Get in the Game

Fantasy and Science Fiction: The Human Mind, Our Modern World - Coursera Assignment 10
Little Brother

The abuse of power as it pertained to an individual’s rights had infiltrated all segments of society, as Cory Doctorow’s “Little Brother” showed us. Marcus Yallow and his friends got the attention of the world after the Bay Bridge bombing, but it was only the attention of the world that was wired in. For those who lived on the opposite side of the digital divide from Marcus, the distinction between a right and a privilege was a far more pressing issue than “Internet Freedom.”

Marcus and his friends were inquisitive, creative, intelligent, and enthusiastic. It is not difficult to see how these qualities, applied toward an endeavor of service to others, would have truly set the stage for a revolution. Even before the horrific terrorist attack on San Francisco, Marcus had to have been aware of the importance of bringing basic means of communication to those less fortunate, both in the U.S. and abroad. Empowering people to participate in the global community, with access to medical aid and education, is a step in the right direction to stopping the spread of terrorism. What a revolutionary idea to level the playing field as opposed to simply playing games.

After his unlawful detention, Marcus had the momentum to orchestrate real change. He was angry and frightened, but he would have received support from his parents, teachers, and friends had he focused on the greater good of humanity. Working to ensure basic rights for the citizens of the planet, such as clean drinking water and classrooms, should have been M1k3y’s end game. A little broadband goes a long way in lifting someone out of isolation and poverty, and that is a win-win for all. The ability to improve one’s life through the use of technology should never be considered a privilege.

Comments

[Juanco_Bravo]

I am amazed and how difficult it was for all of us to stick to literary subjects when writing our essays for this particular book. It felt so present, so relevant that it was as if we had all entered the larger discussion of what our current reality means for each of us, as opposed to "What does this book tell you of X subject?" Wow! I guess that says a lot of good things about the book itself.

Regarding your essay I think I agree with you on a few points and yet I have to say that we all pick our battles, and there will never be a lack of those. In the end you'll only fight wholeheartedly (which is the only reasonable way to fight) for the things that are closest and dearest to you. Sure humanity and the issues you bring up are closest to some people, wildlife to others (hehe) but to Marcus it is his right to express himself and enjoy basic freedom in his city. If we all fought that "closest-to-us" fight I believe the rest would fall into place and yes global issues of equality would be, if not solved right away, much more likely to be solved.

Thanks for sharing!