Utopia, Revolution and the History of Electronic Highways

Peter van Heusden pvh at egenetics.com
Thu Sep 21 06:57:27 PDT 2000


[I know I'm over my 3 post limit, but this is too good to be missed, even if it is a bit old]

http://www.isoc.org/isoc/whatis/conferences/inet/96/proceedings/e2/e2_1.htm

Wired Words: Utopia, Revolution, and the History of Electronic Highways

Mark Surman <msurman at web.net> Publications and Content Developer Web Networks/NirvCentre Canada

Abstract

"Wired Words" explores our recurrent tendency to view emerging communications technologies as the ticket to a new era of democracy, activism, economic equality, and human-scale media. In particular, it compares the utopian visions of the "cable revolution" (1968-1974) with the excitement around the "information highway" (1992-1995). It also explores the possibility that the Internet is a wrench in this historical loop of technological utopianism. Finally, the paper outlines some of the ways in which history can point toward hard questions that might lead to real social change.

Here is a piece of advice -- beware of self-styled, wired revolutionaries bearing gifts. You probably know who I'm talking about. If you don't, you'll know them when you see them. They'll be carrying all sorts of shiny parcels with words like democracy, plenitude, equity, and knowledge emblazoned across the wrapping in big, fluorescent orange letters. They'll hand you the gifts of Christmas future while promising a return to the idyllic, utopian days of centuries past. They'll promptly inform you that all these gifts can be yours, free for the asking. All you have to do is believe that the "information highway" can magically cure the social ills that have plagued humanity for millennia. All you have to do is have faith!

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_______________/\/eGenetics.com\/\_______________ Peter van Heusden pvh at egenetics.com Electric Genetics



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