I really enjoyed reading this article. I was surprised to learn that is was first printed in 1986. It has some ideas that are ahead of it's time. It helps put to rest many myths that are associated with computer technology. For example, it mentions that most people think that having computers will level teh playing field more. However, this may not be the case. According to the article, since computers will take important jobs away from people it may leave only mediocre jobs such as janitor available for people. This will actually lengthen the gap between the wealthy and poor.
The article also debunks the myth that computer technology will help make smarter people. However, this isn't the case. The article exlpains that the only way for this to occur is that people actually know how to and are able to use the technology. Many people can't because they are unable to read. Langdon Winner explains that these computer enthusiasts (as he puts it) should be concentrating in making sure public libraries have the necessary tools to help educate people. Winner states: "While it is true that systems of computation and communications, intelligently structured and wisely applied, might help a society raise its standards of literacy, education, and general knowledgeability, to look at those instruments first while ignoring how to enlighten and invigorate a human mind is pure foolishness. "(593)
Winner also thinks that knowledge isn't power. winner says that some people may have teh knowledge but don't have the means to act on that knowledge. This debunks the idea that knowledge is power. Winner thinks that knowledge is power only if it can be directly applied. For example, if I got a job because of all the computer software programs I know this is a way that knowledge would be power.
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