Reading Response 5

One part of this reading that caught my eye was the economy behind utilizing language as a form of power/currency. The reading mentioned that “the dominant class occupying jobs in today’s lofts, offices, and boardrooms succeed by making language its instrument of production” (255). The reading argues that things like email and other online textual tools have made the use of language more accessible and easier to use to gain points in a hierarchical job setting. For example, even if you are a more shy person or are less socially equipped, you are able to convey powerful messages behind your screen which can still very much be effective. This allows anyone with access to a computer the ability to converse with those around the world and form crucial connections. The reading discussed how back hundreds of years ago the middle class was able to ensure its status through mastery of language. We are still seeing this phenomenon today as language plays one of the greatest factors related to someone’s success in life. Every job position can be boiled down to having effective and strong communication skills. With new technologies like computers and phones, it has never been easier to communicate even if you lack in-person social skills.