A response to an assignment for a Psychology and Technology course:
I think that, if I had to think about it (and I do), I would have to say that my Apple MacBook Pro probably has done the most to redefine the way that I think about my "self." For the purposes of this blogpost, my "self" includes "my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that distinguish me from those around me." It has changed the way I think about myself perhaps in exactly all of the ways Apple once intended their products to define their consumers: as a rebel, a freethinker, a--I'm not being serious.
I think that, if I had to think about it (and I do), I would have to say that my Apple MacBook Pro probably has done the most to redefine the way that I think about my "self." For the purposes of this blogpost, my "self" includes "my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that distinguish me from those around me." It has changed the way I think about myself perhaps in exactly all of the ways Apple once intended their products to define their consumers: as a rebel, a freethinker, a--I'm not being serious.
Realistically, however, I do think that the computer is used as a tie to how I define myself as a creator, not just a mundane worker. I define myself as someone who is open-minded, creative, friendly, and driven. I think that my computer reflects that. I suppose this makes this piece of technology more of a reinforcement of who I like to represent myself as more than something that changed the way I think about myself. It defines my "self" as the type person as which I'd like to be defined.
My MacBook Pro is a platform of creativity. It allows seamless photograph editing, graphic designing, video editing, creative writing, etc. It's also a platform for entertainment (movies, music, etc.) And it is never slowed by my endeavors, unlike countless other computers I've tried in the past. It is designed well, and that makes a difference to me. We all want our technology to look good (maybe I'm generalizing).
I'm able to work from home on school and employment projects (behavior modification). I'm able to do more things now than I was capable prior to its purchase--many of which are school/work related. Although I try not to let it, I can't help but sometimes allow it to make me feel proud, as if I've done my research and come out on top because of it. I have never (knock on wood) had a problem in the four years I've had my computer. However, time and again I overhear friends, family, strangers, classmates discuss how horrible Apple is--and Macs and the like. Soon, though, I find they always end up with some wretched computer malfunction: virus, slow/bogging performance, improper operation, "necessary" hard drive reformatting. And it is at that point, that this expensive collection of metal and tiny elements makes me feel smug. What a punk I've become.
My MacBook Pro is a platform of creativity. It allows seamless photograph editing, graphic designing, video editing, creative writing, etc. It's also a platform for entertainment (movies, music, etc.) And it is never slowed by my endeavors, unlike countless other computers I've tried in the past. It is designed well, and that makes a difference to me. We all want our technology to look good (maybe I'm generalizing).
I'm able to work from home on school and employment projects (behavior modification). I'm able to do more things now than I was capable prior to its purchase--many of which are school/work related. Although I try not to let it, I can't help but sometimes allow it to make me feel proud, as if I've done my research and come out on top because of it. I have never (knock on wood) had a problem in the four years I've had my computer. However, time and again I overhear friends, family, strangers, classmates discuss how horrible Apple is--and Macs and the like. Soon, though, I find they always end up with some wretched computer malfunction: virus, slow/bogging performance, improper operation, "necessary" hard drive reformatting. And it is at that point, that this expensive collection of metal and tiny elements makes me feel smug. What a punk I've become.
Where did this thing come from? Although Apple has an 1,800 employee production plant in Elk Grove, California, my MacBook Pro was most likely manufactured by Shanghai, China where most are produced. A Senior Hardware Engineer at Apple makes a bit over $125,000.00 a year but that's just one of many positions that could've had a hand in my MacBook Pro, and likely a gaudy amount compared with the factory workers in Shanghai. Reports estimate that a $999.00 MacBook Air costs about $718.00 to produce (in 2010). With that math in mind, an $1,899.00 MacBook Pro would be around $1,300.00 to produce.
The working conditions at Apple are pretty impeccable "on campus." At Apple campuses, there are few if any HR complaints, excellent health benefits, access to their latest and greatest products, excellent dining options, and it's pretty to boot. However, not as much can be said for the factories abroad. Reports of poor working conditions and workers on strike don't exactly live up to the Apple reputation.
Dare I say I love this machinery? I don't. But I'm endlessly impressed by it. And I have an appreciation for each of the hands that went into its creation in some manner. A creation that drives creation. How absolutely wonderful.
The working conditions at Apple are pretty impeccable "on campus." At Apple campuses, there are few if any HR complaints, excellent health benefits, access to their latest and greatest products, excellent dining options, and it's pretty to boot. However, not as much can be said for the factories abroad. Reports of poor working conditions and workers on strike don't exactly live up to the Apple reputation.
Dare I say I love this machinery? I don't. But I'm endlessly impressed by it. And I have an appreciation for each of the hands that went into its creation in some manner. A creation that drives creation. How absolutely wonderful.
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