Lesson 3: The Great Interweb and Internet.
Paul started by telling us the difference between Internet and Interweb. I thought he was mad, there is no difference. It's all the same thing right? Wrong. Look at it this way:
The INTERNET is an operating system. It's the base, it's what everything comes back to. You need the internet to be able to do anything else. The internet is like the architecture of everything online. It came from the military side of American during the 1960's as a way for governments to communicate.
The INTERWEB is the content within the structure of the internet. The internet would be the road, and the interweb is the cars travelling along it. You need a good stable operating system in order to get good stable content. Interweb came from the 'Hippy' side of America during the same time period. They decided that this incredible technology should be free for all to use, and enhance our lives. Which they quite rightfully succeeded in.
Or so we think. What about this NSA, PRISIM operation?
The fact that nothing we do on the internet is private nowadays renders the idea behind the internet and it's content completely meaningless to the vast majority of people. In my opinion, this is wrong. I'd prefer to have my privacy like I did a few years ago. Because we're in a 'State of World Terror' that makes it right to sell people's information? Not in my book. I think it's absolutely ridiculous. Let us have our privacy and I'm sure we can protect ourselves.
It doesn't matter where we turn on the internet any more, someone is always following what we do and that is a scary thought. There was a time that I felt safe on the internet knowing that I could do whatever I wanted without somebody looking over my shoulder, and now that safety has been ripped to shreds because of an 'International Crisis'? Bull.
That to one side, let's look at how the interweb was born.
 |
| Mr. Brand, father of the interweb! |
A man at the center of the counter-culture was the same man who is responsible for the entire concept of the 'freedom of the interweb', his name is Steward Brand and he is the man who put together 'The Last Whole Earth Catalogue'. A book which was made back then to connect communities all around the world. Teach them different things, tell them how certain things work, within this book lay the foundations for the internet.
It literally was the last catalogue of its kind. A physical version of Google, Paul explained to us. Even today the book's contents is still relevant It's still teaching us new things. After 30-odd years? That's something amazing! Which I thought was inspiring. To know where the whole idea behind the content of the internet came from, it gave everything I do on here a little bit more meaning. I feel like I shouldn't feel restricted by the lack of privacy, yes I would be cautious but my views and creativity should not be restricted in the same way.
 |
| The concept behind the internet. Our future was sculpted by this book. Imagine that! |
Obviously, as the foundation for the interweb this book was important but let's put it into a little concept. Steve Jobs, inventor of the Apple products, was inspired by this book. He lived of the idea of connection people from all over the world, we don't have to be clones we can be unique! And that dream he had came true as he created the 'i' products. Incredible what you can do when you stay on track, isn't it? Not being set back by limits and restrictions. Working around them until you achieve your dream. If only we were all as inspired as this man was.
 |
| "Stay hungry, stay stupid!" - Steve Jobs. |
This idea of being unique makes the war between Apple and Microsoft a little clearer. Keeping in mind about how the Internet was born, on the military side of America to protect and communicate within limit, Microsoft is the military half. They want us to be clones, all sharing the same thing, they want technology to replace human life (like an A.I.). Where as Apple, with Mr Job's in mind, created objects of desire by those all over the world. By owning an Apple product we feel somewhat unique. We can personalise them to our own wants and needs.
This is the counter-culture 'Hippy' side of America. They don't want to be controlled, they want to be free to do as they will. Doesn't this make the ongoing technology war a little one sided? It certainly did for me. I felt trapped in Microsoft's hand before this lecture, I never liked Apple. Never wanted anything to do with it but now I see the true inspiration behind their products and in my mind, they certainly stand out over Microsoft. Shame my wallet won't allow me to buy a new iPhone!
But then why is Microsoft still going strong with it's argument? In my opinion, it's because people don't really understand the idea behind it. They think it's all about technological differences and different opinions and ideas from different people. However, to me it's all back to that key point. It's all about Creativity. Using my previous example, Apple revel in Creativity. They embrace the weird and wonderful and give it to us at sky high prices. Whereas Microsoft limit their creativity for this idea of 'Technology willrule the world'. At least, that's how I see it.
People in the modern day don't allow us that creative freedom. Those who are creative are often looked down upon because we're not part of their clone armies. We've stepped out of line and they see us a 'rebals', I guess. Education is the worst culprit for this.
Education, it's supposed to prepare us, right?
Generally speaking, Education IS supposed to prepare each child for the future. They're supposed to be taught how to survive in the big bad world, but is that really what they're doing? Go into any school now days and you see teachers preaching about how important English, Maths and languages are. Yeah, these subjects are pretty important but it's not much of a prep. is it? Not really. Considering that technology is advancing so fast and education is lingering in the dark ages of pushing kid further in their English and maths. Maybe they should be encouraged in more.. Beneficial subjects that will help them progress alongside society. For example, programming, I.T. and all that complicated stuff, or drama, music and creative arts.
This isn't right. Look at the way modern society is going. Now, you can turn on a computer, look up some software and tutorials and become a master within a few weeks. It is a scary concept that we must grasp in order to move forward in life. We can't live like clones, following each other one generation to the next. We need to step up and bring creativity back into people's lives. As children, we know no boundaries We say and think what we want to, but through our school lives we are morphed into these perfect adult beings who don't question and just do. That's not what we are about as human beings. We have a right to be unique and creativity, imagination, is what we must keep hold of. Just because a child has an interest in dance or playing the piano, doesn't mean they're going to fail in life. In fact they will grow up and get a job where they're happy. They will love leaving the house every morning and doing what they do because they're so passionate about it. Is that not what life is about any more?
I could write pages upon pages of this topic, repeating myself over again but I believe this video featuring Sir Ken Robinson sums it up nicely. It is definitely worth 20 minutes of your time, I assure you it changes your opinion on certain aspects of education.
Personally speaking...
I know from personal experience that schools are created to kill a child's creativity. They're made to bore and dull us down to mature and independent individuals who go out of school and get a job in an office. Unhappy for the rest of our lives. I didn't want to be like that. Not a chance. I found a sanctuary with my art from a young age. When I started I just couldn't stop. It started with a game called Kingdom hearts, I found myself playing it contently and drawing out my favourite characters. I still do that today! It never bored me, despite how much my parents and teachers told me it wouldn't get me very far in life.
I used to draw in all my school classes and irritate my teachers so easily. I still came out of school with high grades, and a passion for art, so I'm proud to have proved them wrong. Strangely, even my art teachers felt the need to diminish any creativity of mine that wasn't 'of their standard'. This upset me. I learned to draw from Anime-styled games, so that's how I draw now. My art teachers used to tell me that such a style would never get me anywhere in life, sometimes my own family would tell me the same thing, but that never put me down. If anything it fuelled me to prove them wrong. Look where I am now! In a University course that years of practise and motivation from my single minded teachers got me in to. I say thank-you to all of you, if you ever see this blog!
Next week, we look more into why sound is so important. Looking back on what I've learned so far, I can't wait to see what next week has in store!
I leave you with this quote in mind: "Creativity is the opposite of routine"
Keep that pencil sharp, tune that guitar and refine those dance moves. Don't let them dull you to nothing!
Until next time. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment