Technology and Art

This is a well done documentary about blogging in Japan. I read only a few Japanese blogs, mostly of my previous students and friends. I would have to agree that there is definitely something distinctly Japanese about the way they blog. This is an example of the subtle differences between cultures can change they way technology is used. Technology and Culture are two parts that constantly influence the other, and for some reason often are pushed apart. As if there are moments in which Technology transcends Culture, or that Culture is an attack on faceless Technology. However, really what we see is that both have always been interrelated.

Take for example, the technology for making potable water. As more and more people lived closer together, there was a higher amount of cross contamination in diseases between different people. So every society had to have a means of having drinkable water. Most European based societies solved this problem by fermentation, producing wines and beers that were free of the major bacterial concerns. From that, an entire set of food productions, holidays, and customs were created around the use of wine and beer. In Asia, water was cleaned through boiling and adding tea. Likewise, entire philosophies, ceremonies, and rituals were based on the idea of tea making.

On the other side, music has greatly influenced the technology produced in which to enhance or expand the range of music ability. Beethoven's playing style broke many of the pianos of this day, and newer means of building pianos were created which influence the modern piano. Changes in how music is recorded follow changes in concept of art elitism, to mass art consumption. Music changed from something the leisure class enjoyed, to something for all to enjoy. So technology was created to aid in this ideal.