Postman's perspective of technology, thought it may seem radical, is an insightful and useful one, particularly for someone as steeped in technological culture as I am. I am impressed with the way he actually put his money where his mouth is and offers solutions to resist the "Technopoly" instead of merely ranting about it, which was my initial impression of his intention.
Portions of this book are reminiscent of Computers, particularly where he goes into Charles Babbage's various technological endeavors, like the primitive computer that would have used a punch card system had it been completed (p. 109). Bits like this brought the two readings together and reinforces his message with solid historical material.
One of the sections that I found to be particularly interesting was Chapter Six on medical technology. I had not previously known how much technology negatively shapes the medical profession. I could not help but remember, however, Sara's presentation two weeks ago on the ways that technology helps neurologically disabled people find their previously unheard voices. I have also read articles recently about exoskeletons being constructed for paraplegic people, people who had not walked in decades, that provided for them the ability to walk. This does not silence Postman's warnings, but I do think that there needs to be a middle ground; perhaps we should use technology to enhance medicine instead of relying upon it in place of skilled physicians.
I now feel the need to blushingly backtrack, and amend my prior blog post. What is leading me to do this is his guideline on page 184, "do not regard the aged as irrelevant." I fear that I may have given the impression that I felt this way in regard to this subject. I still do maintain, that Postman comes off as a bit of an alarmist curmudgeon, but his perspective is valid, and it is always reasonable for the older, more learned generations to keep the younger, often cocky generations in check.
Portions of this book are reminiscent of Computers, particularly where he goes into Charles Babbage's various technological endeavors, like the primitive computer that would have used a punch card system had it been completed (p. 109). Bits like this brought the two readings together and reinforces his message with solid historical material.
One of the sections that I found to be particularly interesting was Chapter Six on medical technology. I had not previously known how much technology negatively shapes the medical profession. I could not help but remember, however, Sara's presentation two weeks ago on the ways that technology helps neurologically disabled people find their previously unheard voices. I have also read articles recently about exoskeletons being constructed for paraplegic people, people who had not walked in decades, that provided for them the ability to walk. This does not silence Postman's warnings, but I do think that there needs to be a middle ground; perhaps we should use technology to enhance medicine instead of relying upon it in place of skilled physicians.
I now feel the need to blushingly backtrack, and amend my prior blog post. What is leading me to do this is his guideline on page 184, "do not regard the aged as irrelevant." I fear that I may have given the impression that I felt this way in regard to this subject. I still do maintain, that Postman comes off as a bit of an alarmist curmudgeon, but his perspective is valid, and it is always reasonable for the older, more learned generations to keep the younger, often cocky generations in check.
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