"In an electric information environment, minority groups can no longer be contained-- ignored. Too many people know too much about each other. our new environment compels commitment and participation. we have become irrevocably involved with, and responsible for, each other."
In the news, we hear about the digital divide, or the situation in third world countries where there is no access to the internet and this worldwide web of information. Living in this society where we are INCREDIBLY aware of the world around us via the internet. I can't count how many times I learned of a celebrity's death because of someone's R.I.P. status on Facebook. I can't imagine living in a society where there is no internet access, or for that matter, no type of digital literacy whatsoever. How ignorant of the greater world we would all be. Or there's always the countries that have internet access, but the internet is SEVERELY censored, like in China. Just the idea that SOPA/PIPA/ACTA may pass and turn the U.S. into one of those countries makes my skin crawl. I don't even know how such bills get this far, as completely UNCONSTITUTIONAL as they are. If bills like that were to pass, minority groups that McLuhan spoke of could be quelled, no voice, no way to express their opinion. The purpose of these digital literacies would be made completely moot.
- Carie McMichael
