I hope it's no surprise to read that the crucial unmet challenge of our emerging culture of simulation and enhancement is not technological. There are lots and lots of really smart well-funded people working to develop neural implants, VR displays, genetic manipulations, better batteries, amazing new software, and the like. While more talent could always be used, technological development is covered.
Instead, the challenge that needs more attention—much more—is making sure emergent post-human ways of living celebrate and expand human values like freedom, community, compassion, and creativity. And fun. The other alternative is a diminished human future in which we life in a grey, dystopian anti-human corporatized world.
But getting to a future we would want is not going to just happen. We have to build it. It also won't happen just by saying no to this or that amazing gadget nor by going on "digital diets" or observing "internet sabbaths." We need new traditions to pull people away from screens and pings and back into the messy, fleshy human reality of being bodies together.
In other words, we're going to need sandwiches.
Let me explain. First we have Thanksgiving. Hope you're having (or have had) a great time with lots of
gratitude and feasting.
Next comes the properly named Black Friday. Only the most stalwart of shoppers can brave the malls hunting for bargains. The rest of us cower in corners, or maybe huddle over keyboards hoping for online bargains that don't require risking life and limb.
And then? Well, the whole turkey-thing used be over. No more: we now have a chance to build a new tradition of National Sandwich Day. Seriously. This Saturday will be the third observance of a post-Thanksgiving National Sandwich Day. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, NSD is a fun celebration of sustainability, community, and, of course, sandwiches.
Now, you may hear about November 3 being NSD because that is the birthday of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who supposedly invented the sandwich after a night of drinking by asking for his meat to be served between two slices of bread. But that day is merely an attempt to celebrate an 18th-century food technology. Our NSD celebrates the human ritual of gathering with friends, using leftovers, and eating food with your hands. Which holiday would you want to celebrate?
There are some rules developing for NSD. Actually, not so much, there is only one rule: it has to be fun.
So, what do you think? Do you have time to invite some friends over for NSD this year? If not, will you plan to do it next year?
© 2010 Todd S. Essig, All Rights Reserved
