Summary Of Brandt's Sponsors Of Literacy

1. Throughout Brandt’s “Sponsors of Literacy” she explains in depth the roles and qualities of literary sponsors. In summary, she explains sponsors are powerful figures, usually more knowledgeable and well established. Literary sponsors are used as models and figures of encouragement. Brandt provides examples of literary sponsors being teachers, military officials, older relatives and priests. Alongside human sponsors, literary sponsors can also be organizations like school systems, churches and broader economic forces like new technologies. Literary sponsors play a vital role in society, and for me personally. Without the handful of literary sponsors in my life I would lack the specialized knowledge in numerous areas like sports, religion, reading and writing.

2.
Brandt makes it very clear from the start of her essay that literary sponsors are not altruistic, they benefit from helping others gain success whether through direct monetary repayment, or indirect creditability and status. Throughout the article, Brandt provides case examples to show the roles literary sponsors had on these selected individuals. The rise of literary standards was extremely evident in each case that Brandt included. I believe the constant demand for relinquishing control over as many aspects in life was a significant gain for literary sponsors in 1998 when this article was written as well as now in 2018. As a direct example of literary sponsors gaining from their sponsorship, Brant includes the idea of Little Leaguers wearing a sponsor’s logo on their jersey. In reality, the sponsors are gaining status and acknowledgement having their logo on the jerseys, but for the Little Leaguers this logo is just an image on a jersey that allows them to play and learn about baseball. The sponsors are gaining, while also