“Why There Are Pages and Why They Must Turn”

     In the article, “Why There Are Pages and Why They Must Turn,” Robert Bringhurst brings to the forefront some interesting cultural views on the significance of the printed and bound book. Bringhurst poses the question, when referring to electronic books, “Does this make printed books obsolete?” (24). He answers his own question with the response, “It does nothing of the kind…” (24). I believe this analysis of the printed book is accurate based on the fact that the term “obsolete” (24), is a strong word used to describe the future of printed material. There will always be the need for printed material in one application or another. The question that arose for myself when comparing printed books and electronic material, is whether printed publications are being marginalized by the electronic age? In 2008, Bringhurst made the statement: (in regards to the future of the electronic book), “None of these, in my opinion, has much future” (25). It is fairly obvious now (over two-years later), this analysis was inaccurate.

     As the electronic book becomes more popular, and fewer books are printed and bound, access to these materials is more expensive. The average household now has at least one computer if not more, but not all families can afford this luxury. Over the past decade (with the exception of the last two-years), individuals and families that live in the United States have enjoyed an economy that has allowed for such things as the personal computer to become a standard household item. Taking into consideration the economic down-turn that is being experienced currently, and the people that even under a good economy could not afford computers, or electronic book devices, the unprinted page means less access. Local libraries are becoming less frequented by youth, who instead of becoming familiar with the Dewey Decimal Classification system, are learning how to “Google it.” Although the age of electronic material is certainly exciting, a percentage of less fortunate children are being left behind.

Works Cited

Bringhurst, Robert. “Why There Are Pages and Why They Must Turn.” World Literature Today 82.5 (2008): 20-26. Master File Premier. EBSCO. U of Oklahoma Lib. 24 Feb. 2011

Unit Two “Blogging” By David L. Hudson

     In the United States, one of the freedoms that profoundly separate us from many other nations is the freedom of speech. The First Amendment is one of the amendments that define our great nation. These rights have been protected by the blood of Americans for hundreds of years. We believe so strongly in this right that we have sent countless number of service men into harm’s way to promote and protect this right for other nations.

     It is very dangerous to allow any institution or entity to suppress an individual that is exercising their rights to freedom of speech. Once suppression is allowed, it will lead to more and more regulation of our rights. The scope of this topic goes way beyond that of the student, and the classroom. By no means does a learning institution of any kind have the authority to punish someone for speech that takes place outside the confines of that institution. When speaking about students online activities abusive and slanderous speech is a definite issue. Schools today have reason to be concerned about the safety of their students and staff. It is very helpful to have a school that is proactive in identifying potential problems. But once an issue has come to the attention of the school, working with the parents of the student to solve the problem is the only solution. Simply stated by the mother of Justin Layshock: “student online cases should be matters of parental discipline, not school discipline” (Hudson 64). Unfortunately many parents today are far removed from monitoring the social behavior of their children.

     There is no absolute solution to this problem. The only thing that can be done without compromising the rights of the student is for the school to concentrate on meaningful dialog with the parents. Parents need to take a more active role in teaching their children about common sense, respect, and the importance on how others perceive their actions. The complete freedom to say whatever you want, whenever you want, may be tolerated while you are a student still in school. But when that same student enters the workforce, the misuse of your freedom of speech can prove to be very expensive. Employers are not inclined to put up with that type of behavior. I believe that is a major factor in the unusually high unemployment rate of teenagers today. For employers the attitude of young workers today can be a challenge. The only way this can be corrected is by the parents or guardians actively participating in the character building of their children.