Yegparian: It’s a Hammer, It’s a Screw

Here’s a “rant” for you, to use the jargon of today’s technomaniacs, since it’s about them I’m ranting.

I’ve had my fill of people raving over every silly nuance of “innovation” (or scam) that comes by to make people money, not necessarily making life any better. I mean, “Twitter,” really? Those utterly taken by these blips are whom I describe as technomaniacs.

A little bit of context is in order. Non-biologically powered machines, the wheel, and now coming to the fore nano- and bio-technologies all have given or will give humanity just as much benefit as improved means of data management and communications. Yet I know people who now avoid contact with other humans by hiding behind their iPhone or another toy-de-jour. Plus, the usurpation of the term “technology” by the electronic/information/data realm is annoying. Building the pyramids required technology, too.

I read a fascinating book some years ago, One Good Turn: A Natural History of the Screwdriver and the Screw. I suggest all those who are in run-away electronics-loving mode read it. Our computers, souped-up phones, and ancillary gadgets are nothing but tools. They are valuable to the extent they enhance or lives—work, family, recreation, thought, association, or any of the other myriad aspects thereof. When the tools start being intrusive (e.g., three people simultaneously texting while sitting at a meeting) or when they start being inutile (e.g., emails barely get read anymore, so the sender has wasted their time typing out a message; same with voicemails—just hit delete and reply to the call, right?), it’s time to scrap or modify the tools.

A hammer driving a nail is good. A hammer pounding on a surface for no purpose is a problem.

While some of these problems haven’t penetrated quite as deeply into the Armenian community because of a language-caused lag, it’s only a matter of time. At least we know what’s coming and can perhaps develop a better way of using what are otherwise valuable tools in humanity’s arsenal.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Garen Yegparian

Asbarez Columnist

Garen Yegparian is a fat, bald guy who has too much to say and do for his own good. So, you know he loves mouthing off weekly about anything he damn well pleases to write about that he can remotely tie in to things Armenian. He's got a checkered past: principal of an Armenian school, project manager on a housing development, ANC-WR Executive Director, AYF Field worker (again on the left coast), Operations Director for a telecom startup, and a City of LA employee most recently (in three different departments so far). Plus, he's got delusions of breaking into electoral politics, meanwhile participating in other aspects of it and making sure to stay in trouble. His is a weekly column that appears originally in Asbarez, but has been republished to the Armenian Weekly for many years.

Latest posts by Garen Yegparian (see all)

• Drones for Armenia - November 15, 2022
• So Sad, Too Far Gone - November 7, 2022
• Pomposity to Mask Ineptitude - October 31, 2022