Sandy Supposes....

18th-century messengers?

War Chest Wednesday! From a previous challenger...

Someone your age but from the eighteenth century has to learn to use technology in today's world. Do they adapt well? Why or why not? Explain how you think they'd do.

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         I've viewed some of the online documents available at genealogy research sites, and according to them, my direct ancestors claimed to be proficient in reading and writing when they emigrated to Canada. At the moment, they appear as names on a ship's boarding list from the 1800's. Did the relatives from the preceding century, the eighteenth to be precise, also read and write? Hmm, this is debatable. Some proclaimed themselves to be saddlers, farmers, blacksmiths, and the like. Their occupations did not require them to be literate.

         In order to use today's technology such as e-mailing , texting, instant messaging and twittering one needs to be able to read and write. Yes, I know this is debatable with all the short forms instead of real words, and the use of emoticons today. Anyway, the basic precepts of communication need to be employed. Okay, presuming this 18th-century person is literate and able to craft written messages, and then read the same, would they accept cell phones and computers? The only tools they'd be familiar and comfortable with are quill pens and a bottle of ink. They'd have been born far too early for even the invention of the telegraph and telegrams which began in the 1830's and 1840's. The concept of an instant message would be considered madness, or witchcraft. Letters were the only means of correspondence to my "old" acquaintance, and they travelled slowly to their recipients. Anything else would be inconceivable, and beyond the realm of understanding/acceptance.

         Tapping/typing on something known as a keyboard to draft a missive would be mind-boggling and awkward. The 18th century was a time of distrust and superstitions. Receiving an instant reply to one's message would seem strange and frightening. Using all of one's fingers to create a letter? Sending it out to an unseen force ? Speaking to someone in real time on a magical device that carries the human voice across great distances?

         In the eighteenth century, a few people were just coming to terms with the steam engine. Most people made things with their bare hands. They toiled along with animals. Living conditions were rudimentary. Life was simpler. Canada was a fledgling colony. Electricity and indoor plumbing did not exist. Most news was spread in person by word of mouth. Travelling was arduous and took considerable time. How could anyone from this time period comprehend instant messaging? Learning involved time and effort. Books housed data, not online, unseen servers.

         I believe this 18th-century person would struggle with our technology. It's so invasive and pervasive. It's too much lights and noise. They'd most likely be superstitious. They originate from a time when people met to speak face-to-face, and deals were sealed with a handshake. They trusted what they could not only see and hear, but touch. They believed in the tangible.