Metaphors Gone Mad
I found it really interesting how certain words in today's language have much different meanings than they once did. Take the word "computer" for example.
On page 110 Postman states, " Today, when the word "computer" is used without a modifier before it, it normally means some version of the machine invented by John von Neumann in the 1940's. Before that, the word "computer" referred to a person (similiarly to the early use of the word "typewriter") who performed some kind of mechanical calculation."
When I read that sentence, I stopped and thought for a second. I never actually thought about the two different possible meanings. I obviously only thought of the machine-based word. We live in a world where technology is so overrun and used for everything. It's funny how many other words have been shifted from being based upon people to machines. Take the word "virus" for example. It has two meanings in today's world - human virus and computer virus. The proper word for the computer "virus" is actually "worm", but based on how the media described what was happening to the computers back in 1988, people were much more familiar with the term virus and how it's effects were similar to that of a human virus. The media said the "computers were "infected" and that the virus was "virulent" and "contagious" . . . " Of course the word "virus" will stick when references are being made in that way. I just think it's interesting how much of our language today revolves around technology and how much it has shifted from one meaning to another.
Comments
It is really interesting how technology has changed the meaning of words. I think it is interesting how we give human-like characteristics to technology such as being down or having a virus. Giving human qualities to technology makes things such as e-mail seem more personable than it really is.
Posted by: Liz K | March 3, 2009 9:29 PM
After reading chapter 7 in Postman, I realize how unaware I am to the changes being made to the meaning of words. I never really question the usage of words, if I hear something new I accept it. In my eyes I am learning something new and expanding my knowledge. This goes to show that as technology changes so does our culture and language. Is this bad? It’s hard to say, but from now on I will be more aware of words and the context we use them in.
Posted by: Lana H | March 3, 2009 9:54 PM