Is Google Making us Stupid?

No one can deny the increasing presence of technology in our society. The Internet has become a worldwide phenomenon that connects us to global information 24/7. The question that Nicholas Carr asks us as a reader is what the Internet is really doing to us; is there more harm than benefit to this technological breakthrough?

A key point that Carr made was that the more he used the Internet, the less desire he had to read something deep, like a novel. This was because he didn't have the concentration to sit down and comprehend more than around five pages of text. Using the Internet provides us with the ability to search through a plethora of information in seconds, giving us tons of options. I took notice that when I was reading this article, it was hard to focus myself.

Another point mentioned was a “new kind of reading”, or skimming. It takes less time to glance over the text and pick out what we consider important. The skimming causes a lack of comprehension because we don’t take the time to absorb the context. I found the passage using Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist theory interesting. She mentioned that this new sense of urgency and immediacy in reading or even television would directly affect the way we live our lives. It makes sense. Every day seems to be a rush to cram in as much as possible before the sun goes down. It also seems like a race as to how fast all of this can be done.

There is a common saying known as “Google it!”. I believe this saying stems from human’s desire to do as little work as possible and make things very easy. Rather than take the time to research a question, we would rather just type it in the search and believe whatever answer pops up to be true.  This could be a possible conclusion for the concentration aspect. Why take the time to read five pages when it could take five seconds to search it online.

I found an intriguing passage on page four (“The Net…media rules.”). In a way, it made me laugh a little because these new technologies had to keep up with the constantly changing methods of advertisement. Even the Internet had to provide pop up ads. This connected me with cell phones because it seems that whenever you get a new phone, the next best thing comes out.

Now back to the question of if Google is making us stupid. I think that Google, and the internet itself has both pros and cons. I think Carr present both sides of the argument well. Google allows us to access innumerable quantities of information quickly. On the downside, we read over this information as quickly as we access it, which leads to concentration and comprehension issues. I think the main point to be taken from this article is that there should be a steady balance between technology and the real world. Without either, who knows where we would be today?

The Ethics of Living Jim Crow

                Every child learns about racism and the Civil Rights movement during their academic years. I think it is important to hear about first- hand accounts of racism from those who lived it. Richard’s essay told his personal experience with the Jim Crow Laws, which were a set a prejudice and unjust laws put in action to limit the rights of African Americans.

                What I found interesting about Richard’s essay was how he told about his “education” of the Jim Crow Laws. His first encounter was when he was a young boy throwing cinders at the white boys. His mother informed him that he was right to get hit with a milk bottle and gave him a severe beating. Later in the essay he talks about various jobs he held, such as working at the optical factory or the store. What attracted my attention was the way he presented his “education”. He seemed naïve about the Jim Crow Laws, especially when he confided in his black companions. Richard seemed like the only one who was surprised about what was happening and even questioned if these laws were right. An example is when the store owner’s son beat up the black woman and when Richard asked one of his friends about it, they replied, “Hell, it’s a wonder they didn't lay her when they got through.” (pg. 6).

                Another startling aspect of this essay that stuck to me was how the black people were so nonchalant about the treatment of their peers. They seemed lifeless and drained, almost brainwashed to believe that they were indeed lower than the whites and they somehow deserved this treatment. I guess after growing up with the laws, they didn't question, but simply accepted them as the way of life and how things were always going to be.

                Again I want to stress how Richard seemed to be the sole one questioning the Jim Crow Laws. Maybe that’s how it all starts though, simply by a person asking a question. Is this right? How do you think the Civil Rights movement started? People were fed up with the mistreatment. I would like to think the Civil Rights movement began with those similar to Richard. Even though he began to accept them when he moved to the hotel, I would like to bring you back to his childhood when he was naïve. You can see the possibility of change in him, and that’s what inspires others and me.  

"Talk of the Town"

We all remember where we were the day that it happened. 9/11 ripped through the Twin Towers and the hearts of Americans like a bull in a china shop. We lost a sense of safety and pride. America was too powerful and our security too strong to be breached—until 9/11.

                Safety took a huge blow after this catastrophic event. American’s started questioning their neighbors, particularly those who shared the same skin color as the bombers. I feel it is important to remember that there are bad people in the world, but there are also really good people. As stated by John Updike, “It is mankind’s elixir, even if a few turn it to poison.” We can’t let a few bad apples ruin our opinions of the innocent. They are sharing the same grief and confusion we are. They are no different than us.  

                One of the hardest parts of dealing with tragedy and loss is picking ourselves up and moving on in life.  There are so many questions. Why us? What did we ever do? Could I have stopped this? These questions churn in our heads over and over until we can’t take it anymore. The message is to keep going in life. There has always been and there will always be tragedy. The real question is when will the human race ever choose peace over violence?

                So far, I have discussed the view point of Updike, but not of Susan Sontag. Her opinions differ from mine, but are still important to analyze. The way I interpreted her perception was that American’s were in a way more guilty then the bombers. We let the officials who govern us alter the truth and manipulate us into thinking things in the Middle East were alright, when the reality was far from it.

                A great point that Sontag made was that this is not Pearl Harbor. This event came from completely different circumstances, not to justify the actions of the bombers in any form.

                I think both essays were an appealing read because they were both very different. Updike spoke more about the aftermath on the human race, where Sontag felt the blame should be placed on careless politicians.

                What we really should be focusing on is preventing a tragedy like this in the future. It may be part of human nature in a way, but is there a way to overcome it? All the hate and anger starts small, so is there a way to pluck the weed, roots and all, before it grows thorns? Only time will tell.