Kristin Drogos's Seminar Blog

The “Dynamics of Positioning” are quite evident throughout the Trini’s use of the Internet as explained in chapters 3 and 4. The authors spend quite a bit of time and effort explaining the dynamics of objectification (and how it relates to expansive realization and expansive potential) and normative freedom, however, they seem to leave the dynamics of positioning in the dust in chapter 1. I found this construct one of the most compelling explanations of the relationship Trini’s have with the Internet. For example, Williams and Slater note that the dynamic of positioning “is all about the local and global being out of step with each other” (pp. 19). I think this elegantly explains how Trinis were continually trying to establish themselves as Trinis as well as maintaining a cosmopolitan “world netizen” identity. A concrete example of this would be the personal webpages that Trinis established. The authors noted these websites frequently and literally welcomed visitors to Trinidad. Ironically, the websites were hosted from Trini college students abroad in the United States. This is a perfect manifestation of the juxtaposition of the local and global “being out of step with each other.” These students were desperate to identify themselves as being attached to their mental or virtual (ex) local space, while remaining in a physical global space. Williams and Slater fail to make the connection between this example and the dynamic of positioning. I feel the application of this dynamic was underused and can more adequately explain Trinis’ uses of the Internet when framed as the “local and global being out of step with each other” as opposed to expansive realization or expansive potential.

This framing can also be useful when trying to understand the presentation of Carnival on government, commercial and personal websites. The authors note the argument that this is a kind of “hyper enactment” of the Trini culture. However, they fail to see the connection that these websites are an example of the local and global being out of step with each other. These websites seem to say, “Here is my (local) culture, I am going to sell it to you and other tourists (global).” The selling may be in internet hits, information, or literal currency. Regardless there is an understated tension between the local and global being established on these websites.

Posted by kdrogos at 12:59 PM | Permalink

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I find Fischer’s explanation of the decline of rural telephony plausible. That being said, I am still not sure I completely trust his “statistical analyses.” Fischer’s use of statistics felt almost as awkward and forced as Williams attempts at a prelmininary content analysis. Although I am not the kind of scholar who believes that truth can only lie within a p-value, I would have really liked an explanation as to the nature of Fischer’s statistical analyses. My guess is that he utilized some kind of regression analysis to predict what variables led to the demise of telephone use by farmers. If this is the case, I would challenge this social historian to report more numbers than just raw percentages. I am willing to contend, however, that this may actually make Fischer’s analysis more awkward. I think it is just the inner “quantoid” lurking within me that is curious as to what Fischer actually did to yield his results.

One other major contention I have with this portion of Fischer’s analysis is somewhat related to statistics. If Fischer could use statistical analyses to support his claims regarding the demise of rural telephony, he should also be able to statistically show what forces lead to rural America re-uptaking the telephone. This omission is irritating to me. Perhaps Fischer does address this later in the book, and I will find out what led farmers back to the telephone lines.

Posted by kdrogos at 09:37 AM | Permalink

In order to properly examine a plausible alternative outcome to the history of radio, I find it important to examine the underlying goals of those most closely linked to the evolution of wireless, broadcasting, and radio. A pamphlet that DeForest used to persuade consumers to invest in the stock of his company aptly describes the underlying goals of those men responsible for the beginning of wireless, “All great discoveries which have brought civilized communities into close touch have made millions for those who obtained an interest in them during the early stages of development” (pg. 94). Marconi wished to embody the essence of the rags-to-riches story as he envisioned a global monopoly of his life’s work. Fessenden, was constantly trying to please his backers. DeForest had a shifty patron in White, who was basically in the game to win money. In short, money motivated these men. What if these men had had goals other than financial goals? I am not suggesting that money was the only motivating factor. However, I do question what would have happened had wireless technology evolved as the Internet has? The Internet started as a way for professors to share information. Had there been more benevolent beginnings, would radio have become a mass of independent signals available for anyone to consume? I envision the behavior of the amateur operators controlling the destiny of radio if it were not historically framed by big business and military interests. Although, this does sound very similar to the formation and regulation of the Internet, it is important to keep in mind that the Internet is regulated. It isn’t a free for all of “amateur operators” creating and evolving. The very essence of the internet – its code – is controlled. So perhaps my question of radio having more benevolent beginnings is moot. Perhaps, regardless of the motivation of creation, our communication technologies will be regulated as much as possible. Our equalizers and agents of democracy are at the mercy of our capitalistic marketplace values.

Grim, huh?

Posted by kdrogos at 10:06 PM | Permalink