SWA 4

The End of Literacy? Don't Stop Reading addresses both the positives and negatives to our fast paced, media driven society. Gardener, the author, explains that although the great pleasure that comes from reading may someday be lost, but thats not to say people will not someday find pleasure in some other form of literature. Gardener also brings up the point that literacy is constantly evolving. No one has criticized our ancestors for their literate cave paintings so how is it fair to criticize future generations for foreseen media and internet usage. Furthermore its also unfair to say that the art of reading and writing will for sure be lost. The text brings up in interesting point- in todays society, for one to write a hang written letter or to sit in solitude and read a spiritual book truly means something. In the past they were forms of entertainment but today it symbolizes something much deeper. 

I think this text could be directed towards two specific age groups. First, older generations who worry about where the world is headed and worry for the futures of their children and grandchildren. This text has some sort of reassuring tone to it as if to help older generations see the good in the internet and media. Second, I think this text really speaks to the younger generation- the 18-25 age group. It reminds us that sitting in solitude to read a powerful book can solve almost any problem. In a world where we have become attached to our cell phones and Facebooks, it can be more beneficial to take a step back and escape the busy world than we realize. Also, it is a reminder that an apology over a Facebook message isn't always the best solution. In todays world a hand written letter itself speaks more than the words on the page. 

The author to me seems to stay in a middle ground. It's as if he realizes the possible effects this up and coming world might have, but he urges the reader to realize it will be okay. He seems to not want to scare older generations but at the same time does not want to offend the younger generation, "the notion that lies ahead is either utopia or a dystopia" (26). As a reader I found it reassuring to know that as a literate society we naturally evolve; its scary to think that older generations are in fact worried about our literate abilities. 

I agree completely with Gardeners point of view and in my mind his argument stands strong. Depending on when and where, I feel that a paper back book will always have a place in our society. I feel that writing on a key pad or writing with a pencil will make no real difference, because in the end its the context that matters. Although the desire for certain types of reading may slowly vanish, the overall desire to read will not. The beauty of writing a loved one a letter with pen and pad will only become more beautiful and the need for solitude in a fast paced society will only become greater.