In between pictures, there's Michel S. Laguerre's The Digital City: The American Metropolis and Information Technology (2005) to consider. Though it's already a little outdated, it does inspire reflection about where we are going and how we're doing it. One concept Laguerre puts forth resonates in particular -- not class, race, ethnic or religious differences, but digital vs. analog, the idea of many people being plugged into the grid vs. those who remain "digitally marginalized." Lil' Kim above does not seem to be marginalized, digitally or otherwise. On the contrary, she is plugged into One World Urban style and communications.
For the first time in history, more people live in urban areas than anywhere else. Hot time in the city.
Psywar: advertising, propaganda, marketing, spin control, billboards, pop-ups, half-baked. Luckily, it cuts both ways, and there's still plenty of hope for individual freedom and expression.
Today's Rune: Journey.
Birthdays: Léon Bloy, Paul Linebarger (Cordwainer Smith), Yul Brynner, Harold Bloom, Giorgio Armani, Peter Murphy (Bauhaus), Michael Rose (Black Uhuru), Richie Sambora, Suzanne Vega, Lil' Kim.
Plug in, tune in, be on.
6 comments:
Yes, there's still plenty of hope for individual freedom and expression ... that is, unless you work under the Bush administration and are trying to report the latest on stem-cell research. Just ask the previous surgeon general.
For the first time in (presently vetted) history, more people live in urban areas than anywhere else."
Is this a good thing? There must be a reversal sometime soon?
Somebody sent me that Burkha pic. Quite interesting.
ERIK you are tagged by me because you are an activist. See my blog for the rules.
Mark, thank you kindly for the tag. But! For now I'll respectfully pass b/c I still haven't done any memes or tags like these. Maybe one day. I like your responses, though.
Jim: in due time, in overdue time.
Danny: I like cities. In the USA cities are usually more liberal/progressive politically than surrounding quivering affluent burbs. It's good to hava a balance of country, town and city, though, of some sort. I am really interested in urban landscaping, public spaces, social institutions like public libraries with cafes and gathering spots.
Charles, indeed ;)
Post a Comment