Week 4 Artifact: Worlds Divided
Here is the link to my artifact:
I initially named the piece “Worlds Divided by Conscience” but feel the “Worlds Divided” is perhaps more appropriate. “…by conscience” was perhaps a more personal motivation.
Let me explain. Throughout this course, I find myself thinking back to a talk given by Robert Winston during the Edinburgh Science Festival earlier this year. He presented from his latest book titled ‘Bad Ideas’. What stayed with me from this presentation was that for every positive advancement in science people are able to use it for a negative. Arguably, utopia and dystopia are not worlds apart. However, the benefit of embracing science (or more specifically cyberculture!) should not be avoided because of fear of creating a negative action. Instead, judgement must be appplied. The rapid expansion and development of the cyberworld leaves little time for assessing the risk…so do the benefits justify the risk?
Here is a link to Robert Winston speaking on the same subject to the Guardian
I’d welcome any comments or suggestions for a title of what my artifact means to you.
October 14th, 2011 at 9:05 am
Steph, I really enjoyed your video – you have some really moving images in here, and the way you’ve used the soundtrack makes for a very poignant piece of work. I particularly liked the way you emphasised the militaristic dimensions of digital cultural dystopia – that made some real connections for me with the work of Donna Haraway and how she presents us with the figure of the cyborg as something that – though it has its roots in a military ‘imaginary’ – can take us away from the dystopian toward something more affirming, more joyous. Anyway thanks for this – great video.
October 14th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Grace Elliott says: [copied Grace's comment over from the 'visual artefact' page]
Hi Steph,
I like your visual artefact, from the virtual world of your opening image to the real world. Thought the song added to the effect. You divided up your theme very well, there was a good balance of images showing both positive and negative aspects. Being an expat communication is important to me. And the image of the crime being videoed for entertainment is in stark contrast to my use of the media. Made me feel quite sad.
October 14th, 2011 at 9:11 am
The postitives and negatives of any technology is a great theme to explore… and the examples are excellent.
I found myself listening to the lyrics of the song more as I watched… and played it through twice more as I concentrated on them. Great audio choice for the theme.
October 14th, 2011 at 10:55 am
Really enjoyed this Steph…some great images and really makes you think of the promise and the threat. I agree with you though, just because every technological advance can be used for bad doesnt mean we stop advancing. Writing can be used for good or bad as can anything within our culture and it is up to us to be aware. I suppose one of the problems is how difficult it is to ‘police’ digital culture…..often its something we have to do ourselves day to day.
October 14th, 2011 at 11:27 am
October 18th, 2011 at 10:07 am
Hi there – an interesting choice of images and music. The latter really emphasised the visuals in the video and tied in well with your explanation. The tune is mellow but the lyrics are powerful and touch on serious themes. The way the people try to evade responsibility for their deeds by blaming culture, society and techs links in to the themes of control and agency from week 1 and 2 discussions. That picture showing crime being videoed ‘for fun’ (?) demonstrates that especially well, I think. However, this does not mean that technology should be seen merely in dystopic terms – love the ‘stop’ sign in one of the last slides! – perhaps more reflection is needed and your video really works well in this respect!