The journal essay was written for class on "power and change in technological society". At present, I do not hold the same views and will not reach the same conclusions. However, I present the essay in its original form without editing for opinion or structure.

Illusion

Philip Bereano, in "Technology and Human Freedom" explores how technology hides its true nature. From Philip's prospective this journal's topic statement can be rephrased as follows: technology makes it appear that new powers are available to all members of the society, but only small segments exert the real power. For Philip, there is no paradox, but only a misconception.

He argues that technology is presented as neutral and decentralized, but actually technology is "imbued with intentions", and a small group of "academics, government, and corporate officials" control it. He uses the example of television, which is available to all Americans, but controlled and directed by "a very small number of people." Moreover, technology appears to give choices, but the important choices are already made. Modern technology appears to extend the luxuries to common man, but in the process it devalues and even degrades the quality of the products.

Philips's observation is understandable. Various modern technologies are marketed to amplify their use and access. But, does Philip hold unfair expectations for technologies? What more can one expect from a dumb television. Does one really believe that being able to vote on the internet is going to improve democracy or government. Moreover, the control of technology is by a minority, as power always has been in human history.

Although the generalization is appropriate for a lot of modern gadgets, it is not appropriate for all technology. For example, electricity is available to all in Canada, and has improved the quality of life for all Canadians. Thus, vilifying all technology is unfruitful.