Great post.
FWIW in discussing this topic I've heard and now adopted the term "(in)numerate" vs "STEM-(il)literate" -- though the latter might be intended to be broader in scope?
Instead, adopting a growth mindset, that while one may not know something now, with time and effort they can gain understanding is much more powerful. As I've argued in other threads, this may include doing things that are frustrating or otherwise "not fun" to establish grit/perseverance.
Think of it this way, when you were a baby, you were "spoon"-illiterate. If you parents decided you're just "not a spoon person", you would be raised not knowing how to use a tool everyone else thinks is easy. If you grew up never using a spoon, and it became a requirement for future career advancement - you might become frustrated because you were taught you "were not a spoon person" instead of "I need to learn how to spoon!"
standard primary literature caveats etc and where it is/is not applicable but this does put 'growth mindset' on the back foot.