Humanity in Technology

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that by weaving vivid imagery and historical fact, Adam Goodheart conveys his understanding of the humanity-technology paradox with his poignant essay "9.11.01: The Skyscraper and the Airplane." The writer points out that Goodheart describes the September 11th attacks and their aftermath as a catalyst of American cultural awareness. The writer discusses that by using the sterile and technological skyscraper and airplane to represent the passion of humanity, Goodheart suggests that humanity and technology cannot only coexist, but thrive together. By first establishing the skyscraper as a technological marvel, and then personifying it as a symbol of humanity, Goodheart suggests that technology and humanity are essentially complementary. The writer concludes that although both the skyscraper and the airplane have traditionally been viewed as cold, mechanical symbols of the technological age, Goodheart brilliantly uses the September 11th attacks to establish both technological innovations of the skyscraper and the airplane as symbols of humanity.

From the Paper:

"By including this segment, Goodheart establishes the skyscraper as far more than a cold, mechanical tower of glass and steel. Instead, he associates the building with humanity, not only physiological and sexual humanity, but also spiritual and emotional humanity. Established as a location where one must entrust one's life to technology, the building has the spiritual consistency of a cathedral or burial ground instead of the cold, emotionless consistency of a modern, mechanical building. Seen in this vein, the Twin Towers are now seen as additional casualties of the September 11th attacks, symbols humanity rather than technological milestones. This interpretation of Goodheart's work is similar to Stein's interpretation, as the author suggests that Goodheart uses September 11th observations ..."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Stein, Howard F. "Days of Awe: September 11, 2001 and its Cultural Psychodynamics." Journal for the Psychoanalysis of Culture and Society. 8.2. (2003): 187-199.
• Goodheart, Adam. "The Skyscraper and the Airplane." The Norton Reader. Ed. Linda Peterson and John Prereton. New York: Norton, 2008. 187-193.
• Gardner, Jean. "Architecture as Eternal Delight: Reflections on the Attack of the World Trade Center." Cross Currents 52.3 (2002): n.p.

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