Unlike other species, mankind is driven by the pursuit of knowledge. This has been apparent   throughout time but peak curiosity in digital technology began in the early 20th century. In the book, MP3 The Meaning of a Format, Jonathan Sterne discusses twentieth-century sound history. In it his book he describes a unethical experiment which ultimately aided in the development of the MP3. In this experiment,  scientists removes parts a cats skull and most of its brain and attached an electrode within it. The auditory cortex  located in the temporal lobe, I just took my Advanced Anatomy exam on the nervous system hence why I know the locations :),  and the auditory nerve were attached to this electrode and connected to an amplifier. After this signals were transmitted to a telephone receiver. ” What they found astonished them. The signals picked up off the auditory nerve came through the telephone receiver as sound.” (61) Although this was used during the era of the telephone Sterne begs to argue that within the MP3, like all technology, is a stark past.

We often take for granted the technology of Today. I’d like to think that the reason being is, we are so used to it and it is everywhere that we don’t think about where it came from. This class made me wonder of the history behind all the technologies that we are constantly  using.  How many cats were mutilated in order for me to speak over the phone? How many unethical experiments were implemented in order for me to write this on the computer? Does the pursuit of knowledge and technological advancements justify inhumane experiments such as the one discussed in Sterne’s book. I’d like to say no. But I can only imagine what I would say if I lived in an era without telephones, laptops, and the many technological blessings in our modern times…

This we began discussing the science of music. Sound waves and physics! Subjects that interest me tremendously.  Dr. O’malley said ” everything is science.” Which is true, music especially. In order to change the beat, increase the volume, amplify and more, all require knowledge of the physics behind sound waves. I never really understood how complicated music was until attending this class. I never really valued music. I only viewed it as a background in my life. However, I came to realize that it requires a tremendous amount  of knowledge and effort. This is why the final project seemed so scary at first. I am not very creative when it comes to music. I also am not good at things that i lack interest in. However, after discussing the final project further in class I came excited to “make” music.

In class we discussed whether or not information should be free and should not have a copyright. In my opinion,  information should be shared. It is understandable when an individual wants to claim all the glory for an idea or invention that they make, but it can be improved and exemplified when others are compassionate about making said invention better. In the world of medicine, physicians are constantly implementing new trials and surgical techniques. These techniques are published in case studies, and physicians all over the world can access them in order to implement the same technique or even make modifications. There is no copyright on a surgical technique, and if there was many patients would suffer.

Information wants to be free. This is one of the things Vannevar Bush emphasized. Instead of encyclopedias which cost a lot of many to have, everyone should have free access to information. Information is only valuable when it is shared. This is something that was said in class and is very true.  When a person is passionate about a topic or subject they will fight to make sure it is represented in the best way. This is what makes wikipedia so great.  If everyone had access to free information I can only imagine how much better the world would be.

I do agree that history is sacred and should not be altered, but that shouldn’t prevent all individuals from accessing information freely. In my High School we had a class devoted on teaching us the lessons by peace. We often discussed Ghandi, and one of his quotes which affected me the most was regarding education. He discusses how the road to peace is built on education. If information was allowed to be free, maybe more people could become educated and one day we would live in a better place. This idea of freeing education and peace arising is a tad optimistic but who knows what could happen!

Unfortunately, I was sick today and was unable to attend class. Therefore, I don’t have much to discuss about class but I would like to use this blog post to be my last time discussing politics and use it as a way to vent out my frustration.

Race and politics are so deeply rooted in what we discuss in class that I was compelled to share my thoughts on last nights election.

Last night, Donald Trump was elected as the next president of the United States of America. As a first time voter I was so emotionally vested in this election. I was really hoping that other citizens would truly see Trump for who he is. I can sit here for hours listing all the nasty remarks he has made toward women, minorities, mentally and physically disabled individuals, and even his own fellow republicans.

He is a man who incites violence, who supports separation, and stands agains the very morals that make America great. As Palestinian-Muslim-American Female, I can say with true pride that America has provided me opportunities that I would not have been able to receive anywhere else in the world. It is a beacon of hope to many individuals all of the world. But I know believe that this will drastically change.

As I walked to class on Monday, I overheard a conversation between three females. They were discussing who they voted for in the 2012 election. One of the females asked the other if she voted for Obama, to which she replied “Hell no, I would never vote for a black man.” Unfortunately in todays society, race is still a major factor and an issue. Trump has just opened a can of worms and allowed a vacuum of hatred to occupy our  nation.

In class we discuss the racial inequalities prevalent in American culture by analyzing pop culture. We progressed so far from the view of African Americans when Minstrel shows were popular to the point where we now have an African American who is president. Everything we worked hard for feels pointless with the election of Trump.  He is everything that this nation is not….

I am trying to stay optimistic and I hope that something good will result from this unprecedented election.