Read and Response #1

Neil Postman: Technolopy

Chapter 1:The Judgement of Thamus

The first "quote" that popped out at me was this one:

“our task is to understand what that design is—that is to say, when we admit a new technology to the culture, we must do so with our eyes wide open” (p. 7, bottom) That, once a technology is admitted, it plays out its hand. Whether positive or negative, it will do something!

I had never realized the story behind the clock before, but was saddened by the way a "tool" can be used for the opposite of its intent.

“The paradox, the surprise, and the wonder are that the clock was invented by men who wanted to devote themselves more  rigorously to God; it ended as the technology  of greatest use to men who wished to devote themselves to the accumulation of money. In the eternal struggle God and Mammon, the clock quite  unpredictably followed the later" (p. 15, top). It reminded me of how the curse of sin affects all of creation--even the "creations" that have not yet come to be. It reminded me of the tower of Babel--the idea of building something great may have been good--but the focus of worship changed. Instead of being God-centred in their lives, the switch to me-centered happened, and God had to confuse them. The other sad thing is, I don't feel he is over-reacting. I also agree with his line: “A new technology does not add or subtract something. It changes everything” (p. 18). This was related to his example about the taking away of caterpillars—it would changed the ecosystem completely.

photo from google images

Again, when the author pointed out the viewpoint of the preacher and the politician, I cannot help but think maybe we didn't learn from the Babel story. . .or the clock story. . .or many other stories/experiences that seem to keep changing our focus away from God, when he designed us to be  in relationship with Him. "A preacher who confines himself to consider how a medium can increase his audience will miss the significant question: In what sense do new media alter what is meant by religion, church , even by God?. . .and to the concept of citizenship?" (p. 19)

One question he voiced that I have often wondered was: “Will the computer raise egocentrism to the status of a virtue?” (p. 17) Now that I can do most things on my own, am I going to loose the value of community. . .and haven't we already to a large degree.

Yet on the flip side, I think there is a way these tools can be used to keep our focus on God. I know I use the computer for devotionals for myself and for the children I teach. I use youtube for praise songs or pictures of God's wonders. But that is because I am looking for it. I'm setting my focus on it--the same way the monks were--they were trying to keep their focus on God.

 

Chapter 2: From Tools to Technocracy

“Marx understood well that, apart from their economic implications, technologies create the ways in which people perceive reality and that such ways are key to understanding diverse forms of social and mental life “ ( p.21)

Chapter two seems to seems to show a bit of a contrast from the negativity in Chapter 1. Postman points out how many "Great thinkers" chose not to let their tools and discoveries interfere with their belief in God or the institution of the church of that day. Everything they did was designed around that, and so were their research and projects.

“Tools did not prevent people from believing in their traditions. In their God, in their politics, in their methods of education, or in the legitimacy of their social organizations. Their beliefs in fact directed the invention of tools and limited the uses to which they were put. . . spiritual ideas and social customs  acted as controlling forces” (p. 23).

“Theology, not technology, provided people with authorization for what to do or think” (p. 26)

“Moreover, the science they created was almost wholly concerned with  questions of truth, not power” (p. 35) All inventors, scientists, clung to the theology of their age—they didn’t compromise their belief about God because of what they researched or because of the tools they used. They allowed their discoveries to add to what they knew about God. Postman then pointed out Francis Bacon, whose main aim was the happiness of mankind. (p. 35) It seems that is where the contrast began, the shift was set in motion. Is that what tools and technology is doing today: pursuing only human happiness? Only we are still not happy? Tools don't provide happiness, only God can.

To repeat the words of a song I sing often with my grade one students (who at this point still get where true joy and happiness come from--when they are singing the song): "I've God the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. . .I've got the love of Jesus in my heart. And I'm so happy. . ."
By contrast: I wonder if we often sing: "I've got an iPad, Smartphone, iPod, laptop all of my own. . .I've got the latest technology in my hands. . .but I'm not happy, so very unhappy. . .

Burning Question: What about technology makes you feel happy at your school? What about technology makes you feel discouraged?