Reading Response #1

Charity Jewell
English 100 R

In the article, “The New Literacy” by Clive Thompson, he discusses whether today’s generation is becoming illiterate compared to previous generations. He uses research from Andrea Lunsford who conducted the Stanford Study of Writing that studied thousands of students writing habits.

Clive reported Lunsford went on talking about how the technology of the younger generation is reviving the ability to write by pushing forward in the literacy revolution. It is explained that the youth of today write far more than generations before them. In previous generations, unless people chose a carreer that required writing they didn’t use any form of text after high school.

When students write an acedemic paper it is only for an audience of one (their professor) and a grade. This makes the student feel the paper has no purpose. She states that the internet in general is changing the way people write because they now have a greater audience. Since there is a bigger audience they feel they have a greater purpose to write.

Lunsford disscussed kairos; being able to hear the author’s voice in the writing and understand the point clearer. Plus, online there is more socializing and there is a freeer expression for opinion. For todays’ students, writing is more about persuading, organizing, and debating. She compares this to the ancient Greeks tradition of arguing which was an expression of their opinions.

Another myth Lunsford examined was the effect of texting on todays’ students. She used a study where she examined the works of first year students. She found they didn’t use texting comunication in their papers.

Another point Clive listed from Lunsford was the use of complex prose. Good teaching is still needed, but Lunsford’s studies showed students are still using proper prose. From television to videogames, this generation has shown resilioncy in its acedemic writing. Today students write long and complex pieces while networking with other students. Older generations feel writing is either proper or wrong, but young people today know that understanding who they are writing for and the purpose of their writing is the most important thing.

My own view is that technology is another way of communication and could help with literature if used properly. Using the example of texting creates a clear example of how miss-use of prose would give off the idea that it’s corrupting young generations writing techniques. Though I concede that some people use texting to an extreme and are unable to use proper prose, I still maintain that today’s generation is not being left behind. For example, email is today’s form of mail. No one wants to wait for snail mail. They want it on the spot with no wait. Although some might object that there is no patience today. My response is that the technology is available so why wait? Use the resources that are available for your convenience.

The issue is important because it has everything to do with generation-to-generation relationships. If former generations feel today’s generation is unable to effectively communicate, they may not build a bridge of communication.