Johnson is standing on one leg

I found the whole concept of a post – literate society as Johnson defines it ‘as those who can read but who choose to meet their primary information and recreational needs through audio, video, graphics and gaming’ ( Johnson,2010, p.1) as tragic. While I completely agree that that is indeed what many people do, to me it’s not a balanced diet. With the exception of perhaps audio, what they are consuming is about instant gratification – but they are not feeding their imagination. There is such a wonderfully creative process in reading words and then using your imagination to create the accompanying scenario. Yes the author describes the characters and events but it is the reader who transforms that into their own ‘movie’ scenario and fleshes out the scenes. When you watch a DVD instead of reading a book, you are looking at someone else’s depiction and interpretation of the plot. It’s the realisation of their imagination – not yours. Personally I think it should be about balance. I love watching DVDs, I love going to the movies but I also love reading books and using my imagination to flesh out how I think the characters look and the scenes in which they find themselves. Then again my sons –who only read nonfiction and love biographies of sporting and political figures wouldn’t see what I am making a fuss about! Viewing post-literacy as ‘a return to more natural forms of multisensory communication – speaking, storytelling, dialogue, debate and dramatisation’ ( Johnson,2010, p.2) is fine but don’t deny the richness that comes from reading as having value. I have always felt extremism in any form can be dangerous. Johnson is standing on one foot - just as I would be if I didn't see the value in online reading and pursuits like gaming. I do see their value - all of their value but I prefer more of a balanced approach to life personally and would always promote reading whether it is through an e-book or a p-book. Libraries For A Post literate Society by Ben Johnson: http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/libraries-for-a-post-literate-society.html