The Marxian Cell Phone

The Economist article, as highlighted by many of my classmates, focuses on the Digital Divide as simply part of the overall problem of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. In fact, many economists say that the growing unequal income distribution gap is THE major problem facing the world.

It is important to note that the conflict between the haves and have nots has existed for centuries, if not longer. Perhaps highlighted best by Karl Marx, these class conflicts (which are now global conflicts instead of just national conflicts) stem from individuals who own the modes of production and individuals who actually do the producing.

Though I do have some qualms with the Economist suggestions about the power of cell phones, I'm glad they could come up with an answer that wasn't Marx's "bloody revolution."

NOTES TO PONDER: Can there be a cell phone revolution that will help to equalize income distribution? Does Marx's emphasis on ownership of the mode of production explain some of the digital divide?