom." Little seems to be said about the content of these wondrous vehicles. Little is said about the reality that effort is needed to learn anything through any vehicle.
I am 66. Thus I have been on the road for some time. It has not been unusual to see new brands of snake oil from time to time. This helps profits in educational publishing, regardless of whether it promotes academic achievement.
In essence, substance is more important than cosmetics, so that the term "activity" can be translated into both positive and not so positive ways.