Monday, January 18, 2010

Faigley discusses two revolutions occurring simultaneously: an economic revolution where the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, and a technological revolution that provides increased access to new information. Faigley suggests that these revolutions are connected, as the rich continue to have the money to purchase Internet connections, and thus have more access to fresh information. Selfe provides her reader with statistics supporting Faigley's assertion. I found myself astonished by the fact that not only has our society become more and more economically separated, but because of technology and the Internet, individuals' access to knowledge has become even more associated with wealth. Furthermore, as employers continuously demand employees who have "knowledge of computers and the internet," it seems that technology has created a new problem for lower class citizens who are searching for opportunities.

1 comment:

  1. Yes, yes, yes it does. And this is what troubles me about Selfe's perspective that we need to "extend" our "privilege, influence, and power." But to be fair, what has happened in America in the ten years or so since the inception of this book, would probably make Cynthia Selfe think twice about some of her perspectives, especially her penchant for tying "democracy" to our economic system.

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