Topic : Cultural
change, Modernity
Source : FREN 312 and
the lectures on 19th century France and the Industrial
Revolution's effect on society during the time period.
Relation : On page 68
and 69 of our ANTHRO textbook an example is given about the
industrialization of agriculture in the U.S. and its negative
effects. This made me think back to how industrialization first
started affecting societies. I have taken many classes which talk
about this subject in relation to the Industrial Revolution in
France, but the same effects can easily be applied to the U.S.
Description : During
the 19th century French societies were in transition.
With the technological advances, many jobs were moving from farms in
the country to factories in the city. This resulted in a rural
exodus : mass amounts of people following jobs into the cities.
Many technological advances were made during this time period. The
so-called progress of the Industrial Revolution brought about great
cultural change as well. While people living on farms in small
villages tended to be more community-minded, those working in
factories in the cities started to become more interested in
individualism. While those living in the traditional countryside
often lived in self-sufficient villages, it was every man for himself
in the city.
Commentary/Analysis :
I think the question of what constitutes progress is one that is not
easy to answer. I can easily say, however, that modernity or
progress always has a cost. In this case I think it is the loss of
community in the name of a more convenient, although much more
impersonal era of modernism. Although this all happened in France in
the 19th century, it happened all over and our society is
still changing in this way.
I found your discussion of progress and the French Revolution very comparable to what I've been learning in both my U.S. History and Latin American History classes. In Latin America, European colonialism dominated for over a century before these nations were given their independence. After they gained independence, they still had foreign interests in their lands/resources, which made these nations never able to fully govern themselves while still representing the majority of indigenous people. Progress in Latin America meant leaving behind actual Latin American customs for European ones which resulted in a society that was misrepresenting its people.
ReplyDeleteI like how you applied the concepts of the Inudstrial Revolution to the United State's early growth and terming it as a "rural exodus" is spot on. I'm wondering what you meant by "so-called progress." though, didn't the industrial revolution essentially bring the world forward?
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that modernity and progress always come with a cost, that being in your scenario, the loss of community. I like that you could incorperate alot of ideas while also keeping it brief, good job!
I liked how you discussed the consequences that come along with progress especially since it is such a controversial topic we have discussed over the past few weeks. I learned about the Industrial Revolution in my AP Art History class last year so I learned about many of the consequences through art pieces so I like that you included a piece of art to go along with your blog..
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your topic on progress I'm not sure if you remember but one of the blog post we had to respond to was that of San people and how they were dealing/ adjusting to the 21st century and everything white settlers brought with them. Well that's what i was reminded of, they way cultures are effected by this and how they adapt must be very difficult. Like you mentioned in your blog "The so-called progress of the Industrial Revolution brought about great cultural change as well" I can see how you can apply this to the U.S and how we have been affected by progress.
ReplyDelete