I chose to write about transformers because I feel that it is a pretty good example for technologies, specifically technologies in warfare, I mean they are giant robots built to fight, so this is kind of obvious. More specifically that the transformers can be related to weapons of mass destruction, like nuclear bombs for instance, in that the transformers are very strong and can destroy anything put in its way. Even though the transformers come in peace to the humans, there are some fears with them in that they are so powerful and that even though the ones that came are friendly does not mean that all of the transformers are friendly. The fear comes from what could happen with one of them, not that it will but just what could happen in the worst case scenario, much like a nuclear bomb. They are very powerful and everyone fears what could come from them.
I think that it is important to keep in mind that, not only do the humans fear the Transformers, but they also want that technology of their weapons for themselves as well. I think this because, they may be afraid of what brought the weapon technology but they are also aware that they may need better fire power due to the fact that every country is always trying to have the upper hand. So I think relating this to our world is that even though there are so many fears and anxieties about new technologies, we still are competing with the rest of the world. If we decide to not follow a technological advantage will we be wiped out because we did not accept the new technology because we feared it?
ReplyDeleteAs a fan with a lot of background knowledge on the Transformers, I disagree with both of you. Transformers were originally sentient machines that took up weapons upon the start of a civil war, they were never designed as weapons (at least for the Autobots). Personally, I would have liked to see this post go in a direction aimed more at how the Transformers challenge the image of what is human, as they have a lot of character and are able to learn and grow. In fact, the only difference between them and humans are the physical aspects. If we are talking solely about the Michael Bay movies, then I can see where both of you are coming from as the transformers are a bunch of stereotypes that kill each other, and yes, man does want to posses the advanced weapons to gain an edge over other humans. As I said earlier, I really would like to have seen this go in the "what is human and what is robot" direction, like comparing Optimus Prime's personality to that of a human and how they are similar in the ways they think and feel, and how similar the back story and evolution of the transformers comes off as natural rather than synthetic like most robots.
ReplyDelete~Ryan Lantz