Through technology, the computer has evolved tremendously. First conceived in 1890 by Hermin Hollerith, automated data processing of punched cards was performed by tabulating machines. Manufactured by the Computing Tabulating Recoding Corporation, computers stamped or more accurately, punched their way into history.Currently, the computer provides endless services via visually and auditory. Communicating information at fast speeds using little energy, the computer has transformed our history, culture and lifestyles. Over time, the computer has stitched its way into the 21st century holding together the fibers and strands that connects us all, creating a massive woven network. Unfortunately, a closer look at the history automated computing will reveal the complexities of design and human interaction.
Unknown of it’s potential, Hollerith chose the punched card as the basis for storing and processing information. These machines reduced a ten-year job to three months saving the 1890 taxpayers five million dollars. The innovation earned him a PhD in 1890 at Columbia University. In 1911 Hollerith's company merged with two others to form the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR), which changed its name to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in 1924.
The first production of machines was used by the United States Government. After calculating census information the Government says thanks and intends to do business again in several years. Taking a cold blow from the government, IBM seeks business opportunities abroad. IBM was smart and did not merely sell the machines and walk away. Instead, IBM leased these machines for high fees and became the sole distribution of punch cards.
As leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazi), Adolf Hitler came to power in January 30, 1933. A central Nazi goal was to identify and destroy Germany's 600,000 Jews. Mass consumption of the Jewish population would not be possible without the utilization of current technologies, IBM’s punch card system. IBM CEO Thomas J. Watson used overseas subsidiaries to provide the Third Reich with unit record data processing machines. Author of IBM and the Holocaust, Edwin Black says Mankind barely noticed when the concept of massively organized information quietly emerged to become a means of social control, a weapon of war, and a roadmap for group destruction. Black argues that IBM knowingly sold, distributed and serviced IBM certified punch card systems to Germany during World War II.
According to archived documents, IBM did in fact commit to the allegations brought forth, however, was found not guilty of intentional participation. Although business ethics are not so simple, where do we draw the line in terms of inhumane treatment and product/service sales? When do we say that this is not right and will not be tolerated? Black says Solipsistic and dazzled by its own swirling universe of technical possibilities, IBM was self-gripped by a special amoral corporate mantra: if it can be done, it should be done. To the blind technocrat, the means were more important than the ends. People, businesses and corporations must take responsibility for their actions. There must be a line drawn that separates wrong from right.
I understand that machines don’t kill people, people kill people. But how do we allow this to happen? Are financial gains really worth more than human life? As designers we try to innovate. Innovation is good. But what happens when our innovations lead to destruction. I.e. the atomic bomb for instance. Its magnitude of destruction is infinite, however it’s science is so important. How do we find the balance between innovation, progression and a sustainable environment? Is the balance already existing, is balance a combination of creation and destruction? As artists and designers, our job is to create and make. It is unknown what our creations or innovations will bring. It should be our commitment to design a better mousetrap, after all, it’s not called mouse-kill!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer
http://www.columbia.edu/acis/history/hollerith.html
http://www.ibmandtheholocaust.com/
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