American Air & Futurama: World's Fairs and World Wars

American Air

        Reading the American Air was delightful. The way Langewiesche described the American terrain was very incontrovertible. It is without a doubt, a clear depiction of the "true" essence of America. In class, we had talk extensively about the grid system and how it genuinely represent the construct of America during that time. Langewiesche provided insight both from his own personal perspective and from a "veteran" point of view, which I find to be quite entertaining. He compared the terrain of New England to the terrain of North Dakoda, which was utterly different.  At one point during the reading, Langewiesche stated "The air view is an honest view: "You can't kid me" is your attitude as you look down." which gives off a fascinating feeling of adventure, discovery, thrills, a feeling as if you were simply enthralled into his world and his perspective. To my understanding, Langewiesche view flying as a principle of "freedom" and "equality". The vibrant view, the air, the atmosphere, everything seems to flow in harmony.

        To put into perspective, flying was something "new" it was something amazing. The introductions of planes and cameras has really scrutinized people's views and understanding of flight. The feeling of being free and unfettered by others, can easily encompass and overwhelm one's foundation, which in Langewiesche case, was the fundamental "beauty" of flying, of being "in control" of your surroundings.

Futurama: World's Fairs and World Wars

        The introspection of a Utopian world, in and of itself, was something unimaginable at that time. However, when the Geddes's Futurama exhibit was established, the idea became perceptible to the people. Everyone at that time was mesmerize by this concept of a "futuristic world", where EVERYTHING and ANYTHING can come true. It was truly marvelous, a spectacle within everyone's mind. The idea was ingenious, a world where everything was convenient, a place where safety co-exist peacefully with negligence. From reading "The Aesthetics of Ascension in Norman Bel Geddes's Futurama", the concept of Utopia was introduced through a device which contains a collaboration of monumental configuration. This masterpiece of a creation, not only contain the concept of "future" but it also incorporate within itself an essence of nationality and culture. Through this exhibition, we are able to accumulate information about the significance of many things such as transportation, convenience, culture, and society as a whole.
        Personally, I think the concept of being enthrall by new perspective and apprehension of new knowledge to be very "romantic". To me, the interpretation of "discovery" was the most magnificent and sublime feeling a person can ask for ( Granted these discoveries are positive ), especially when that feelings happens only once in a life time. The concept of Utopia, to me, however, is quite grim. I believe that no matter how close to perfect a place is, there will always be a "dark side" (if you will) to it, and these dark sides are what serve to construct a society. It is essential for that society to have a dark side, because if there are none, then it is not a society, let alone a "Utopia".