Selfe's Essay Response. Youngblood

Part A:

Cynthia Selfe wrote an article titled “Lest We Think the Revolution is a Revolution” which addresses gender related issues in connection which the use of technology. “Computers, in other words, are complexly socially determined artifacts that interact with existing social formations and tendencies-including sexism, classism and racism-to contribute to the shaping of a gendered society”, - Cythia Selfe (Page 306). The author expresses bias and seems quick to judge that technology is to blame for gender issues. But the truth is that technology is not to blame, it is humans which caused these issues. She goes on to say that when Men came back from serving their country that they "displaced" women from the workplace. This may have some truth behind it, however I believe that returning vets should have jobs available for them when they come home. It is a shame that they have to "displace" women from the workplace, but if that's the case then more jobs should be created. I don't believe the author gives enough credit to those whom served our their country to protect the way of life we know today. Men in uniform should not be to blame for displacing women from the workplace, but the lack of available work should be to blame. “Men use technology to accomplish things; women benefit from technology to enhance the ease of their lives or to benefit their families” says Selfe (Page 308). It seems like this statement contradicts what her direction is in this article. This claim she is making says that technology can "accomplish things" if influenced by a man and while under influence by women can "benefit" or "enhance" their personal lives. Selfe continues to support her claim be stating that technology was and still is targeting men as apposed to targeting women. Selfe argues that technology is sexist and that she feels that men have the upper hand with technology use. Her bias is strongly felt throughout her writing, However she does seem to address some pressing issues relating gender roles with technology.

Part B:

"Creating an electronic un-gendered Utopia means that we might have to learn how to understand people outside of the limited gender roles that we have constructed for them in this country, that way we have to abandon the ways in which we have traditionally differentiated men's work and women's work in the marketplace." -Selfe (Page 306)

This quote seems to portray a possible solution to this gender role problem in the workplace. But to accomplish such a feat is such a great challenge. Because this solution means we would have to forget everything we know about the stereotypical man and woman and reinvent their roles to ultimately make them equal. This is an impossible task it would seem, to just give up all that we know about gender roles for the benefit of equality.