While reading "Things Fall Apart" I saw things through a postcolonial lens-most likely due to the main subject in the academic decathalon being imperialism. What makes "Things Fall Apart" so interesting is that postcolonial literature usually "represents either British or American viewpoints" but in this piece of literature it is seen from the natives point-of-view, making it quite different from most colonial pieces.
The book uses a great majority of the writing to give background information on the main character. This allows the reader to understand Okonkwo's actions, and see why he is different from the rest of the village. This also allows the reader to get a better point-of-view and understand the natives better when they are faced with the white colonists.
By gaining a greater perspective, many things colonists told that were "positive" were shown in a new light. An example is the church that was built. It split many of the natives, and offended those natives that stayed true to their faith. There was also a diffusion of white culture, when the white government was established and trade markets-money as well-began to flow into Okonkwo's village many were happy. While this ocurred, the colonists also began to build schools and teach their language. Once a colonized people begins to speak the language of the colonizers, they inadvertently begin to think like them as well. People like Okonkonkwo refused the white man's teachings and rebelled until the end of his life. He saw the loss of his own culture and could not bare to watch.
When writing through a postcolonial lense, I will be discussing controversial actions in the book starting when the white settlers came to the villages. These will include the building of the church up to Okonkwo's suicide. Writing through a postcolonial lense will allow me to question the hypocrisy of colonialism itself.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Tehnopoly...Technocracy...whats the difference???
A Technocracy, as defined by Neil Postman in the book Technopoly, is an " 'unseen hand' will eliminate the incompetent and those who produce cheaply and well the goods that people want" and seems to be an extension of capitalism. There is a high emphasis on machinary, and using technology to promote efficiency. This seems as if it were taken straight from Brave New World.
Although when one thinks of a technocracy one may think of Brave New World , it is important to remember that there are many differences. One important difference is seeing as how a technocracy is an extension of capitalism, there is a fairly large profit motive. In Brave New World , it is all about keeping the citizens happy. Both do, however, rely heavily on machines in order to accomplish daily tasks. There is also a high emphasis on efficiency in each, with efficiency being, besides the technology itself, the most important thing.
In the book, a technopoly is also discussed. A technopoly is almost the same as a technocracy, except that technology over rules humans in terms of importance in society. It also takes away religion, a few morals, and any other parts of humans that makes humans, human. This relates to Brave New World more than a technocracy, for human parts were taken out of the citizens as well.
Frederick Winslow Taylor was an engineer who sought to improve industrial efficiency. He dedicated his life to his work, and resulted in being known as the father of scientific management. He most noted for, however, the Management theory (time and motion study) in which he highly increased efficiency. Taylor believed that with the right machinery, anything was possible and in Brave New World, the results of such efficiency are seen.
Although when one thinks of a technocracy one may think of Brave New World , it is important to remember that there are many differences. One important difference is seeing as how a technocracy is an extension of capitalism, there is a fairly large profit motive. In Brave New World , it is all about keeping the citizens happy. Both do, however, rely heavily on machines in order to accomplish daily tasks. There is also a high emphasis on efficiency in each, with efficiency being, besides the technology itself, the most important thing.
In the book, a technopoly is also discussed. A technopoly is almost the same as a technocracy, except that technology over rules humans in terms of importance in society. It also takes away religion, a few morals, and any other parts of humans that makes humans, human. This relates to Brave New World more than a technocracy, for human parts were taken out of the citizens as well.
Frederick Winslow Taylor was an engineer who sought to improve industrial efficiency. He dedicated his life to his work, and resulted in being known as the father of scientific management. He most noted for, however, the Management theory (time and motion study) in which he highly increased efficiency. Taylor believed that with the right machinery, anything was possible and in Brave New World, the results of such efficiency are seen.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Singularity...Hey, it could happen
Singularity is the merging point of man and machine. Machines will pass humans up in intelligence. This concept is conceivable due to how fast technology has evolved in the past 46 years. Singularity was thought of by Raymond Kurzweil, a well-credited inventor and very intelligent. He believes that although Singularity will occur in 2045, it is uncertain how technology will look on humans once more intelligent than the human race.
There are many instances that may occur when Singularity occurs and technology becomes the most intelligent. Examples given in the article include merging "with them to become super-intelligent cyborgs, using computers to extend our intellectual abilities the same way that cars and planes extend our physical abilities" as well as "Maybe the computers will turn on humanity and annihilate us." (Grossman 1). As far as anybody can see, the future is unpredictable, but we all know that much progress is occurring. As the article puts it, "computers are getting faster faster — that is, the rate at which they're getting faster is increasing." The rate that technology is progressing is exponential, because with new technologies it is easier to create newer technology. Many theories have risen and books have been written.
In Brave New World, the author creates a Utopia made possible only by the advancement of machines. In the book, singularity has yet to occur, humanity is dependent on the assembly line, and Henry Ford is worshiped. It is seen that the population and people themselves are planned and that many actions that take place in the book occur due to advancements in technology. Assembly lines are used for human production, and a substance has been created that will provide humans with immortality-soma. Bernard, the main character in Brave New World, does not like how much machines are used in society and may be quite fearful of the advancements in technology. In reality, machines are not used as much as in the book, but if advancements continue, the book and reality may not be so different. Depending point of view, in can be seen as a good thing or bad thing. My personal belief is that the society in Brave New World is not so bad (but that may only be true if would be an alpha).
There are many instances that may occur when Singularity occurs and technology becomes the most intelligent. Examples given in the article include merging "with them to become super-intelligent cyborgs, using computers to extend our intellectual abilities the same way that cars and planes extend our physical abilities" as well as "Maybe the computers will turn on humanity and annihilate us." (Grossman 1). As far as anybody can see, the future is unpredictable, but we all know that much progress is occurring. As the article puts it, "computers are getting faster faster — that is, the rate at which they're getting faster is increasing." The rate that technology is progressing is exponential, because with new technologies it is easier to create newer technology. Many theories have risen and books have been written.
In Brave New World, the author creates a Utopia made possible only by the advancement of machines. In the book, singularity has yet to occur, humanity is dependent on the assembly line, and Henry Ford is worshiped. It is seen that the population and people themselves are planned and that many actions that take place in the book occur due to advancements in technology. Assembly lines are used for human production, and a substance has been created that will provide humans with immortality-soma. Bernard, the main character in Brave New World, does not like how much machines are used in society and may be quite fearful of the advancements in technology. In reality, machines are not used as much as in the book, but if advancements continue, the book and reality may not be so different. Depending point of view, in can be seen as a good thing or bad thing. My personal belief is that the society in Brave New World is not so bad (but that may only be true if would be an alpha).
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Perhaps THE video to watch tomorrow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX5XPo0lZVQ&list=FLL_PUqRWrEodCqR2MXP0x6A&index=58
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Under-rated Internet Cables
In the article, A Vulnerable Network: Undersea Internet Cable Attacks by Tony M. Damico, it is shown than it is necessary to improve the security of the internet cables lying in the ocean. This is done by compiling mass amounts of information and is written in a way as to make the reader aware of the importance of the internet cables and how much protection is needed.
Damico begins with stating that there have been attacks on internet cables and uses the quote “During the height of the disruption, some 70 percent of the Egyptian Internet was down” to keep the readers interest. Damico then uses more findings to show the devastating effects of the attacks. Damico also shows that there have been more than one attacks. It is then discussed how easy it is to commit such attacks and he expresses how he believes it can be stopped. He suggests that people realize the importance of the internet cables, and that measures be taken in order to secure them in order to prevent a future disaster. Damico also points out that there are other ways if obtaining internet use-the satellite system-but reveals that only a small amount is transmitted in that way and that attacks on the internet cables will provide devastating results.
Although discussing a complex subject and including research in the work, Damico uses simplistic words in order for the readers to fully understand him. With the topic being the protection of internet cables, he is trying to get the attention of regular internet users. At the same time, he makes his findings clear for all to understand. When introducing the topic, Damico starts off without any background information about what internet cables are. Although this may leave some readers confused, it may drag them in, for the first sentence is "Multiple undersea internet cables were mysteriously severed and subsequently gained significant attention in the beginning of 2008." The mystery attack is good enough to grab the attention of the average reader. In order to avoid confusion, internet cables are used in examples to show their purpose (for those who may not realize their function). Although this may not be that different for some of you-and perhaps not important-I find it interesting because it goes against my literary teachings. The format I was taught was the Shaffer format and I was more or less told that any good essay would be in that format. Shaffer format contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the body paragraphs, there would be eight sentences. Between the topic and conclusion sentences, there would be a fact, followed by two opinions that further explain or support the fact. In this essay, Damico writes in a different fashion. As more or less a research paper, Damico follows his own mind set, and sets up the essay in a way he believes will catch the reader, and make them understand the most. If I had attempted such a thing I would have received an F on my paper. Overall, his writing style was quite different and was the right type for the job.
Damico begins with stating that there have been attacks on internet cables and uses the quote “During the height of the disruption, some 70 percent of the Egyptian Internet was down” to keep the readers interest. Damico then uses more findings to show the devastating effects of the attacks. Damico also shows that there have been more than one attacks. It is then discussed how easy it is to commit such attacks and he expresses how he believes it can be stopped. He suggests that people realize the importance of the internet cables, and that measures be taken in order to secure them in order to prevent a future disaster. Damico also points out that there are other ways if obtaining internet use-the satellite system-but reveals that only a small amount is transmitted in that way and that attacks on the internet cables will provide devastating results.
Although discussing a complex subject and including research in the work, Damico uses simplistic words in order for the readers to fully understand him. With the topic being the protection of internet cables, he is trying to get the attention of regular internet users. At the same time, he makes his findings clear for all to understand. When introducing the topic, Damico starts off without any background information about what internet cables are. Although this may leave some readers confused, it may drag them in, for the first sentence is "Multiple undersea internet cables were mysteriously severed and subsequently gained significant attention in the beginning of 2008." The mystery attack is good enough to grab the attention of the average reader. In order to avoid confusion, internet cables are used in examples to show their purpose (for those who may not realize their function). Although this may not be that different for some of you-and perhaps not important-I find it interesting because it goes against my literary teachings. The format I was taught was the Shaffer format and I was more or less told that any good essay would be in that format. Shaffer format contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the body paragraphs, there would be eight sentences. Between the topic and conclusion sentences, there would be a fact, followed by two opinions that further explain or support the fact. In this essay, Damico writes in a different fashion. As more or less a research paper, Damico follows his own mind set, and sets up the essay in a way he believes will catch the reader, and make them understand the most. If I had attempted such a thing I would have received an F on my paper. Overall, his writing style was quite different and was the right type for the job.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Google+ Invites
https://plus.google.com/i/boy-S4qsH4M:tRFcSiKTQJo follow the link to create a Google+ account
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)