Some things I learned from, not only, Manguel, but also from our discussion in class were...
- Reading is knowledge and knowledge is power
- So when reading is being taken away from people, the authoritative figures taking the books away are trying to state their authority
- Censorship
- "You say it how I say it or I do not hear it at all."
- If there is a power to something, it has the potential to be taken away
- Reading vs. Writing- they are NOT the same
- "I am not alone"
- Reading brings people from all over together
- "Who should be the master? The writer or the reader?"
I totally agree w/ you. Especially about the authoritative figures stating their authority by taking away reading. I actually remember being taught in my world lit class that back in the day (for lack of a better term, lol), when countries were invaded & were being taken over, the first thing the invaders would do is burn all their literature. Which is like you said, to state their authority.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assertion that writing and reading are not neccessarily one and the same, and I especially like your point that "if there is a power to something, it has the potential to be taken away". Of course, when one thinks about power the image that pops into their head is one of dominance and authority, so it does not often occur to you that power is something that can be easily stripped away. The ability to write or read, for instance, while seemingly simple grants a person a limitless means of communication and expression. The ability to speak, and to do so permanently is often taken for granted, and it is not until someone says "you are no longer allowed to use that language" that suddenly the true depth of that power is known.
ReplyDeleteCensorship has been around forever, and although it may seem that the public has more freedom there may be more censorship than in the past. The reason I say this is because there are more choices many people may not interpret texts as they are truly meant to be. The Bible was censored when it was read in the church and everyone was reading along the pastor of the person who led the readings was able to avoid certain points or give their personal views instead of what the text may want to truly reflect and this is censorship too. I censorship more than banning certain texts or media ? I think everyone censors these things with their personal beliefs and values too. This draws me to your last question who is the master the author or the reader? I think the reader because they interpret the words in their own way, even when I text people I can see how people assume different things and even add their own tone to the message I sent them. I could text someone I am so sad I could die and one reader may think of depression while another reader may think I am bored and just being dramatic. If the author is not there the directly state the meaning of the text then the reader has the power.
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