Recently, I read an article about a new "gun" that could be used to stop people from being able to talk. The gun uses microphones and speakers to capture and replay a person's voice directly after they speak. When the brain attempts to process the two voices in such close proximity (in time), it becomes confused, making it nearly impossible for a person to speak properly.
Right away, this brought my mind to the dangers of this technology on the rhetorical abilities of Americans. This "weapon" could easily be used to suppress someone's right to free speech. For example, if a person is protesting, how hard would it be for an opponent to aim this "gun" at them and force them to be quiet. Basically, this technology is able to suppress a person's ability to convey their ideas and beliefs.
In doing so, one coud eliminate the original view of debate and rhetoric. Ideas and opinions were exceptionally important to ancient thinkers. However, now, if a person holds a viewpoint against the government, then the government could point the gun at the protester and shut them up (if they have the gun). If someone can do that, then they aren't respecting the opinions of others, and are therefore going against the basic nature of rhetoric and debate.
That's a scary thought -- the capabilities for total government control seem to be expanding on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteIt's intimidating seeing how technology is evolving. Sure, this may be used to shut up violent protestors, but where does the line lie between violent protestors and people who just want to see a change? On the other hand, the little kid in me is totally excited and wants to use this on myself.
ReplyDeleteThis is so scary--there's really no purpose for this product. It's just screaming "suppression" and "corruption."
ReplyDeleteWhat's next? The "cone of silence"?
ReplyDelete