Issues and Challenges in Contemporary Literature

Summary

In this presentation, Jensen Ramos Abbajo explores the challenges faced by contemporary literature, defined as works written post-World War II. He discusses the impact of globalization on language, the rise of digital communication, and the struggle with intellectual property rights. Abbajo also addresses the changing landscape of book promotion and distribution, the environmental concerns of paper manufacturing, and the aging demographic of print media consumers. He concludes by suggesting that literature will adapt and overcome these challenges, encouraging viewers to subscribe for more insights.

Takeaways

• 📚 Contemporary literature is defined as literature written after World War II through the current day, with a focus on reflecting society's social and political viewpoints.
• 🌐 The globalization and diversification of contemporary society pose challenges to literature, which is traditionally language-based and national.
• 💬 Vernacular means of communication like cell phones and social networks are becoming more prevalent, potentially overshadowing printed text.
• 📉 Intellectual property systems are under strain, with writers facing difficulties in protecting their work from piracy.
• 📈 The means of group promotion, distribution, and retail for literature are destabilizing, with online publications and social media platforms offering new opportunities.
• 📘 The manufacturing of ink on paper is becoming outdated and costly, with print-on-demand technologies offering a more sustainable solution.
• 📊 The demographic for printed media is aging, and there is a failure to engage young apprentice writers, which could lead to a natural correction in the industry.
• 🔄 Contemporary literature is transcending traditional challenges through digital mediums, indicating a shift in how literature is consumed and shared.
• 🌟 Learning multiple languages and mastering one specific language deeply can be beneficial for writers in the globalized world of literature.
• 🚫 The script argues against the view that intellectual property is a barrier to innovation, instead seeing it as a crucial component for promoting and sharing innovation.

Q & A

What is the definition of contemporary literature according to the script?

Contemporary literature is defined as literature written after World War II through the current day, with most scholars agreeing that it refers to writing completed after 1940.

How does contemporary literature reflect society's social and political viewpoints?

Contemporary literature reflects society's social and political viewpoints through realistic characters, connections to current events, and social-economic messages, aiming to highlight societal strengths and weaknesses.

What are the typical characteristics of contemporary literature?

Typical characteristics of contemporary literature include reality-based stories with strong characteristics and believable settings, usually set in the current or modern era.

How does globalization affect contemporary literature in terms of language?

Globalization seems to simplify works into forms like movies, comics, and commercials, which may contort the need for intense mastery of one specific language, as seen with writers like Beckett and Nabokov who were successful in acquired languages.

What is the impact of vernacular means of communication on contemporary literature?

Vernacular means of communication like cell phones and social networks are moving into areas where printed text cannot follow, but the printed word remains the most efficient means of communication, and will likely redefine these areas when it arrives.

Why are intellectual property systems considered as failing in the context of contemporary literature?

Intellectual property systems are considered failing because writers may not be able to protect their work from piracy, but there are ways to add value to writing, such as adopting creative publishing methods.

What is the role of intellectual property in promoting and sharing innovation according to the script?

Intellectual property is seen as the best proxy for promoting and sharing innovation, not a barrier, and is a core part of a victory circle that links innovators, technology users, and capital providers.

How is the promotion and distribution of literature changing in the contemporary period?

Contemporary literature is transcending traditional promotion and distribution methods via online publications and social media platforms, making it easier to share and access works.

What is the issue with ink on paper manufacturing in the context of contemporary literature?

Ink on paper manufacturing is considered an outmoded and toxic industry with rising costs, and there are better uses for resources like wood. Print on-demand technologies can help ensure that only wanted books are printed.

Why is the demographic for printed media aging faster than the general population?

The failure of print media to attract young audiences and the lack of training and financial opportunities for apprentice writers contribute to the aging demographic for printed media.

How can writers adapt to the challenges faced by contemporary literature?

Writers can adapt by learning to write for people who may not traditionally engage with literature, potentially sparking a new interest and love for stories and writing among these demographics.