By Will Hite
In this video presentation, Mtowa, a student from Malawi, shares perspectives on the double-edged sword of technology in a 21st Century world.
“Did you know that so many trees can make one matchstick but only one matchstick can burn down so many trees,” are the opening lines of Mtowa’s speech. Instead of relying on statistics and factual research, she uses dramatic flare and metaphorical rhetoric to present her thesis that the impact of technology on our world compares to man’s discovery of fire. In addition, she equates the isolating effects of too much technology, specifically cell phones, to the potentially destructive power of fire if not used with caution and integrity. She notes that the benefits of technology in the last few years ”… limit people’s physical interactions with each other and make them oblivious to their surroundings.” While she acknowledges the dangers of too much tech, she does not deny its value to society but rather, like mankind’s discovery of fire, she urges that society approach it with balance.
Mtowa is perhaps not the first speaker to breach this subject, but I found her approach to the topic unique and riveting. She also connected with her audience. We have all seen the changes in our mentality because of technology. That said, people are not able to detach themselves from it because at this point in time it’s too imperative to our everyday lives.
I would give this video 4.5/5. Some of the framing choices in the cinematography appear slightly jaunting. That being said, I believe the speech itself was flawless and everyone with a phone should give it a listen.
Don’t Miss Technology is Fire now screening on Planet Classroom.
Will Hite is a senior at Connecticut College pursuing a degree in theater and film studies. His area of focus includes playwriting and screenwriting, acting, directing, video editing, and dramaturgy. Will has been an avid member of the student-run theater scene at his college, helping organizing play readings for Wig and Candle as well as founding a playwriting club called Crooked Curtains Theater.
Recent Comments