Stuart Jeffries has found several examples of rich and powerful people who do not use the internet as a vital tool for communication. He argues that computers and emails might not be a condition for success in life. As example he uses “one of the world’s leading computer scientists” Donald Knuth. Donald Knuth says “Email is a wonderful thing for people whose role in life is to be on top of things. But not for me; my role is to be on the bottom of things. What I do takes long hours of studying and uninterruptible concentration”. Stuart Jeffries concludes that since Knuth hasn’t checked his email in 18 years, maybe McCain shouldn’t bother to learn how to use a computer, and maybe president Obama should leave his BlackBerry at his office.
I do not think that Stuart Jeffries’ argument is valid. He is comparing the job of a scientist with the job of a politician. Knuth may not need to be on top of things to do his research, but it is absolutely crucial for a politician like McCain to be on top of things – especially while running for president. I also think that not being able to handle a computer and use modern means of communication sends the wrong message to the electors.
I have no doubt that McCain’s inability to use the internet contributed to his image as “old-fashioned”. To be elected as president in the United States of America, it is important to show that you are able to be a part of the technological society. This contributes to an image of a president who is able to look forward and bring new ideas and innovation to the existing society. Especially with the economical crisis, it is important, as future president, to show that you are ready to make a change. I think that is why Obama won the election – he was able to convince the electors that he was going to make some crucial changes in the way the American society works.
Jacob Gade Koefoed
Question 2 - Text 3:
Stuart Jeffries has found several examples of rich and powerful people who do not use the internet as a vital tool for communication. He argues that computers and emails might not be a condition for success in life. As example he uses “one of the world’s leading computer scientists” Donald Knuth. Donald Knuth says “Email is a wonderful thing for people whose role in life is to be on top of things. But not for me; my role is to be on the bottom of things. What I do takes long hours of studying and uninterruptible concentration”.
Stuart Jeffries concludes that since Knuth hasn’t checked his email in 18 years, maybe McCain shouldn’t bother to learn how to use a computer, and maybe president Obama should leave his BlackBerry at his office.
I do not think that Stuart Jeffries’ argument is valid. He is comparing the job of a scientist with the job of a politician. Knuth may not need to be on top of things to do his research, but it is absolutely crucial for a politician like McCain to be on top of things – especially while running for president. I also think that not being able to handle a computer and use modern means of communication sends the wrong message to the electors.
I have no doubt that McCain’s inability to use the internet contributed to his image as “old-fashioned”. To be elected as president in the United States of America, it is important to show that you are able to be a part of the technological society. This contributes to an image of a president who is able to look forward and bring new ideas and innovation to the existing society. Especially with the economical crisis, it is important, as future president, to show that you are ready to make a change. I think that is why Obama won the election – he was able to convince the electors that he was going to make some crucial changes in the way the American society works.
Jacob Gade Koefoed