Author Archives: Louwrens

Part one: Propaganda poster

In crafting my propaganda poster titled “Conform for peace” I employed a range of techniques, elements, and appeals to effectively convey my message of discouraging independent thinking and promoting conformity. Firstly, I utilized the technique of deification to elevate the machine to a god-like status. By depicting the central figure with a partially human and mechanical visage, I aimed to symbolize the machine’s dominance over humanity, manipulating and controlling their minds as a deity would. Additionally, the bandwagon effect was incorporated by showcasing a diverse group of people in admiration of the central figure. This served to create a sense of social pressure, implying that conforming to the machine’s rule is the accepted norm, while those who resist are ostracized. To further dissuade critical thinking, I incorporated bad logic and propaganda techniques in the form of slogans and text. Phrases like “Conform for Peace,” and “Thoughtless Unity” appealed to emotions and discouraged independent reasoning, employing logical fallacies and appeals to authority to mislead viewers. Inspired by E.M. Forster’s “The Machine Stops,” I drew upon the story’s dystopian setting and plot points. The absence of nature in the poster’s background mirrored the consequences of relinquishing free thought, while the dominance of the towering hive like building represented the machine’s control over society. Ultimately, the poster aims to instill fear and submission, discouraging viewers from questioning authority. The take-away is a stark reminder of the perils of surrendering one’s individuality and embracing conformity, highlighting the importance of preserving free thought and critical thinking in society.

Part two: Literary Synthesis Composition

The Machine Stops, a dystopian short story by E. M. Forster, and the film WALL•E, directed by Andrew Stanton, both present cautionary warnings about the implications of our dependency on technology and disregard for nature. Set in a future where mankind has abandoned the Earth’s surface, these works show communities that have been alienated from nature and enslaved by their own creations. The issues covered in these works are relevant to the current situation of our planet and serve as warnings about the possible consequences of unregulated technological growth.

The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster depicts a society in which people live in secluded underground living spaces, fully dependent on the Machine for every need. As Yuval Noah Harari, a history professor, cautions, “technology companies…have created smartphones and an online reality where we already spend most of our time.” The narrative highlights the risks of being so engrossed in technology that we lose touch with our humanity. In The Machine Stops, people in the story place their own comfort and enjoyment above real human connection by becoming engrossed in their virtual contacts. The following passage from the story, which encapsulates this isolating effect, reads, “The clumsy system of public gatherings had long since been abandoned; neither Vashti nor her audience stirred from their rooms.” It serves as a warning that pursuing convenience and immediate satisfaction may come at the expense of genuine human interactions and lasting connections.

Similar to this, WALL•E depicts a future in which humans have left Earth because of environmental damage brought on by their own careless behavior. In the movie, people live on enormous spacecraft, overindulge, and fail to consider the repercussions of their behavior. In this desolate environment, a little waste-collecting robot named WALL•E stands for a glimpse of hope. The self-absorbed and distant people are in sharp contrast to his curiosity, compassion, and connectedness to nature. Thematically, the movie emphasizes the necessity for environmental stewardship and the negative effects of prioritizing materialistic goals above ecological life, echoing Forster’s warning message.

Both The Machine Stops and WALL•E serve as potent reminders of the significance of striking a balance between technological advancement and environmental conscience in the context of our present ecological crisis. The underlying concepts of these works are echoed in Harari’s claim that “humans have manipulated our environment so irresponsibly that we are on the verge of a major climate-related disaster.” The industrial revolution was an important turning point in the evolution of humanity that gave us the power to control our surroundings while also bringing about unexpected effects. The tales serve as a wake-up call to analyze our previous errors and approach present and next technological developments with prudence and an awareness of potential consequences.

Both works show Harari’s concerns about the constrained reach of technical breakthroughs. In The Machine Stops, a society is portrayed where the pursuit of learning useless facts is valued more than other essential traits like compassion and creativity. Similar to this, WALL•E depicts a civilization that has forgotten its creative and empathetic side, leading to a soulless life. In order to fully understand the influence of technology, Harari advises us to think about how it will affect the characteristics that make us human and hence identify our species.

The Machine Stops and WALL•E are ultimately cautionary stories for today’s society. They serve as a reminder of the value of keeping in touch with nature, creating sincere interpersonal connections, and ensuring a harmony between technology development and environmental sustainability. We should invest not just in artificial intelligence, but also in comprehending and fostering human awareness, as Harari advises. We may work towards a future where technology advancement and the preservation of our humanity go side in hand by taking these warnings seriously.

Core Competency Reflection:

Work Cited: