Zack Schwartz Post 8

In Octavia Butler's story, Speech Sounds, she describes a world in which human beings suffer from an epidemic that takes away their ability to speak. This piece made me realize how vital speaking and communicating in general in every day life. Human beings are a very social species, and communicating with other human beings is something that comes natural to us. Every day, we are in hundreds of situations where we communicate with others for various reasons; it is merely how we live our lives. Had this epidemic struck a different species such as an owl, not much change in lifestyle would occur. On the contrary, if it stuck ants, the species would undoubtedly become extinct. This story explores which path the human race would follow.

As a class, we discussed if we would prefer to have the ability to read and write, but not talk, or have the ability to talk and not read and right. I would much rather retain the ability to speak. If i was deprived of this, it would be virtually impossible for me to assimilate and be accepted into society. If I could still speak, I could have friends and great relationships and continue a similar lifestyle to the one I am leading now. I would, however still feel a little inept.