I just read that it’s possible the engineer during the fatal California train wreck was driving and texting. As anthropologists we often speak about the evolution of technology or more aptly the evolution of behavior and technology. Boundaries around people’s behavior with new technology take longer to develop than the adoption of the technology itself. If these deaths in California (which did include the engineer) were due to texting while driving, it’s terribly sad and tragic. Even if texting ends up not the cause, clearly California and likely the nation, will create texting legislation. It’s not the first time in my personal experience where I’ve felt the need for the boundaries around behavior to catch up with texting and mobile phone adoption. I used to frequent the buses here in Baltimore and more often than I care to mention I watched drivers make phone calls and text while driving. As anthropologists it’s fascinating to watch the evolution of behavior with new technology. But when that adoption curve means likely death, society needs to step in sooner to speed up the adoption.
September 18th, 2008 - Posted in Anthropology, Behavior, Consumer Products, Cultural Trends, Ethnography | |
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I must admit to texting while driving. Not often, but I have. Hey, I only swerve a little. However, if there were a law against it, I would certainly be deterred.
I think the biggest technological advance to which we still have not adapted is televsion. This is perhaps the most toxic invention ever and we do not know how to turn it off.
Thanks for the comment Tom. Hopefully your swerving was on a nice long and wide country road! Just joking. Television really did change our culture. Turning off the TV at this point is far from a solution since so much of what used to be televised entertainment now comes through a myriad of channels into our homes and lives — from iPods to computers. So the real question is where to begin? And to think about what the issues are that we need to re-focus our attention against?
spank me sideways
damn it tom shut up…. you to robbie
im sorry ive been a naughty boy please still spank me ..
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