In the Florida reading, a new class, the Creative Class, was discussed. According to Judis this class is being created by "sifts in values, norms, and attitudes" (Florida 36). The members of this class are creative and intelligent. They value individuality, diversity and openness. This class is being created do to the changing vaules of society. They are blending past ideas with new ones and keeping our society moving forward.
I feel like many people in my generation would be part of this new Creative Class, because we have many new innovative ideas and grew up in the age of technology. I have seen many people with strong opinions at younger ages, and being much more determined to accomplish things. It would appear that this class is full of people who want to make a change in the world. They have strong ambitions, focus more on the good then on the money, and want to make a difference. That is something that more of the world should be involved in!
Amanda-
ReplyDeleteDid reading Florida's confirmation of Walton's thesis make any difference about what you thought about it? How do you explain why a field that contains a diversity of people at the same time lacks a representative amount of African Americans? One either blames African Americans for lacking initiative, a claim that can be racist but also one that Walton does not shy away from, or one can look at larger historical forces. It's not like racial discrimination and prejudice ended 400 or even 100 years ago (as you point out). The Civil Rights Act was only passed in 1964, and cultural shifts are often slow to take hold. I just don't see how else one is to explain the low numbers of black "techies" that Walton cites without looking at larger social and historical forces. Plus, I don't think Walton's intention is to offer excuses. I think he honestly wants to figure out the problem. I also think that one could write an argument about the lack of technological prowess of poorer rural folk in a region like the South, or an article on how women are discouraged from going into math and sciences fields. Those just aren't Walton's topics.
I've spent all of my time responding to your Walton piece, but I enjoy reading all of your posts. I just felt as if I needed to respond to that one in particular.