Reading the Kentucky Cycle a few days ago, I realized there was a precarious connection to be made with another topic we have been discussing, the existence of a data driven society.
The topic arose when Mr. Bolos blogged on the Am Stud Blog about how the world, particularly schools have come to value, and even depend on data. Colleges have begun to define students with a few numbers that they claim assess student's worth. There was a transition at some point from where students were not only guaged by a brief numerical summary of academic success but a more in depth report.
I noticed a parallel between the Kentucky Cycle and this concept. On pg. 91 Jeremiah Talbert is swindling Patrick Rowen out of every last dime of his estate after Jeremiah bought the debts from a downed bank (Sound Familiar). The quotes that really struck me were:
"Land is just dirt Mr. Rowen. It's worth only what the market is willing to pay for it. No more, no less"
"Land don't tolerate no fools. I know that don't mean nothin' to no bank man pushin' his little peices of paper"
The land, that Patrick Rowen had lived on his entire life, and had grown to learn was the most valuable thing in his life, was simply deemed worthless by Jeremiah and the courts. The land, which had been well taken care of, was now worth considerably less because some bank thinks so. This value system is where I see the parallel to the data driven society. Colleges see the value of a student through a few numbers and very little less, even though it is sure that those students are far more complex than a few numbers can possibly summarize. Its a shame that our society has been reduced to this but it's a reality today. If our society came to value more than just the data, how would it be different? Do you think there is any truth to the data our society chooses to value?
Nate the Skate,
ReplyDeleteExcellent parallel to hear and comment on! You have made stunning progress this term -- and your blog reflects your increasing curiosity and commitment to argumentation.