Literacy, Technology, and the Social Self Essay

Introduction The expressive style we set apart who we ar is a direct result of what we know. Literacy reflects contradictions and complexities in how we understand ourselves and construct roles for ourselves through diction in that ball. X. Since the arrival of the Feed in ____, emphasis on the undivided has become less rally in our hold waters. This lack of focus has guide to relationships that are left vulnerable and weakened. In this section we will be considering the impact of the decline in literacy on the amicable Self. In underlying terms, the Social Self is defined as how an individual interacts with the social world presented to him/her and how he/she approaches the formation of relationships. Individualism All throughout history, individualism has been primeval to the advancement of humanity including most importantly ? the spreading of freedom. The world we live in has been changed greatly through the individuals critical rationality of literacy. The vigilan t and knowledgeable employ of the written word is what carries ones claims to the world.Emancipatory literacy is a necessary foundation for cultural action and freedom, a central aspect of what it means to be a self & socially peaceful agent. X This type of literature is used to empower the people who use it. It involves engaging in acts of writing and reading that are used to release humanity. How arse anything be changed without the use of this emancipatory literacy? We must write as if our lives depended on it. X Literacy gives a voice to our ideas, and creates a space for us in the world to work toward change and to reflect on that change so that it is non forgotten.A Lesson Before Dying is a novel by Ernest J. Gaines. It encompasses the theory of emancipatory literacy through its character Jefferson. A young black prison houseer on death row, Jefferson transforms the racist mind of a white prison guard, capital of Minnesota, mostly through his demeanor while in prison. Pau l entangle sympathy for Jefferson in a time when colored people were greatly looked down upon. It seems likely that not too long after Jefferson was electrocuted, Paul would have forgotten what Jefferson had taught him- thatall people, regardless of race, are equal.However, Jefferson left roll in the hay his notebook in which he wrote his thoughts on the days leading up to his death. The words in that notebook exist forever, unlike to the feelings that Paul was feeling. The perm physical reminder of Jefferson for Paul is one reason of why literacy is so important. X Another aspect of how literacy affects individualism is in its contributions to self-construction. Literacy provides the opportunity to define ones self through written speech.It gives a way to build a self with in the world in couch to participate in that world. Literacy reflects contradictions and complexities in how we understand ourselves and construct roles for ourselves through language in that world. X Only t hrough reading and writing can one gain independence by experiencing things that, without literature, would be impossible to encounter. humor and creativity come from a brain that has been well educated and in all exposed to what cannot be seen in every day life.Books take on that challenge- the challenge to exercise the mind in ways that enhance self-discovery. With this self-discovery comes self-worth, which is evident not only in how we airiness ourselves, but also how we treat others. Relationships Sets of experiences in our lives lead us to accept different positions for various aspects including governmental and theological stances. Literacy provides these experiences that educate us to know what we like and what we do not like. This understanding of who we are and what we believe give us commonalities to base relationships on.Relationships are defined by a significant connection or relation between two or more things, or the state of cosmos related to something else. X People form relationships with others who have the same interests and beliefs. be literate is the key to a healthy relationship. The Continuing Decline of Literacy in the Future When forced to examine the future of our world and the consequences of the unavoidable lengthening in the decline of literacy, it becomes quite clear that humanity is in trouble.If gild continues to travel in the direction that it has been for quite some time now, the Social Self, along with many other aspects of humanity, will greatly suffer. Conclusion enchantment some of the qualities that enhance the Social Self come from innovative technology, the meat of these qualities lies within books. Books engage our minds and ignite cognitive thinking. It promotes imagination and intelligence. By ignoring literature, ordering has diluted its unique identifications that make this world a more kindle place to live.Works Cited Ernest J. Gaines. A Lesson Before Dying. 1993. Vintage Contemporaries. New York. chequer Warschauer. Electronic Literacies Language, Culture, and Power in Online Education. 1999. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Mahwah, New Jersey. Catherine Snow, Wendy Barnes, Jean Chandler, Irene Goodman, Lowry Hemphill. Unfulfilled Expectations firm and School Influences on Literacy. 1991. Harvard University Press. Cambridge, Massachusetts. Robert P. Yagelski. Literacy Matters Writing and Reading the Social Self. 2000. Teachers College Press. New York.