#g2great R1 Slave-owners didn’t want slaves to learn to read, because they might then be more able to articulate the immorality of the owners. Some countries don’t want girls educated, because the skill might better enable them to understand and speak against their suppression.

The word "literature" should have a verb form. ("Littering doesn't work.")

A1 The word "literature" should have a verb form. ("Littering doesn't work.") #g2great

A2 If texts change people, then texts have the control. We can be made into what the writer wants us to be. But if the reader knows he is responsible for his own thoughts, he may be more thoughtful and more assertive. #g2great

Literacy can be power if the reader is willing to change, perhaps to act. Reading should often, not always but often, lead to something. #g2great

A3 By asking them to think about whether prior assumptions and thoughts have been confirmed, changed, or refuted. And by asking they if there are any implications in their reading: for changing their behaviors, by adopting or rejecting positions, by taking some action. #g2great

Or perhaps, "Reading a book should enable you to change your life." #g2great

Frost once started a reading of "Something there is that doesn't love a wall." Then he interrupted himself and said "Something there is that DOES love a wall, too. . . Oh, well." And he resumed the reading.

A4 If we value the individual and her unique responses, then we reject conformity to one answer, one interpretation, one vision. #g2great

A4 If we value reason and evidence, then we reject conforming to the positions of groups, with which we might be affiliated, if logic demands it. #g2great

A4 If we value lacrosse we may reject football. Sorry -- that a personal and irrelevant comment. #g2great

A5 I didn’t make clear to students the importance of responsible literacy, since literacy enable them to shape themselves and the world around them. #g2great

A6 The problems of the world are often the problems of our literature and nonfiction. If we let kids seek relevance, and speculate about possibilities, then they may be attacking the problems that matter to them. #g2great

Just realized. . . . I probably didn't need to put on a tie for this. #g2great

A7 The big problem is that reshaping oneself may require letting go of treasured beliefs or visions and replacing them with one less comfortable but more defensible. #g2great

A7 Sometimes I think that reshaping self is a necessary (but occasionally unpleasant) first step in reshaping society. #g2great

And the importance of having an independent reader, one who doesn't simply accept the visions offered by his group, his party, his religion. A responsible reader.#g2great

Thanks! See you all later. Stay out of crowded bars.#g2great

Kylene, Time for you to go shovel snow. #g2great

I think I'm here.#liftingliteracy