Challenging Technopoly

The Vision of John Henry

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book Challenging Technopoly by Ali Rashid Abdullah, AuthorHouse
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ali Rashid Abdullah ISBN: 9781491866528
Publisher: AuthorHouse Publication: March 13, 2014
Imprint: AuthorHouse Language: English
Author: Ali Rashid Abdullah
ISBN: 9781491866528
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Publication: March 13, 2014
Imprint: AuthorHouse
Language: English

And herein lies the irony of the situation, certainly as far as African Americans were concerned. On one hand the machine was regarded as a curse because it represented a threat to employees. But the last hired, first fired employment principle that was applied to African American employees made the machine an even greater threat to them. Then, on the other hand, the machine reduced the amount of human physical exertion required to accomplish a task. Since racist discrimination insured that African Americans would end up with the least desirable, most arduous tasks, machines were then simultaneously viewed as a blessing. Resolving this conundrum was the dilemma facing the African American worker following the Civil War. The Legend of John Henry was the vehicle African Americans created to set forth their struggle. The legend quickly gave birth to The Ballad of John Henry. And, as such, it functioned as the healing element in a blues piece functions. Referred to as Stompin the Blues, it enables those who partake to overcome the pain of whatever trial or tribulation may have them down. The legend and the ballad utilized the very powerful format of storytelling to both present the immediate issue as well as to make the timeless point. African Americans of that day were responding to the onset of technopoly via The Legend of John Henry. Today as modern society struggles with weapons of mass destruction and environmental devastation, it should be obvious that John Henry remains the Man of the Moment.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

And herein lies the irony of the situation, certainly as far as African Americans were concerned. On one hand the machine was regarded as a curse because it represented a threat to employees. But the last hired, first fired employment principle that was applied to African American employees made the machine an even greater threat to them. Then, on the other hand, the machine reduced the amount of human physical exertion required to accomplish a task. Since racist discrimination insured that African Americans would end up with the least desirable, most arduous tasks, machines were then simultaneously viewed as a blessing. Resolving this conundrum was the dilemma facing the African American worker following the Civil War. The Legend of John Henry was the vehicle African Americans created to set forth their struggle. The legend quickly gave birth to The Ballad of John Henry. And, as such, it functioned as the healing element in a blues piece functions. Referred to as Stompin the Blues, it enables those who partake to overcome the pain of whatever trial or tribulation may have them down. The legend and the ballad utilized the very powerful format of storytelling to both present the immediate issue as well as to make the timeless point. African Americans of that day were responding to the onset of technopoly via The Legend of John Henry. Today as modern society struggles with weapons of mass destruction and environmental devastation, it should be obvious that John Henry remains the Man of the Moment.

More books from AuthorHouse

Cover of the book Hooray for Mondays by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book The Wayward Zephyr by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book Bamn by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book Better Choices by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book Quiet Things, Quiet Places by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book The Treasure Beneath Our Feet by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book Diamond Infatuated by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book The Life, Times, and Teachings of a Savior by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book The World Unseen by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book Romantic Phrases by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book To Life! by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book Celebrating the Inner Beauty of My Children by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book Becoming Who I Was Destined to Be by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book What If by Ali Rashid Abdullah
Cover of the book My Journey Through Racism by Ali Rashid Abdullah
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy