Reading/ Thoughts: L.Winner

Name: Chelsie Suttell            Class time: 11AM

KEEP THIS TO 1-2 – PAGES LONG

Title of Article: Do Artifacts Have Politics?

Author: L. Winner

Date of Publication: 1986

Book: The whale and the reactor: a search for limits in an age of high technology.

1.     Tell three interesting elements of this article: (Knowledge)

a.       Robert Moses built his bridges lower to keep public transportation out. 

b.       Some technologies benefit people and harm others.

c.       Technology is used to promote things whether they are good or bad.

2.     What is the main issue being discussed within this article? (Comprehension)

The main issue being discussed within this article is that technology molds society.  For example, the organized movement of handicapped people during the 1970’s.  The structures of common use made it almost impossible for handicapped people to live a public life.

3.     What is an example of this type of problem/similar situation that you have experienced – be specific? (Application)

A similar situation that I have experienced is when I went to a restaurant with my friend who is confined to a wheelchair.  We were unaware that this restaurant did not have any ramps for him to access so we ended up having to choose a different restaurant to go to because he was unable to make it up the stairs. This made my friend extremely frustrated because he wants to live his life just as people do who are not handicapped.

4.     Address all that apply. How can you compare this situation to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading? (Analysis)

If everyone in society could think the same and react the same to every situation then I believe there would be a way to make everything easier.  For example, if everyone in the world was treated equally and power and authority was distributed equally then the world could agree on one thing. 

5.     Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not)?  What new conclusions can you draw about this (or other topics) after reading this material? (Synthesis)

I do agree with what is said in the article because technology has formed a whole new society.  There are positives and negatives to every technology made.  New conclusions that I can draw from this article are that there will be a lot more controversy as technology develops and advances.

6.     Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Evaluate why you are viewing the topic in this manner based on your experiences. What new choices/decisions will you make after reading this article? Explain. (Evaluation)

This article is definitely relevant to today’s society.  I believe that technology has its pros and its cons.  After reading this article I will be more observant when I am using new technologies such as my iPod or computer because I have learned that there is so much more behind these things than just being a new piece of technology we can use.