I usually try to avoid framing these sorts of reading responses in terms of whether or not I “enjoyed” the reading, but I must say that I really liked Edgerton’s analysis of technology in The Shock of the Old. In particular, his focus on use instead of innovation brings the analysis of technology outside of the rich countries on which it is usually focused. The story of the Ghanaian car mechanics, for instance, is a particularly good example of the “creolisation” of a technology. Edgerton seems to counter his own argument, though, when he speculates that the growing complexity of electronic systems in vehicles might hamper the ability of these sorts of mechanics. Edgerton states that these mechanics possessed “not only…a thorough knowledge of how engines work, but also and especially…a rather unique type of knowledge of how one can keep old ones working in a situation of limited goods” (p. 84). If these mechanics figured out how to craft replacement gaskets out of worn tires, I’d imagine they could display the same ingenuity with automotive computer systems.

In looking forward to how The Shock of the Old might apply to upcoming readings, the obvious connection seems to be that many videogames are utilizing older game elements. Contemporary video role playing games, for instance, seem to be repackaging elements of role playing card games like Dungeons and Dragons. With that said, though, it’s hard for me to see very many elements of old technologies in video games. Games prior to video games seem to be overwhelmingly multiplayer games in which the game design attempts to allow players to compete with each other in compelling ways. Video games, on the other hand, tend to be single player affairs, at least until the last few years. There are quite a few exceptions, obviously, like first person shooters and fighting games, but even these sorts of games usually have single player components that weiqi or monopoly don’t have. Designers must create a compelling environment that doesn’t rely on competition between players. Even massively multiplayer online games seem to be more focused on cooperative human play rather than competition (though I have limited experience with this format and could be completely wrong here).

Either way, I’m sure I’m overlooking some important aspects of video games, and look forward to having my assumptions challenged over the next few weeks.