Firsts

3D Printer

There is a human tendency to mark firsts. First African American (blank). First gay (blank). First female (blank). These recognitions are considered incentives for further advances. However, they also serve to formalize and establish the very obstacles they are overcoming. Racial firsts acknowledge racism as status quo. Sexists first acknowledge sexism as status quo.

While firsts are important accomplishments for those who achieve them, society's use of them through the media is a way of neutralizing problems which are not erased by the accomplishment of being first. Obama's presidency, for example, is pointed to by the uninformed as the end of racism in the U.S.. The passing of a gay marriage referendum is referred to as the end of homophobia. The many firsts of women in U.S. society have not eradicated sexual inequality in the workplace.

Media have learned that firsts are great stories. They play on the sentiments of those on many sides of any issue. They get the attention of media consumers. The media coverage of firsts routinely can create a sense of false progress on the core issues of society.

Yesterday I listened to a story on the first commercially available 3D printers. The reporter summarized the impact of the printers by saying that manufacturing of basic household goods with these printers may become a home activity in the future. She ended by quoting Karl Marx on what constitutes power in relation to the individual vs capital. Then she said it was ironic that true power for the people would be delivered through capitalism, as represented by an expensive 3-D printer which would, of course, have to be purchased from a manufacturer. As far from the Marxist vision as could be imagined. This was idiotic and hardly worthy of the public radio network which aired the piece.

Firsts imply competition. People vie against racism, sexism and other prejudices to "win" their place as firsts. This minimizes life's pain and tribulations to the level of a computer game. Close examination of the real lives of firsts who break social barriers will reveal that being a first was just the beginning of a deeper continuing struggle as a ground breaker and role model.