Pullshit Politics of Plagiarism and Patents:P4

Full of pullshit and may only be quoted on your own terms. There is no plagiarism and no patents, so you are free to choose how you use it

During my college days, Sony reigned as a prominent electronics brand. In my modest collection of student-owned gadgets, my Sonya television held a special place in my single room. One day, during a visit from my sister, she could not help but notice the TV and burst into laughter, remarking, “You have a Sonya TV!” Perplexed, I responded, “Yes, it’s a Sony TV. What’s the matter?” Her amusement escalated as she pointed out the subtle distinction, insisting it wasn’t a ‘Sony’, but a ‘Sonya’. We both found the situation amusing, as despite the slight alteration in name, to me, Sonya was unequivocally a Sony, functioning as such. This incident sparked contemplation on how the mere addition of an ‘a’ transformed “Sony” into “Sonya,” prompting me to wonder if Sonya was once a Sony that underwent a name change. Such linguistic nuances can significantly influence our perception, even if the core essence remains unchanged.

In my pursuit of knowledge, I have come to realize that every locale harbours its own narrative, and knowledge permeates every corner, not solely where it’s formally documented. I’ve pondered over the disparity in access to knowledge among different groups, realizing that knowledge is cultivated through diverse means— Some people think but don’t write down their ideas. Others write down what others have said. Some people edit those writings, while others both think and write. Those who abstain from documentation risk exclusion from historical records.

Consider the realm of traditional knowledge, where communities have long safeguarded and transmitted their wisdom across generations, only to witness its appropriation and commercialization. Pharmaceutical companies worldwide have capitalized on this knowledge, systematically extracting active compounds from indigenous plants, often leading to the development of potent medications. But should these corporations claim patents on these newfound remedies, considering their origins lie deeply entrenched in traditional knowledge?

As an academic, I have encountered this intricate web first-hand. My writing process typically involves drawing from past experiences, a few scholarly readings, and years of education. Yet upon completion, I have to search the internet for prior works that resonate with my thoughts, attributing credit to those who have contributed to the shared pool of knowledge. However, this process tends to privilege certain voices, perpetuating a cycle where histories are overwritten, and the unrecorded contributions of others are seemingly negated. At what juncture does knowledge become so ubiquitous that citation becomes unnecessary? …a luta continua