Just as there is more than one way to view a to view a red fork and any situation in general, there are multiple ways to view the impact of technology. Throughout my blogs, I have attempted to give more than one point of view in regards to how technology influences and shapes us. I feel that both the positives and negatives of technology are apparent in the various current events and topics I blog about. On the upside, technology has allowed us to connect to people we might never have met, it allows us to access information in an instant, it lets people independently publish their work/art, it facilitates our awareness of world news/situations/disasters, and it saves many lives. However, technology also creates e-waste, may cause us to be isolated from one-on-one human contact, may give us unreliable information, threatens our privacy, and may end up taking away traditional novelties such as paper books.
Here is a video I have published on YouTube to illustrate the positive and negatives impacts of technology across generations.
Though there is more than one face of technology, it most definitely has an incredible impact on our lives. But we must keep in mind that every situation comes with its positives and negatives - some of which we remain unaware of.
]]>Our "reality" makes it very difficult to distinguish what is real and what is fake. The novelists Alan Sokal and Stephen Glass certainly proved to us that it is easy to fabricate stories and successfully package them as true. Their sagas also suggest that people truly want to be able to determine what is true and what is false. But why? If it seems nearly impossible to determine, why should we even try?
The reason to want to know the truth lies in our fear that fabrications lead to unwanted consequences. At times, this fear is unwaranted. For example, the story of Rigoberta Menchu comes to mind. Menchu's memoir regarding the Guatamalan Civil War and the atrocities/genocide committed by the Gautamalan army from 1960 to 1996 was criticized for its embellishments. It seems that Menchu changed several parts of her life story in order to gain some extra attention. However, the tragedies she suffered were real - she lost both her parents, two brothers, a sister-in-law and three nieces and nephews to the Guatemalan army. The embellishments surely did nothing more than add a bit of drama to the story. Furthermore, her novel put the Guatamalan crisis and the plight of indigenous people on an international scale. Perhaps her fabrication should in fact be praised for its positive effects.
And yet there are instances in which fabrications lead to negative consequences. A good example here is that of the conflicting National Intelligence Estimates of 2005 and 2007. It was reported yesterday that Iran halted its nuclear arms program in 2003. However, in 2005, U.S. national intelligence agencies proclaimed Iran's nuclear program a serious threat - a good article on this topic can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/washington/05intel.html?_r=1&oref=slogin. The 2005 report contributed to sanctions placed on Iran, America's fear of attack, an anti-Iranian diplomacy by the administration, and discrimination of Middle Eastern nations and peoples. These were serious consequences, all caused by not unawareness of the truth.
So with examples like these, I think that it can be safely concluded that knowing what is true matters - at times. It is entirely dependent of the consequences that particular fabrications lead to. If an ingenuine tale leads to empowerment of an oppressed people, then fabrications is a good thing. But if it leads to oppression, then the truth must be exposed.
"The growing popularity of social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Second Life has thrust many of us into a new world where we make “friends” with people we barely know, scrawl messages on each other’s walls and project our identities using totem-like visual symbols.
We’re making up the rules as we go. But is this world as new as it seems?
Academic researchers are starting to examine that question by taking an unusual tack: exploring the parallels between online social networks and tribal societies. In the collective patter of profile-surfing, messaging and “friending,” they see the resurgence of ancient patterns of oral communication." -Alex Wright
If you're interested, the rest of the article is accessible at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/weekinreview/02wright.html?em&ex=1196744400&en=a6d2efd9a3ec07fa&ei=5087%0A
I find this research quite refreshing. It highlights humans primary need to establish connections with each other. I see the internet as a wonderful communication tool. However, as the article suggests, the importance of face-to-face interaction should not be underestimated. I think that true, lasting relationships are more likely to be established only after personal, real-life meetings. Therefore, perhaps the internet should be viewed as a beneficial supplement to human communication.
Although using less hazardous materials in the initial creation of electronic devices would be the best solution, it may take time for companies to come up with alternative technologies. So for now, the recycling of electronics rests largely on consumers. Upon conducting some research, I found that there are many options for consumers to recyle e-waste. However, the ease of recycling may depend on where one lives. California appears to be leading the e-waste recyle initiative; companies such as Electronic Recyclers and websites like http://erecycle.org provide Californians with quick and easy e-waste recycling opportunities. In my opinion, the rest of the United States should follow California's lead and begin similiar initiatives.
Another e-waste option is to donate old electronics to those who cannot afford the newest models. The site http://www.usedcomputer.com/nonprof.html lists several organizations willing to take donations.
Finally, e-waste used for art is a creative way to reuse electronics. I find such projects quite interesting because of unique dichotomy they present. On the one hand, we see that improvements in technology have enhanced art. For example, computers allow us to create new graphic art that was unthinkable in the past; we can scan images and digitize them; we can mesh sound and visual elements on a single screen; we can superimpose images like never before. Yet on the other hand, the destruction of electronics can also create art. This is what we see when we use e-waste as art. Thus we come to realize that art arises from both innovation and destruction, both of which are human experiences that artists wish to express.
In my case, I like the feel of paper in my hands. This may be traditionalist and ignorant of the environmental havoc paper production causes. However, I can only stare at a computer screen for so long. I spend many tedious hours with the screen glaring back at me, as my aching head tells me to avert my eyes. I would much prefer kicking back in an armchair to read a paper book. But who knows if this will be an option in the future.
]]>1. Fork held up to ceiling lights (directly)
-So much light passes through the clear fork that it almost becomes possible to see through it. However, the light makes the edges of the fork stand out more. The prongs are especially visible as bright streaks.
2. Fork held slightly to right of the ceiling light
- Light is seen almost directly through the left side, but the ceiling can be seen through the right. The non-illuminated side is almost easier to see.
3. Fork held up to Charissa
- This is an interesting situation. When I have both eyes open, the fork divides Charissa's face into two faces. But when I close one eye, I can see Charissa's face clearly, as a whole.
4. Fork held under light, over my hand
- The fork creates a shadow on my hand, reflecting light upwards toward my face. In this situation, the fork hides something (part of my hand) while reflecting something else (light).
5. Fork held up to computer text, and slowly moved right
- I am able to read the text. However single letters appear then disappear, so the text look like t h i s . In other words the fork illuminates letters in succession. The fork, on the other hand, is very well illuminated by the screen. The white light makes every edge of the fork stand out, while the center remains translucent.
6. The fork in a mug of tea
-The fork is difficult to see, because there is hardly any light. The fork can still function though; it can pierce the tea bag. In this situation, the fork reshapes the tea bag by putting a dent in it.
7. The fork reflecting light onto the table
-The fork creates a spot of light on the table, illuminating only one spot.
Properties of Fork and Their Impact:
1. Clear - allows one to see through it to the true situation.
2. 4 prongs - work together in order to function correctly.
3. Sharp points - the ability to pierce forcefully when necessary.
4. Ridged handle - allows one to closely control how the fork is used.
5. Reflects light - allows one to illuminate a chosen specimen.
6. Creates shadows - hides what one does not want to see.
7. Short prongs - limits the amount of "stuff" that can picked up.
8. Long handle - easy to grasp the tool and use it as one wishes.
9. Spaces between prongs - limits what can be seen through the fork and what is reflected by the fork.
10. 4 air bubbles on the prongs of the fork - outside matter is inside the tool. The fork is unique from other forks with different bubbles or none at all. Thus, this particular fork reconfigures in a different manner than all other forks.
In our brief discussion in class on illumination, we mentioned how illumination extends us. Artistic extension was payed special attention too. I believe that we can also include medical illumination as an extension. It extends our line of sight and our knowledge of the human body. It gives us the ability to treat problems in an illuminated state. In addition, surgery and other medical procedures can be viewed as artforms. The artists are physicians who hone their talents and express the desire of curing their patients through their art. To me, this act seems akin to a sculture who practices his artform and expresses his desires/ideas in his sculptures. Thus, medicine is art. Doctor is artist. Medical illumination is extension.
]]>The way the media portrays information and ideas is often unreliable, stereotyped, and unchecked. As the videos suggest, the media encourages violence, hypermasculinity, stereotyping women and Arabs, and the the idea that there is a "perfect" look. Little did my surveyees know, these portrayls shapes their everyday lives.
On another note, the video that discusses the news media brings to light the poor quality of information we receive. Personally, I get my news from the New York Times (print version) and National Public Radio. I admit, that these articles and stories often lean left, and they often shape my opinion on key issues. But the nice thing about reading a paper is that I can skip over the celebrity stuff and "weak journalism." I can focus my attention on world/national events, new research, etc. I do realize that few people actually take the time to read the paper or listen to "hard news." I think internet alternatives might help distribute more information. The question is whether or not this will be reliable and diverse news.
The overarching problem in all media is that there are too few individuals controlling it. Since they often shape our ideas and view of the world, I think that is important more people have a say in what we see. The internet might also resolve this issue, because it gives more people the ability to broadcast their ideas. Though filtering information and checking sources will be even more important when dealing with this information. I for one, am already overwhelmed with the amount of media and ideas available. But I still think that increasing the flow of ideas from multiple sources will have positive outcomes. Ideas=Progress.
]]>Dustin: 1. He got a call from an old friend on his cell phone today. They exchanged e-mail addresses and promised to stay connected. 2. He decided to play video games instead of study for him ME exam.
Ahmed: 1. He was able to speak with his family in Egypt over a webcam. After discussing it with his Mom, he decided to return home over Holiday Break. 2. He decided to major in Mechanical Engineering because of the amazing increase in technology seen in recent years. He went to class today, so this impacted him. 3. He went to his job at a biology lab, which relies on technology to operate.
Veronica: She was able to buy a power bar at the Mujo.
Dan: 1. He had to change his route today to get to work, because he had to get his anti-lock breaks fixed. 2. The bomb scare on campus influenced him to skip class.
Ariana: "Technology runs my life." She is never without her cellphone, laptop, and ipod. Her laptop contains her schedule and appointments; without it she says that she would be lost.
]]>Performance art has only recently been given any serious thought. Prior to the 1960's, most people considered it inferior to less ephemeral artforms such as painting, sculpture, etc. However, the short-lived nature of performance art is one of the aspects which makes it so appealing. As a recent New York times article put it: "Art is Brief. You Just Have to Be There."
Performance art is the celebration of the present, living moment. Like all art forms, it seeks to express something to the audience. However, the artist is not driven to make his art live forever despite his absence. Unlike paintings and sculptures, performance art can only exist with the artist's presence. It appears that performance artists are primarily driven by the desire to convey a message and the pure pleasure of making art. The want to leave behind their art so that they will be remembered does not obscure their creativity. Perhaps then, performance art should be seen as one of the purist of art forms. This also might suggest that in the future, we should allow the definition of art to be open.
]]>The full article is at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/technology/22library.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin.
The Open Content Alliance is run by a group of benefactors who cover the cost of scanning books (about $30/book), and they make the content available to all search services. For more information, their website is http://www.opencontentalliance.org/.
I think that the University of Michigan is making a grave mistake by signing with google. The goal of a library is to provide information to the public; by restricting information in the interest of commercial concerns, the library is not fulfilling its duty. Perhaps, if possible they should consider the benefits of signing with the Open Content Alliance.
]]>Given that most listeners no longer pay for music anyways (they download it online regardless of copyright infringements), Radiohead's new business model could be rvolutionary. Though some buyers will not pay a fair price for the album, avid fans may spend greater amounts simply to establish themselves as diehard Radiohead fans. Furthermore, many people realize that in order for Radiohead to continue making albums, they must have some income. In the end, Radiohead will be worth what people are willing to give them.
Though this model may end up working for Radiohead, it is largely because of the band's previous success in the traditional music market. It would be very difficult for new bands, who presumably do not yet have avid fans, to sell CDs for whatever price the buyer names. Therefore, this "pay what you like" system does not solve all of the music industry's woes. But at least some individuals in the music industry realize that they must change with the digital age in order to survive.
By the way, if you are interested in Radiohead's new album, you can buy it at http://inrainbow.com.
]]>The most recent crackdown is directed at technology: the generals running Myanmar shut down the Internet. According to the New York Times:
"Until Friday television screens and newspapers abroad were flooded with scenes of tens of thousands of red-robed monks in the streets and of chaos and violence as the junta stamped out the biggest popular uprising there in two decades. But then the images, text messages and postings stopped, shut down by generals who belatedly grasped the power of the Internet to jeopardize their crackdown."
(For the whole article go to http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/world/asia/04info.html)
This incident reminded me of the incredible role the internet plays in global communication. The internet can be very useful in fighting oppression, especially in isolated places like Myanmar, by informing the global community of a crisis. We see this theory in practice with internet games like "Save Darfur," which seeks to inform people of the genocide taking place in Sudan. Learning of a situation is the first step towards doing something about it.
Myanmar does not yet have a game. Its internet content was purely information about the current, tragic events its people are suffering. Without the ability to share this information, I am afraid the situation for the people in Myanmar can only get worse. My hope is that enough images and postings are already online, so that the global community will not forget the people of Myanmar.