The development of more advanced robotics and machinery from the industrial revolution to modern day has dramatically changed the landscape of the world work force. In our lectures we see how the advanced machinery allowed for assembly lines which greatly increased efficiency in making textiles or other goods which in turn lowered prices. However this also lead to a decrease in wages and with the same hours. This is just one example, how long has it been since anyone has seen a person working at a toll booth? California is almost all fast pass now, that job has been completely replaced by machinery.
Another representation in modern cinema about the struggle against technology and if we are becoming too dependent on it is the movie: iRobot. In this movie the main character believes that we rely too much on machines and if we let it, they will take over our society. This movie is a representation of cyborgs which we discussed in class. Artwork by Ken Feingold seems to draw inspiration from this concept. As we move closer and closer to a world where this could be possible we must be careful whether it will positively or negatively effect society.
Resources:
Benjamin, Walter. "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction." (1936): 1-7. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
Davis, Douglas. "The Work of the Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction." An Evolving Thesis (1991-1995): 1-7. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
"Ken Feingold : Artworks." Ken Feingold : Artworks. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
Vesna, Victoria, Prof. "Robotics Lecture 1." 10 Apr. 2016. Lecture.
Vesna, Victoria, Prof. "Robotics Lecture 2." 10 Apr. 2016. Lecture.
I also wrote about the assembly line! I think the assembly line changed how factories work, and made many things available for both rich and poor people. It changed how society is today, and bridged the gap between the rich and the poor.
ReplyDeleteI agree that anxieties about the increasing role of technology in our lives have led to pop culture phenomena, such as robots, that represent the fear we collectively have over a world controlled by machines. However, I believe that we as a society are shifting back to an era where the general public is more excited than they are afraid of technology - think about the mass fervor over the release of new generations of smartphones.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting take, looking at the negative side to mechanization. I like the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory example it makes the idea very accessible and easy to understand. I agree that technology can be seen as an overriding aspect in modern times. It is always nice to take a step back from our technologies that we have become attached to.
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