Lethem Assignment

Jonathan Lethem introduces plagiarism in a new light to readers in his "The Ecstacy of Influence". In fact to bolster his opinion Lethem cites various examples of plagiarism. Many of these examples are "borrowed" by Lethem in a way that strengthens his argument. In fact he takes a quote from Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The quote is from the verdict O'Connor delivers in Feist Publications, Inc. v. Rural Tel. Serv. Co. The quote reads, "The primary objective of copyright is not to reward the labor of authors, but to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts. To this end, copyright assures authors the right to their original expression, but encourages others to build freely upon the ideas and information conveyed by a work. This result is neither unfair nor unfortunate. It is the means by which copyright advances the progress of science and art." O'Connor definitely believed in the merits of copyright for the reasons she listed, but Lethem uses this "snippet" to show how copyright law is antiquated and restrictive. Up till this section the essay took on a tone in favor of the free exchange of ideas and against "usemonopolies", such as those exercised by Disney and recording associations. When I read this short portion, I was confused as to why Lethem would be trying to weaken his point. In fact I read the section again to make sure I hadn't misread. Then I continued on and realized that the O'Connor section was being used as an example to show how that the initial purpose of copyright is "presently corrupted".