<br>Steve makes an important point: criticisms of the status quo will not change the status quo. For all my criticisms of OLPC, I am keen to see something done in the direction of (technological) literacy for all. <br><br>
I am so hesitant to endorse fully this project because of what evidence tells us of technological change -- it amplifies existing inequalities. This is particularly true for gender, but also for other forms of discrimination.
<br><br>Just because the Interweb is the biggest thing EVER doesn't mean that we should adopt or endorse this project wholesale. Bringing the power of these amazing tubes to developing countries could ignite sparks of equality, but let us not be deceived -- it will not change existing social relations that privilege few above the many.
<br><br>That is my only point. When discourses of technological utopianism dominate, they create a mythology of meritocracy (which, incidentally, so did Carnegie). Myths are powerful tools to maintain oppression, not subvert it. I am not criticizing OLPC per se, but the powerful utopianism embedded in discussions around it.
<br><br>Steve, you're right. It's an audacious project and we should all get behind the spirit of that. However, we should not be blinded either. OLPC will not "change the world," but may change pieces of the world.
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