Markus Farkus (Siemer) 1/14/06
Technology, by nature, grows exponentially as future generations build on the work of the past. As the growth of technology accelerates, larger segments of the general population tend to get left behind. When the technologically illiterate are in the majority, their resentment and marginalization cause a major drag on further development. This technological gap can even lead to social revolution. There have been examples of this throughout history. During the industrial revolution, textile workers revolted against automated looms in factories by smashing and burning them. They felt left out by manufacturing progress and threatened by innovation. Capitalist mantra states that these workers were freed by technology to use their time and labor more effectively elsewhere. By educating people and utilizing them in a more productive fashion, they are enfranchised in technological progress and development continues.
My best friend and I went through the New York State Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) program in high school. Neither of us were particularly good students and we had absolutely no intention of attending college. His major was auto body repair, and mine was machine shop. Both of us had jobs the day we graduated. I went through the apprentice tool and die program and was intrigued with product design. In the military, I took some college courses to develop my skills in math and science. I discovered Computer Aided Design (CAD) and have nearly completed my Mechanical Engineering Degree.
Chris has worked at the same body shop since graduation. He has a big family and wonderful kids, but has been mostly left behind by technology. Over the years, I have helped him design many things and tried to explain the science of how things work. When he had water problems, we found a spring to tap, installed a reservoir, and piped it down to the house. I worked out the calculations with him and explained the physics involved during the design process. The system worked just as we predicted and it helped him understand the science and engineering behind it. I love to help build things, but love to build the people who help even more. More recently, Chris’s children have helped improve his computer skills. Even though they are much younger than him, his children have a better understanding of computer technology and are helping drag him kicking and screaming into the twenty first century.
The technical aristocracy has to help level the playing field for all by teaching those around them to see the beauty of science and discovery. We are surrounded by people from children to grandparents who can benefit from our knowledge and passion. Incorporate them in the things you do and inspire them to learn. Reach out across boundaries of age, race, and class. Volunteer your special skills in school, church, or community wherever you can. Finally, help to dispel false perceptions and deceiving marketing hype whenever it is encountered.