Written Jul 19, 2024
Technology is neither inherently good nor bad, nor is it neutral. Instead, it is a tool that applies scientific knowledge to functional art or creations, enabling them to operate in specific ways. As such, technology’s functions or algorithms can either empower or diminish users, similar to a gun or a platform like Facebook. Furthermore, while designers’ objectives may or may not be intentionally harmful, they have the potential to cause both short-term and long-term harm. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when designing and creating technology that is humane and ethical.
Who has the privilege of sharing their ideas through visual arts or the written word? The concepts of good and bad are rooted in subjective morals. Life itself is subjective before it is considered objective. When considering humanity as a collective consciousness, we see that each individual reflects different facets of this shared awareness. When we align our thoughts based on empirical evidence, we can achieve a more objective understanding.
✂️ Who has the right to tell another person's story?
60 seconds · Clipped by Smile Sweet Sunflower LLC · Original video "The Power of Story: Just Art at the 2020 Sundance…youtube.com
What is deemed good or bad is defined by collective agreement and its impact on our survival as a species, making it an objective reality. We all strive to meet our needs, and what is considered good or bad varies across different species based on their unique survival needs. Hence, the definitions of good and bad differ between species.
“Life is what we make it, so let us make it WORTHWHILE.” This perspective aligns with the notion that reality is an illusion; we transform ideas into tangible realities. As Terry Pratchett’s character Death said in Hogwatch, “You need to believe in things that aren’t true. How else can they become?”
In 2023, celebrating Pride Day was new to me, though inclusivity was not. On Saturday, June 24th, 2023, I participated in my first Pride Day celebration at the Museum of Discovery and Science. The event showcased a new robotic art collection created specifically for this occasion, highlighting LGBTQ+ artists, social reform activists, and women in STEM.
Our intention was not to convert anyone or promote a binary way of thinking. Instead, we aimed to honor a community with radiant personalities who deserve to feel pride in being their authentic selves. Unfortunately, during this time, Russia enacted a law banning LGBTQ+ “propaganda,” leading to a conversation with an American Russian who criticized the LGBTQ+ community and its influence on schools and society.
I struggled with the polarized views on LGBTQ+ issues and the promotion of sexuality as a means to convert others. The debate often reduces complex identities to simplistic binaries of “right or wrong.” What is good or bad is determined by collective agreement and its impact on our species’ survival, and these definitions vary across different contexts.
Pangburn. (2023). Do you TRUST your DISGUST ? Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Matt Dillahunty.
In response to the debate, I considered Sadhguru’s perspective. In his YouTube video, Sadhguru Sheds Light On LGBT Community And Food (2021), he suggested that one should not feel compelled to market their sexuality. This advice can be misinterpreted as encouraging people to “stay in the closet.”
Sadhguru emphasized that personal choices regarding one’s body should not be subject to public debate. Yet, we continue to discuss identities as if public approval is necessary for acceptance. It would be more beneficial to foster solidarity and understanding rather than perpetuating division.
Inclusiveness begins with forgiveness and a deeper understanding of our biases and decision-making processes. We should avoid feeling chastised for our identities and instead work towards breaking the cycle of discouragement. By moving away from extreme viewpoints and embracing harmony, we can mitigate the toxicity of polarized debates.
Martin Luther King Jr. wisely noted, “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” (Strength to Love).
Sadhguru. (2021). Sadhguru Sheds Light On LGBT Community And Food. YouTube. Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://youtu.be/bgN8pmF-t8o.
“Do not indoctrinate your children. Teach them how to think for themselves, how to evaluate evidence, and how to disagree with you.” ― Richard Dawkins