, Research Paper
Driving force Auto Mobile: How the Car Changed Life Ruth Brandon 468pp, Macmillan The view from the roof of Dearborn’s Ritz-Carlton hotel is infinitely melancholic, but magnificent. Bright ribbons of freeway unravel across the flat, dull midwestern landscape. Somewhere in the distance, the enormous River Rouge plant has been churning out the cars that now populate these roads in a mobile jam that is a derisive caricature of the production line. It was somewhere near here that Henry Ford invented what he called the gasoline buggy in order to escape the aching tedium of life on a Michigan farm. The universal appetite for freedom that Ford excited has brought pleasure and pain, wealth and pollution, desire, great beauty, destruction and death. For some people, the acqui sition of a new car is an experience as close to perfection as they might reasonably expect on earth. For others, cars are a filthy menace. The poignancy of watching traffic rests, as Eric Larrabee mused, on the contradictions of the automobile in use: you are liberated, but lonely; there is a sense of adventure, but also of sorrow; you are free, but trapped. The vision of escape is a cruel illusion, but the taste for it, once established, is ineradicable. The mixed blessing of the affordable car – Henry Ford’s gift to the world – is the subject of Ruth Brandon’s new book. Brandon is the author of a superb biography of Isaac Merritt Singer, the sewing-machine entrepreneur. It may have been this original curiosity about the heroes of early capitalism that interested her in Ford, whose person and works dominate the index of this portly book. Ford can seem a sinis ter figure, and Brandon does not resist the temptation to speculate about the motor industry’s incipient totalitarianism. As early as 1928 the New York Times called Ford an “industrial fascist”, and Hitler awarded him Germany’s highest honour in 1938. But Ford’s was a fundamentally democratic achievement – what Marx called “the power of knowledge objectified” and what Ford called a “whole new art”. We call it the Model T or, nowadays, the Mondeo. Porsche gets it too. The brilliant Bohemian design-engineer had come to Hitler’s notice just as the project to get the proles on the move was being formalised. Porsche’s independent studies for a technologically advanced small car were opportunistically coopted by the Fьhrer to become the Kraft durch Freude Wagen (Strength Through Joy Car, in case you thought Xsara was a daft name). As the postwar Volkswagen, Porsche’s clever small car achieved in economic terms what the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht had failed to do militarily. But while Porsche was culpable in being morally neutral – he also designed the V-1, and after 1945 was arrested by the French as a war criminal – he was, like Ford, a technocrat and visionary, not a politician. The small cars which changed our lives – Fiat 500, Citroen 2CV, Mini – were similarly the result of a benign intention by great engineers to give the gift of mobility to ordinary folk. And, as frustrated travellers throughout Europe know, the ordinary folk responded con brio. The paradox is clear: endearing and useful machines, created to set us free, enslave us. It is a compelling subject, but Brandon’s approach, which also covers 1950s styling and contemporary safety, environment and energy strategies, has difficulty coping with the technical complexity and semantic subtlety of the car. While she handles the early history with authority, she sometimes struggles with her material: I doubt that Volkswagen had the “marketing department” she claims for it in the 1930s. Equally, her analysis of symbolism is crude. She says that Rolls-Royce means “discreet” wealth as opposed to “brash” Ferrari; the issues are far more subtle and interesting. The car has had other critics: notably, Vance Packard, Ralph Nader, Jane Jacobs, Alisdair Aird and Heathcote Williams. But it has also had its poets: Le Corbusier, Marinetti, Tom Wolfe, J G Ballard and Roland Barthes. I know in which of those lobbies I think the majority of talent and literary interest are to be found. Brandon is neither virulent antagonist nor well-informed supporter, and this is neither an authoritative history nor a convincing polemic, though it is readable and thought-provoking. I sense that Brandon set out on a critique, but found herself warming to her subject, for she falls into the trap that has claimed millions. Starting with a disclaimer that she is not a great enthusiast, she goes on to explain, not without feeling, that she drives a Peugeot 205 Cabrio. Aha! We all, in the end, subscribe to what Ford called an “inevitable principle”. Stephen Bayley’s Cars Are Our Cathedrals is published by Orion next year.
Другие работы по теме:
Mobile phones
Автор: Разное We are becoming more and more dependant on mobile phones as these small and sleek devices are multi-functional gadgets that help in our day-to-day tasks. With the launch of latest models, you can now keep yourself updated with the latest information. Today, mobile phones are able to send messages and photo images, access the internet and email, play music, games and lots more.
Wap Site Evaluation UbMobileCom Essay Research Paper
The purpose of this paper is a an in-depth review of a mobile city guide: uB-Mobile. First, some background information on uB-Mobile will be briefly reviewed. Next, the purpose and function of uB-Mobile?s WAP site will be examined with particular attention paid to the ?user experience?. Finally, some recommendations for improvement will be made.
Cover Letter Proctology Essay Research Paper Dear
Cover Letter: Proctology Essay, Research Paper Dear Mr. I am writing you this letter to ask you to write me a letter of recommendation for a college. I will be applying to many and would be honored to have a letter from you
Finding Our Past Essay Research Paper Reading
Finding Our Past Essay, Research Paper Reading Ruth In Finding Our Past, Rebecca Alpert suggests that Ruth married Boaz for financial stability in her lesbian relationship. This is an indication of society back when the book of Ruth was written, since women were dependent on men for financial support. In today?s society, lesbian couples are still not entirely accepted, but two women in a relationship would be able to support themselves financially.
Just For Kicks Essay Research Paper Brandon
Just For Kicks Essay, Research Paper Brandon Lewis is the manager for his high school football team. On the football team, there is a sorry loser named Timmy. The football team was undefeated for six games straight. Mistakes made by Timmy made the team lose a game. He was the punter and he kept dropping the ball.
Babe Ruth 3 Essay Research Paper Babe
Babe Ruth 3 Essay, Research Paper Babe Ruth On February 6, 1895, Kate Schamberger Ruth gave birth to her first child. George Herman Ruth, Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the first of eight children born to Kate and George Herman Ruth. Ruth’s father worked as a bartender and ultimately opened his own tavern.
BABE RUTH WAS A GREAT
…. Essay, Research Paper 1. Babe Ruth was a great baseball player. He played on the Yankees and on the Red Socks. I bet you didn?t know that, never mind I will tell you later.
Poverty In America Essay Research Paper Brandon
Poverty In America Essay, Research Paper Brandon Cristobal Mr.Orozco 9/25/00 Phil 103 ? Poverty, all day, everyday? Coming home everyday to nothing to eat is the scenario for the young children whose parents are on welfare. Those parents are stuck on welfare and can?t give there children anything they want, they take the money the state gives them just to get by, maybe not even able to get the biological needs to survive.
A Raisin In The Sun 3 Essay
, Research Paper A Raisin in the Sun All people in the world have dreams. No matter if they are big or small, they are still dreams. For some people it may be to become rich and famous or for others it might be to go to Disneyland. The characters in “A Raisin in the Sun” all had dreams too. The dreams of Mama, Ruth, Walter, and Beneatha are all different.
Babe Ruth Essay Research Paper BABE RUTH
Babe Ruth Essay, Research Paper BABE RUTH THE LEGEND “Babe Ruth” was born on February 16th, 1895 and died on August 16th, 1948. He loved baseball very much and it all started in Baltimore, Maryland. This is his story!
Babe Ruth Essay Research Paper Ruth Babe
Babe Ruth Essay, Research Paper Ruth, Babe George Herman "Babe" Ruth, b. Baltimore, Md., Feb. 6, 1895, d. Aug. 16, 1948, was one of professional baseball’s greatest sluggers and probably the
Fried Green Tomatoes Essay Research Paper My
Fried Green Tomatoes Essay, Research Paper My first impression of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Caf was that it was a woman s novel. This was because the movie, which was more popular than the book, was advertised as a chick flick . To say the least, I was wrong. The novel poses many issues that face the people of the 1920 s and 30 s, and makes one think about what people have struggled through.
The Book Of Ruth Essay Research Paper
The Book of Ruth sensitively portrays bonding and devotion between two women. [But also don't miss Book of Judith for a surprising overturning of male/female roles: Judith sneaks into the enemy camps, cuts off the head of Holofernes, the leader of the enemy army, returns and receives a hero's welcome, and then lives out the remainder of her days with her maidservants, rejecting all male suitors]
Great Gatsby And Life And Loves Of
Devil Essay, Research Paper Fay Weldon?s The Life and Loves of a She-Devil, and F. Scott Fitzgerald?s The Great Gatsby, the main characters, Ruth and Gatsby, go through a process of
Judicial Review Essay Research Paper Judicial ReviewThe
Judicial Review Essay, Research Paper Judicial Review The Supreme Court is the only court designated in the constitution. Within it is the Chief Justice of the United States, and eight associates. Being the highest court it is the last resort for all federal court questions. The Supreme Court has the power to determine whether something is constitutional or not, which makes them the final authority.
Andy Warhol Essay Research Paper Andy Warholby
Andy Warhol Essay, Research Paper Andy Warhol by Brandon Noll Andy Warhol was thought to be born around 1929 to 1930 near Pittsburgh to Czech immigrant parents. His real name was Andrew
Wireless Application Protocol Essay Research Paper Wireless
Wireless Application Protocol Essay, Research Paper Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Background Market study has shown that the number of mobile users is exceeding the number of PC users. Some of the industry leaders have created a forum to evolve an industry standard for providing internet access to users over wireless access.
Brandon Lee Essay Research Paper Brandon Lee
Brandon Lee Essay, Research Paper Brandon Lee was born on February 1, 1965 to Bruce Lee (Martial Arts idol) and Linda Lee, and brother to Shannon Lee. In 1965 Brandon and his family lived in Hong Kong
My Personal Art Collection Essay Research Paper
Brandon Hill My Personal Art Collection Enclosed in my portfolio are some of my favorite and most detailed works. I chose these eight pieces, because I feel that they are the best representation of my abilities in art. Because drawing is the area in which I excel most, I have selected mostly works that display my skill in this.
Constantine Essay Research Paper November 9 1998Brandon
Constantine Essay, Research Paper November 9, 1998 Brandon McGarrell Constantine and Sigma Chi The design of the white cross that symbolizes Sigma Chi is patterned after the Christian cross that Emperor Constantine had envisioned the night before he attacked Rome in the battle at Melvin Bridge. Maxentius, the leader of the Roman army had died a few days earlier due to poor construction of a bridge while on retreat.
A Review Of A Rasin In The
Sun Essay, Research Paper Jims Review of A Raisin in the Sun. This is probably the first play I’ve ever seen that I REALLY HEATED. A Raisin in the Sun The Madison Repertory Theatre has produced many plays by African American
Mobile PhonesInternet Essay Research Paper MobileCell PhonesMobile
Mobile Phones/Internet Essay, Research Paper Mobile/Cell Phones Mobile phones have changed the way the world communicates. With the invention of the cellular phone service in 1983, personal telephones no longer depended on wires. In the 90’s it was now possible to connect to the Internet from virtually anywhere in the world from your cellular phone using satellite services.
Moving Through Change Essay Research Paper Brandon
Moving Through Change Essay, Research Paper Brandon Spelling May 12, 2000 Essay for Exam III Moving Through Change Common people have been through many changes in history such as technological change, economic change, and political change. Common people define history as a period of change.
When No One Was Looking Ambition Essay
, Research Paper Rosemary Well’s When No One Was Looking is a suspenseful story of a girl’s ambition, friendship, and love of tennis, that takes her to the top. Although she is not beautiful, rich, or good in school, fourteen year old Kathy Bardy has a natural talent for tennis. One day, Kathy loses a match against Ruth Gumm that should have been simple for her.
Auto Industry In Us Essay Research Paper
The biggest foreign market in the United States is the auto industry. The United States has brought the Japanese and Germans a huge fortune in the past thirty years.
Past Essay Research Paper Michelle Brandon My
Past Essay, Research Paper Michelle Brandon My Past: I was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1983 then in 1985 I moved to Germany. I stayed in Germany for 3 years then I moved to calgary for 2 years. Cakgary is a nice place to live it s a big city compared to Germany. Germany is a beautiful place to go, I would like to go back to Germany for a visit.
Mobile Alerts Essay Research Paper Mobile Alerts
Mobile Alerts Essay, Research Paper Mobile Alerts – Concept Paper. What is Mobile Alert? Mobile Alert is the text message (SMS) sent to a mobile phone as a result of occurrence of an event for which the mobile user has registered the request for getting the notification.
Gremlin Hunting Essay Research Paper Gremlin
Gremlin Hunting Essay, Research Paper Gremlin’ Hunting Brandon thought that he could take a swig of beer safely. But when he lifted the bottle of Miller to his still-grinning lips, he caught a glimpse of Chester, whose fat face was also grinning like a kid’s Halloween jack o’ lantern, and that happened just when the swallow of beer was going down Brandon’s throat.
The Color Of Water Essay Research Paper
Critique and Summary of James McBride s The Color of Water Growing up in the home of Ruth McBride Jordan proves to be an ever-testing, but advantageous adventure for her twelve children. As a child, Ruth is abused by her Orthodox Jewish rabbi father, and she is forced to work long hours in the family store. Ruth finds forbidden love in the arms of a Black man.
Color Of Water Essay Research Paper Conflicts
Color Of Water Essay, Research Paper Conflicts between parents and children can be especially harmful when they occur at an early age. They open up emotional wounds that aren t easy to heal and determine
Auto Wreck Essay Research Paper Auto WreckPhilosophers
Auto Wreck Essay, Research Paper Auto Wreck Philosophers have pondered the meaning of life and death since the beginning of time. There are many hypotheses. From reincarnation to Valhalla then on to heaven. There have been many proposed solutions. Yet no one fully understands dea th. In Shapiro s poem “Auto Wreck,” he illustrates the irrationality of life for it can be taken away at any given time for no rational reason.