Where Do You Want to Go Today?

In Chapter 4: “Where Do You Want to Go Today?” Nakamura concludes that the internet provides an alternate reality in a sense, where divisions are not taken into consideration as in the real world.

“There is no race. There is no gender. There is no age. There are no infirmities. There are only minds. Utopia? No. The Internet,” (87). Human interaction is not influenced by “the rest of it” on the internet (87). Images and photos can appear on the internet, but the option to leave any visuals out of the picture is available. Without these visuals, a person becomes just the words they type on the computer. Diversity is somewhat erased, but it has to be displayed in order to be erased. An analogy to this is that the word race has to be written on a chalk board in order to be crossed out (88). Some view technology as a way to eliminate race. Race does not mean anything…does not count for anything through technology. There would be no boundaries then, and there would be no limits. An idealized mobility could be achieved through technology, where anyone can visit any place and still be privileged no matter where he/she goes (90). “Images of Nature are as good as or better than the reality,” and these images allow people to escape reality and go wherever they want (92). Technology offers people with visually appealing images, which offer a glimpse of better living. Everyone can feel better and have a better “second life” through technology. “We believe that writing machines is the job, but connecting people the art. Understanding how people think and communicate and the wisdom to respect the knowledge and cultures of others are both needed. From here, common goals can be achieved by all,” (97). Technology has connected several groups together, and has made a “utopia of difference,” or almost.

Can telecommunications change the nature of identity (88)? No. Not unless everything was done without ever meeting face to face with the outside world, or reality. A “utopia of difference” can be used to explain what I mean. The internet and technology have provided ways to communicate through typed words or just spoken words, which is a utopia in the sense that the “rest of it” is not included. However, this utopia is based upon difference, and in the real world this utopia does not exist because difference causes racism, sexism, discrimination, etc. Identity can be seen differently through technology, but as long as the real world is part of the picture, then identity will still be based on appearance.

I like the internet, for school use and information and news. I agree that technology can create a “utopia of difference,” but I think this may be bad. Should people be falsely led to a life that they simply cannot have? I know that may sound harsh, but our world is far from perfect, and differences do not seem to be disappearing any time soon. And these differences cause problems and social divisions. Wow, that is the perfect house, in the perfect location. Dreaming is good, I will admit to that. However, dreaming should have its limits though. Reality does have to play a role and cannot be ignored. No matter how good technology can make someone feel, reality is always waiting right outside.