In prehistoric times men and women were equal partners, working together to address basic needs. They developed tools to explore the natural environment and improve their habitat. They established the roots for future civilization that continued to progress to the present day.
As we review the history of the “Founding of America” over four hundred years ago, we gain better understanding of our present society. It begins with a fleet from England that set forth across the ocean to settle a land presumed to be uninhabited, and which could be possessed by the British. Upon arrival they found that native people inhabited the country. They used their superior weapons technology to systematically relocate or eliminate the natives. Those who survived were eventually confined to areas poorly suited for habitation, and their descendants are ostracized and abused to this day. Despite incredible challenges, the native peoples continue the struggle to reclaim their rights to the land.
When the British settled, they enslaved people from less technologically developed civilizations around the world as they exploited the land they had taken from the natives. This persisted until the 13th amendment abolished slavery in the United States. The amendment provides that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist within the United States, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.” It was ratified on December 6, 1865; slavery was abolished on December 18, 1865; and the Thirteenth Amendment was adopted in the United States Constitution. The amendment freed more than 100,000 enslaved people.
Nevertheless, technology supports a form of slavery that persists to this day. In many situations both parents must work to sustain a family. Technology enables parents to work from home or in offices, but they function much like machines. Maximizing productivity takes precedence, with minimal time for other activities, including childcare. Young children are turned over to day-care centers where their activity is supervised, and their interactions are constrained. They do not develop the self-assurance to interact with adults and other children in uncontrolled environments.
Cell phones allow people to be in constant communication with others wherever they are, with access for both private and group discussions. The atmosphere can be controlled. However, it inevitably becomes a nuisance, as people become conditioned to expect immediate responses, whatever the time.
Our technologically managed society promotes trends in attire, social behavior, and entertainment, but not meaningful life experience, or interactions with people from different backgrounds. Electronic devices monitor and interfere in personal interactions. Childcare centers encourage children to conform. Workers must function as machines to address their employers’ requirements. Interactions are shaped and constrained, and the cost to humanity is not acknowledged.