Who's the Boss?-B

This blog post is best if accompanied by this song

For as long as I can remember, teachers and other figures of authority have assured me that knowledge is power. Power to stand up for oneself, not be taken advantage of, and the power to give advice not receive orders. If one obtains that power, he or she is less likely to be victim of the wrath of those who abuse theirs. Technology is directly related the cliché knowledge is power. Those with knowledge, often are able to anticipate ways state-of-the-art gadgets can be used and mold them for personal gains before the general public is aware of them. Their adoption of new found technological genius thus creates a powerful schism of power between those who know how to use the technology and can gain from it, and those who do not. This sets up a hierarchy of power that can put political agendas into motion creating a relationship of politics and technology. These gains are made by humanity with its emotions and cravings for success and power. Therefore, Technology fosters political gains through its usage, but it is merely a machine without inherent intentions.

The article "Do Artifacts Have Politics?" addresses the argument of whether or not technology induces political change rather than our own thoughts. It stated that the cotton mills, made people accept a rigid disciplined life, and trains made people obsessed with being on time. Both are good arguments but are circumstantial. The machine did not tell factories to work their employees in a highly rigid fashion; it happened because the managers saw the opportunity for power and money and decided to structure their workers to the maximum efficiency. The train did not tell people that they had to always be on time. Trains made it reasonable to ask people to arrive promptly. The train just had to cater to the needs of its consumers. Though, one could argue that the technology created the power factory manager or the train manager because without the machine those jobs would not exist. However, these people created these hierarchies for their own personal gain, gains that are impossible for a machine to conceive. Humanity has power structures and political agendas not machines. Some people are afraid that technology controls our behavior, but what really is to fear is how the thought of personal gains affects our behavior towards technology.

As highlighted in the article, "what matters is not technology itself, but the social or economic system in which it is embedded".  Individuals in positions of power like to take the fruits of technology and use it to make themselves more powerful. Robert Moses, had a problem with non-comfortable middle class people, so he build low bridges to discourage public transportation. Though, his actions are highly immoral, it is clear that technology can give someone irrefutable political gains. To this day Long Island his bridges are obstacles to public transit. One aspect of cutting edge technology that could potentially alter power structure is the new online currency called Bitcoin. Bitcoin is an 'bankless' online currency system that takes no names and leaves no traces.  What is troubling about Bitcoin, is its anonymity. Sure it can be nice if you do not want anyone knowing about your extensive purchases of My Little Pony merchandise. However, it is also ideal for illegal drug trade and money laundering schemes. This technology is not controlling the behavior of the people; it is a launch pad for acquisition of power. The value of Bitcoin is rising and with control of this currency may mean for an altered hierarchy down the road. If Bitcoin becomes more generally accepted those who invested early could skyrocket to the top of wealth brackets. In the capitalistic society that we live in, people are always looking for financial gains and with those gains they could turn into Robert Moses and use their wealth and power poorly.  Already, there is malicious and illegal intent associated with this currency, but in the end who will have the power?

It is clear that technology is not inherently political; it is political based on those who use it.  I think what is important is that we find a way to use technology as a neutral aspect of our lives not exploit it. Technology is powerful alone, but its applications are what make them good or evil. Like we have heard before, knowledge is power, but power is responsibility. One can choose to be selfish with power or can aid humanity. It’s a simple choice but hopefully one that will be made responsibly in the future. What I am curious about is whether or not the Bitcoin will catch on and what the implications of anonymity will be. Will people continue to use it for their shady dealings or will it become an online marketplace with integrity, accountability, and regulation? Do you think the government will ever recognize it as a legitimate currency? and lastly will the right people come out on top with Bitcoin? Time will tell