This week’s readings were largely focused on one topic: youth. Growing up in the age of technology, we are the ones who can make a difference. We are the ones who help our parents and grandparents log into their email, check the weather for this week, and fix the Internet connection. There are merely minor things we do to allow the Internet to help others around us- but there is way more opportunities. Both authors portray youth as catalysts for major change both in a national and international setting.
In Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century, Henry Jenkins delves into the culture of what he calls the “Participatory Culture.” The participatory culture is just what it sounds like- a community of people participating and cooperating in diversity and art. They strongly support each other in endeavors to fix or beautify the world. There needs to be no formal training, but most do start out as amateurs, and quickly improve with time. Upon reading this description, most would say this world does not yet exist. However, they are wrong. This world does exist- it’s the Internet. The author gives four examples of young teens making waves in the Internet. These four kids prove that one doesn’t have to be a middle-aged tech geek with a college degree in order to make a difference. Additionally, the author does not imply that everyone must run for Sims office or create a new web browser. Maybe just post a blog. Write on a friend’s Facebook wall. No matter how big or small, any participation will make a difference.
The second author, Curtis Marez, also believes in youth being able to change the world. He focuses on Mexican American Cesar Chavez, a man who has shaped the nation’s labor force. Although seemingly different, Marez makes a distinct connection between Chavez’s criticism on farms, and the current Silicon Valley’s labor force problems. Though two different time periods, the two industries have strikingly similar issues. Top workers, such as the head farmers and the head CEO’s, are making top salaries. However, the people under them are quite far from that. Intel Corporation, an ever-growing tech company, prides themselves on their egalitarian structure and fair practices. They do a great job of creating a façade, such as in their popular history museums. Featuring kid-friendly costumes and attractions, the museum displays a fun work environment for Intel workers. What is not shown, however, is their lower-than-minimum wage pay, and unsafe conditions. If they showed these in the museum, I don’t think parents would be to eager to bring their kids. Marez relates this back to the time of Cesar Chavez, who fought for the rights of underpaid farm laborers. Does Silicon Valley need its own Cezar Chavez?
In Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century, Henry Jenkins delves into the culture of what he calls the “Participatory Culture.” The participatory culture is just what it sounds like- a community of people participating and cooperating in diversity and art. They strongly support each other in endeavors to fix or beautify the world. There needs to be no formal training, but most do start out as amateurs, and quickly improve with time. Upon reading this description, most would say this world does not yet exist. However, they are wrong. This world does exist- it’s the Internet. The author gives four examples of young teens making waves in the Internet. These four kids prove that one doesn’t have to be a middle-aged tech geek with a college degree in order to make a difference. Additionally, the author does not imply that everyone must run for Sims office or create a new web browser. Maybe just post a blog. Write on a friend’s Facebook wall. No matter how big or small, any participation will make a difference.
The second author, Curtis Marez, also believes in youth being able to change the world. He focuses on Mexican American Cesar Chavez, a man who has shaped the nation’s labor force. Although seemingly different, Marez makes a distinct connection between Chavez’s criticism on farms, and the current Silicon Valley’s labor force problems. Though two different time periods, the two industries have strikingly similar issues. Top workers, such as the head farmers and the head CEO’s, are making top salaries. However, the people under them are quite far from that. Intel Corporation, an ever-growing tech company, prides themselves on their egalitarian structure and fair practices. They do a great job of creating a façade, such as in their popular history museums. Featuring kid-friendly costumes and attractions, the museum displays a fun work environment for Intel workers. What is not shown, however, is their lower-than-minimum wage pay, and unsafe conditions. If they showed these in the museum, I don’t think parents would be to eager to bring their kids. Marez relates this back to the time of Cesar Chavez, who fought for the rights of underpaid farm laborers. Does Silicon Valley need its own Cezar Chavez?