Justice

Is it just to label the university, or composition a middle class enterprise? Lynn Bloom once made this statement, as she noted that the enterprise leaves little room for the minority student (Chiang 150). Unfortunately, I have to agree with this analysis. The injustice of the middle class enterprise is a burden that affects minorities, but it also takes it toll on the general student population. As Bartholomae suggests, with each subject students must learn to write like a professional of the field; in short, they must reinvent the university (see his article, "Reinventing the University").

This creates a dichotomy. What is the purpose of composition? Is it a service course, which strips everyone of their identity, and drives them to write in one ideal style of Edited American English? Is it a course, which teaches students to think as individuals, and then compose such thoughts in a clear and concise manner? Scholars can take sides on either side of the debate, but is there a middle ground?


The problem is people want to have their cake and eat it too. Unfortunately, some crumbs are are going to fall to the waste side. If composition is middle class, while it burdens all students, those who fall like crumbs, and fail to achieve elitism, more than likely will be minorities.