Comparative Essay Example: Primal Screen by Ellen Goodman and The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury

Technology has become an advancement in persons daily lives although, there is a lack of humanity by watching tv endlessly. “The Pedestrian” by the author Ray Bradbury demonstrates how the use of a lot of television and technology influences society and its judgments by creating standard and daily actions that seem like a threat and madness. On the other hand,  “Primal Screen” by the author Ellen Goodman demonstrates how the repeated amount of technology and television is much more worrisome than what you are watching. Both the authors introduce the societal judgment that enlarges the idea of lacking communication. Aside from this, there is a risk of a dystopian environment; based on the different momentum both the authors give. Bradbury’s message explains how technology is causing humankind to change societal expectations and acumens. On the other hand, Goodman's memo is how the routine of watching tv is having a worse influence on society in general than the manifestation of tv shows. Goodman provides a more convincing argument because although both are expressing social criticisms, Goodman expresses the resolution of how to stop humanity from turning into a world full of human species that are hypnotized by technology.

The more and more technology and television are used throughout society results in a lacking of daily life interaction experience. Not talking and only looking at a screen can cause married couples to fight because of the amount of time they spend on the Tv and not with each other. “Primal Screen” by Ellen Goodman demonstrates this stating,” people worried most about the overemphasis on sex and violence. But surely half of those fights between husbands and wivesto must be about the more fundamental issue of turning it off”(Goodman 640). This exemplifies how the only interaction between people is about fighting whether or not to turn on the tv. Otherwise, there is no one gossiping and everyone is on their device. No communication because of technology can cause a lot of loneliness with humanity as a total. For example, "Nobody wanted me," said Leonard Mead with a smile. "Don't speak unless you're spoken to!" Leonard Mead waited in the cold night. "Just walking, Mr. Mead?" "Yes." "But you haven't explained for what purpose”(Bradbury). This demonstrates how Mr.Mead was very lonely and how the robot police officer didn’t understand why he was speaking and or walking late at night.Aside from this Mr.Mead wasn’t like the others because instead of being alone, on technology, and so concentrated on the technology that he isn’t communicating he is outside enjoying mother nature.Therefore, both authors Bradbury and goodman help describe the challenges and problems that come with the divulgence of technology and communication throughout society.

Technology is shaping humanity to have more brutal shrewdness, and discernment about change in the supposition of civilization. Things like TVs, phones, computers, etc are making humankind change perspectives on the actions they do every day. For example, instead of walking outside you walk virtually and or just stay inside all day and be concentrated on your technological device. Bradbury helps drive this message by stating¨ The cement was vanishing under flowers and grass. In ten years of walking by night or day, for thousands of miles, he had never met another person walking, not once in all that time”(Bradbury). This exhibits how walking outside is now known to be an abnormal activity because everyone is in their houses all this time.This also helps demonstrate how technology shifted the way people see normal day activities like walking which used to be normal and now it is not. The pedestrian states "And there is air in your house, you have an air conditioner, Mr. Mead?" "Yes." "And you have a viewing screen in your house to see with?" "No." "No?" There was a crackling quiet that in itself was an accusation¨(Bradbury). This indicates the surprising tone the robot police officer had when Mr. mead said he didn’t have the technology. Meaning that Mr.Mead is viewed as old-fashioned, and eerie because societal expectations say that there has to be technology in everyoneś home and they all need to be desperate to be watching, or having technology. In “Primal screen” it states, “with a peace and quiet when we let the kids watch TV instead of running around the living room. We choose to “relax” in the semi-comatose slump”(Goodman 641). This shows how the children and adults are empowering their thoughts by turning on the tv than turning it off and talking. It also demonstrates how their actions are being changed because of the lack of interaction the family has and the way they choose to enjoy family time. Overall, the presuppositions of society and itś ways of usage change how the people are viewed.

The custom regime of always watching tv has an odious impact compared to the programs on technology. Shows on tv or other electronic devices help convince society to stop being on their phone, or device but the object itself is a way to influence and grow the habit of always being on technology. This is greatly described by the Author ellen goodman by demonstrating a picture. In “Primal Screen” the picture shows children and adults with a tv control and a lot of tvś on but with no program. This itself is describing that no matter what is on the tv the gadget itself is effecting the families and human beings life. Goodman also gives numerous ways to get better ways for people to stop being so hypnotized by technology by stating” Just once, we ought to create a private show about a real-life family that kicked the habit”(Goodman 641). Goodman shows the reader how in order to help humankind to socialize more and not be so impacted by the tv itself they should create a show and or program that helps people stay away from the object(Tv). This also shows how shows are sometimes influential in a good way compared to TVs alone. Therefore, tv programs affect people’s lives by convincing them to get off the television and be more productive.

Technology has become a part of everyday life. Humanity is now concerned about what can happen to the world when exposed to too much technology. Aside from this, Goodman portrays a resolution to everyone’s problems. Goodman explains that tv shows and or programs can be twisted around to make it seem like tv is not good for a person. For example,”absurd to let our feelings of impotence in the world start creeping into our private lives. Just once, we ought to create a private show about a real-life family that kicked the habit”(Goodman 641).This shows that goodman has a very convinsincg argument compared to bradbury in wich he only talks about a futuristic image of what can happen if technology isn’t stopped.Aside from this Goodman gives input on what can help solve this problem but also why and how it’s affecting people’s daily life.

In conclusion, The texts “Primal Screen” by Ellen Goodman and “The pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury express their perspectives around the topic of technology and its pros, cons, problems, and solutions. Both demonstrate how society’s thoughts influence the ideas around the deficiency of interaction. Separately goodman’s momentum explains how tv itself is impacting society rather than the programs/shows on the tv. Aside from this Bradbury helps demonstrate how electric devices are causing the world and society to change in thoughts and be more judgmental based on people’s actions. Therefore, there are many complications when technology is heavily included in a person´s life.