THINGS HIDDEN 29: Andrew McLuhan on Marshall McLuhan, Rene Girard, and How Media Becomes Us
Feb 23, 2021
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Andrew McLuhan, Director of the McLuhan Institute and grandson of media theorist Marshall McLuhan, dives into the intersections of media, technology, and identity. He explores how Marshall’s concepts resonate with René Girard’s theories, particularly regarding desire and rituals. The discussion touches on the impact of pandemic-induced changes in media consumption, especially on children's well-being, and reimagines technology's role in fostering creativity rather than distraction. McLuhan’s insights spark reflections on how media shapes our lives today.
Media can powerfully convey victim narratives during conflict, fostering understanding and mitigating aggressive behaviors through a 'gospel technology' lens.
The interplay between identity and technology signifies a constant redefinition of self as new media evolves, creating challenges in personal identity formation.
A shift towards designing technologies that enhance well-being and community connections could help address modern challenges of rapid technological advancements.
Deep dives
The Role of Media in Conflict Narratives
Media can serve as a powerful tool for storytelling, especially in conveying the narratives of victims during times of conflict. This concept, termed the 'gospel technology,' suggests that media should reflect the victim's perspective to foster understanding and connection within communities facing tensions. Often, in moments of scarcity and conflict, people resort to scapegoating, exacerbating mimetic rivalries that can lead to violence. By using media to recount these victim narratives, society has the potential to illuminate the consequences of conflict and mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Identity and Technology's Transformational Effects
The interplay between identity and technology is a key theme, highlighting how new media impacts our self-perception. With each new technological advancement, individuals are required to redefine their identities, often leading to a constant quest for self. Marshall McLuhan's theories suggest that media not only conveys information but fundamentally transforms the senses and identities of users. This transformation raises concerns about the fast pace at which technology evolves, often leaving individuals with little time to adjust to these changes in their sense of self.
Pre-Literacy and the Return of Mimesis
Discussion of pre-literacy conditions reveals how storytelling once formed deep connections between the teller and the audience, facilitating total involvement. The effects of literacy are examined in contrast, indicating how visual and written media create distance between the narrative and the audience's experience. With the rise of digital platforms, a semblance of pre-literal mimesis returns, where individuals deeply identify with cultural movements, like hip hop. This blurring of distinction between the self and others leads to a shared reality that complicates personal identity in a digital landscape.
The Consequences of Electrification
The advent of technologies like the telegraph marked a significant shift in human existence, allowing instantaneous communication but simultaneously leading to a disembodiment of our social interactions. This disembodiment raises concerns about the impact on identity and relationships, resulting in feelings of isolation in a hyper-connected society. As individuals engage largely through digital mediums, the significance of physical presence diminishes, leading to modern dilemmas regarding the essence of human connection. There’s a growing recognition of the need to critically assess how such technologies redefine the human experience.
Towards a Future of Conscious Technology
Looking forward, there is optimism that technological innovations could align more closely with enhancing our well-being and community connections rather than merely serving profit-driven interests. The focus should shift towards designing technologies that amplify positive interactions and reinforce social bonds. By recognizing the psychological and social effects of technology, stakeholders can potentially create environments that prioritize peace and satisfaction. This shift holds the promise of addressing the modern challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and could foster a more harmonious society.
David Gornoski sits down with Andrew McLuhan, director of the McLuhan Institute and grandson of Marshall McLuhan. The two discuss the overlaps between Marshall McLuhan and Rene Girard; how Marshall McLuhan rose to fame; the relation between technology and language; pandemic mask-wearing as a theatrical gesture; how changes in technology impact desire; and more. How can we keep ourselves from getting drowned by the world of media technology? How has technology affected our perception of violence?
For more information about Marshall McLuhan and the study of media visit the McLuhan Institute here. Check out David Gornoski's radio shows, podcasts, and films at A Neighbor's Choice here.
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