Car & Driver, Technology & News Media

In spite of our rapidly advancing and increasingly complex technology, at least one principle has proven correct throughout human history.  We humans, as creators and users of technology, must take the responsibility for how it is used.  This article addresses two crucial elements of our technological society--human stewardship of science and technology, and the importance of accurate media research and reporting.

According to Genesis 1 and 2, God created the universe including planet Earth and its amazingly intricate biosphere.  Then, He created humankind in His image (Genesis 1: 26)—i.e. with personality, rationality, creativity, and all other capabilities necessary to exercise dominion as residents of Earth’s biosphere (Genesis 1: 27).  In Genesis 2: 15, we learn that our dominion is not to be exercised by shear force and disregard for creation.  Rather, as stewards, we are to be caring servants of what rightfully belongs to God.

Our stewardship responsibility includes both wise use of what God has created ex nihilo and wise use of the tools and technology we create from the “resources” of God’s creation.  If technology malfunctions causing harm to an animal, to the biosphere, or to an individual human being, the fault lies with the creator or the operator of the machine—not the machine itself.  Therefore, God judges the quality of our stewardship by the choices we make in how we use the technology; and, how news media research and report on science and technology.

Having laid out these time-honored principles, I invite you to listen to a podcast entitled “Blame Game” which was produced by Malcolm Gladwell.  Gladwell takes visitors to his “Revisionist History” website on a “journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood” events of history.  He believes that, at least for the cases he addresses, “the past deserves a second chance.” 

“Blame Game” which is episode #8 of season 1, contains both a 37-minute podcast and additional video and printed information.  All of these relate to the famous 2009 cases of the “suddenly and uncontrollably accelerating” cars manufactured by Toyota.  This case involving numerous deaths and billions in lawsuits as revisited by Malcolm Gladwell will offer you some surprising analyses and results.  As you listen to the podcast and check out the ancillary resources, please keep the following questions in mind:

1.  Should the blame for the “suddenly and uncontrollably accelerating” cars be aimed at human error(s) within Toyota Motor Corporation or at human error by the drivers of those cars?

2.  What does this “second chance” look at a historical event teach us about human stewardship of technology?  …and, about certain people in the media who claim to be authorities?

Relatively simple technology of car floor mats were suspected.

3.  Considering the relationship between technology, human error, and media research and reporting of the news as I have framed it in this blog article, what lessons can you take home from “Blame Game” that may apply to contemporary issues—e.g. calls to ban some or all firearms, violent computer video games, social media, hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), and coal mining?

4.  Can you name events in this evening’s news, or perhaps under-reported news, the coverage of which may have major repercussions for the future?

5.  For those who wish to take this controversy and its implications a step further by reading a critique of Gladwell's "Blame Game," you may wish to read an online article published by Safety Research & Strategies, Inc., entitled "Tipping Point."

Thanks for reading (and listening). I would love to read your comments and questions.  Please use the “Comment” box below, or e-mail me at silviusj@gmail.com

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My thanks to our son, Bradley Silvius, who referred me to Revisionist History podcasts.  I dedicate this article to him in hopes that he will receive a double blessing—first, the blessing of knowing that we now share in the enjoyment of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcasts; and second, knowing that his dad can occasionally write a much shorter blog article without taking away from its value (I hope).