“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.

1st Blog Assignment

George Orwell points out that many writers have diluted the message of their writings by the use of many phrases of either local or foreign origin. These phrases either do not apply to the intended meaning, or were intentionally added for vagueness due to a political environment.

I cannot point to a specific example as my research for my first essay is in the infant stages. But as a novice follower of politics, I can recall many instances where I was left wondering what it was that I just read or heard. Many political writings and speeches are written with such care as to purposely use clichés and large uncommonly used words to intentionally leave the writing or statement open for individual interpretation. I believe this is also done to raise the perceived intelligence level of the one delivering the message, leaving the reader or listener with the assumption of, “I guess I am not smart enough to understand”.

I believe that the argument against the evolution of language referred to by George Orwell is sustained. Political and economic situations have had an obvious impact on how writings of columns, news, and political speeches are composed today. As society certainly enters an era of the twenty-four hour news cycle, political correctness by means of stating carefully chosen words, or words intentionally used to cloud the statement is a regular occurrence. The second edition of the 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary has over two-hundred and fifty thousand words in it. Surely we can construct reasonable, understandable dialog from these entries without the addition of clichés or words of foreign origin, (As I use a French word to make my point).

I am in agreement with Orwell on the basis of his argument. Many writers, critics and politicians would be better served following the advice that simple understandable language is the best approach for delivering a clear message. But if I may, I do believe the cliché of, “do what you say, say what you mean,” may apply here. I guess the larger question for me is, “do they really want to deliver a clear message with complete understanding?”