Carlton L. Clark
Texas Woman's University
clclark12@juno.com
Many feminists find hypertext appealing because of its apparent subversion of conventional textual hierarchies, a principle evident in George Landow’s claim that hypertext is “intrinsically anti-hierarchical.” On this view, hypertext necessarily subverts hegemonic paradigms associated with print literacy, which is associated with the discredited Enlightenment worldview. As Landow argues, “The history of information technology from writing to hypertext reveals an increasing democratization or dissemination of power” (277). Others have touted the democratic (if not anarchic) potential of hypertext and digital technology in general. For instance, Richard Lanham claims that digital media produce “an incredible personalization of learning, a radical democratization of ‘textbooks’that allow every student to walk an individual path”(10). I question, however, whether the prospect of every student walking an individual path is necessarily something to celebrate. I also doubt that this individualistic focus can strengthen democracy. Hence, my purpose in this paper is to problematize this optimistic view of hypertext. More specifically, I will analyze from a feminist perspective the rhetoric that associates hypertext with democratization and individual empowerment.
