Cultural Capital

With the proliferation of literary commentary, does the academy facilitate or fetter the survival of literature? It is quite possible that the precocious language and exclusive conversations that constitute scholarly articles are nothing more than a glaring "Keep Out!" sign posted for those who are seen as incapable and, arguably, unworthy of these continuing discussions. This exclusivity is easily comparable to the history of cultural capital that has delineated the social spheres of class and class members' consequent accessibility to success. Denying others the privilege of education has long been a means by which social hierarchy is exercised. Arguably the most obvious manifestation of cultural capitalism has occurred within the spheres of gender and race. Of course, class has always played a role in one's educational possibilities and still does. However, it is perhaps the lack of political progression in terms of class that makes it such a "silent killer." While it would be absurd to suggest that issues of sexism and racism have been entirely resolved, it is undeniable that there has bene sincere political and cultural progress. The feminist and Civil Rights movements evidence this. Hoewver, there has hardly been a Lower Class movement, an active rallying for economic equality! But will this ever happen? Will it ever happen in a democratic, capitalist society? My guess: probably not.