The Dystopian of Technology
Chloe Fenney Dr. Holland English IV AP: 1 11/15/11 The Dystopian of Technology As a human species, we are wired to survive. In the beginning, survival was simple; all we needed were the elements of nature and a few tools that abled us to obtain these essentials. Naturally, as we evolved so did our technological advancements. As time passes, the fine line between “needs” and “wants” starts to become unrecognizable. We have progressed to an age where complicated is the new simple and we have created a mindless routine of more taking and less giving. Superficial factors, born from our innovations, cloud our judgment and have detached us from healthy influences, including thoughts and emotion. Growing technology has fueled the fire for the need of an easier life with instant pleasures, and distanced individuals from becoming independent and excelling intellectually, spiritually, and practically. The essential purpose for technology is to make one’s life easier. Many modernizations have created a nasty habit for humankind to think that things should naturally come trouble-free. This starts to not only relate with physical labor, but emotional problems as well. With this strive for instantaneous gratification; the absence of struggles can lead to self-destructive behavior. The saying, “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger,” expresses the theme of overcoming basic realities and unpleasant aspects of life can make an individual tougher as a result. In Ray Gradbury’s novel, “Fareheight 451”, the character Mildred is the perfect example of what happens when those feelings are oppressed. After attempting to commit suicide, Mildred has forgotten the whole event the next day and goes back to being consumed with the television and radio. Her feelings may be hidden away, but they have not disappeared and will most likely surface again. The one factor that makes a task easier is by making it go by faster. Our society is