BP #1

Gee 

“But a contrary current has developed, a current which sees

literacy as necessarily plural: Different societies and social

subgroups have different types of literacy, and literacy has different

social and mental effects in different social and cultural contexts.

Literacy is seen as a set of discourse practices, that is, as ways of

using language and making sense both in speech and writing. These

discourse practices are tied to particular world views (beliefs

and values) of particular social or cultural groups”. 

 This passage says current studies view literacy as necessarily plural because various societies and social subgroups have different types of literacy. In addition to that various types of literacy occur due to different mental effects. Literacy is also viewed as a set of discourse practices according to the author. Discourse practices are ways of using language and making sense both in speech and writing. This passage is helping me think deeper about literacy, for instance, I come from a culture where many individuals are lacking basic education or struggling with literacy. There are also many successful educated individuals in my culture that achieved education from a higher institution. Now I am wondering what motivated those individuals to pursue higher education and what motivated others to not seek education. Is it because of their beliefs and values? This passage didn’t affect me much emotionally. However, it made me think deeper about my world and make a connection. This passage is well written by the writer. He expressed the idea in a way where the readers were able to comprehend and take a deeper look into the issue and make an association with their world. 

Postman

“If there had been no railway to conquer distances, my child would never have left his native town and I should need no telephone to hear his voice; if traveling across the ocean by ship had not been introduced, my friend would not have embarked on his sea-voyage and I should not need a cable to relieve my anxiety about him”.

This passage is saying if technologies weren’t developed. Life would’ve differed greatly from what we have now. For instance, the writer is saying if there had been no railway to conquer the distance, her/his child would’ve never left his home. Or if traveling across the ocean wasn’t introduced, there would’ve been no traveling or unnecessary anxiety about her/his loved ones. This passage made me view life differently. For instance, for a while, I was thinking about how my life would’ve been without social media and devices. I feel like I would’ve been in a better mental space without those distractions and unnecessary stress. We often tend to compare our lives with others on social media and get depressed. So I am assuming every good has a side effect of bad. For instance, technology devices are also helpful. It assists us to get to work, traveling, communicating, and staying in touch with our loved ones. It also takes a toll on our mental health. We are constantly seeking stimulation and gratification and not living in the moment because of increases in technology use. This passage made me very emotional. How this world has transformed ever since technology was invented. The writer delivered the messages very well and also used much evidence to prove points correct.