Literacy as a liberator
Literacy is a powerful tool. One way that it is a powerful tool is that it can be a liberator. Literacy, as writing, can help one to speak one's mind/truth without fear. It can allow one to be anonymous. Therefore, "Plato wants the author to stand as the voice behind the text, not just to engage in responsive dialogue, but to enforce canonical interpretations" (Gee, 1989). Literacy can be a liberator as long as the person stands behind their words with confidence and 'enforce' how their piece should be interpreted. Thus, literacy provides a person with a voice that can transcend generations. For example, "by it's nature writing can travel throughout time and space away from it's author to be read by just anyone..." (Gee, 1989). It can have power and influence that could resonate throughout time. It can reach new audiences again and again and provide influence and inspiration to new generations.
An example in history when literacy was a liberator, was when President Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. In the closing of his speech, he said, "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth". This statement gives a voice to Americans, past, present, and future.
An example in history when literacy was a liberator, was when President Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. In the closing of his speech, he said, "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth". This statement gives a voice to Americans, past, present, and future.
Gee, J. P. (1989). The Legacies of Literacy: From Plato to Freire Through Harvey Graff. Journal of Education, 171, 147-165.