Aeroplane Travel - Essay Example

Though the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are believed to be the first to actually fly a crude version of the aeroplane, there were many influences from scientists of the time, like Lilienthal, Mouillard, Chanute and Professor Langley. At around 1902, flights with unpowered gliders were being made in Britain, France and the U.S. It was in the next year that the Wright brothers attempted to fly a machine that powered itself, carrying one man. Though the flight only lasted 12 seconds, it made history and generated even greater interest in man’s pursuit of building a better and larger flying machine. After a few years of experimenting, the Wright brothers were able to produce a machine for the U.S. Government, “ to furnish a flyer capable of carrying two men and sufficient fuel supplies for a flight of 125 miles, with a speed of 40 miles an hour” (Wright & Wright 2008: 8). Though the brothers had entered an agreement with the Government, their experiments were not funded by any outsiders. Since its development, the aeroplane has been used repeated to make political statements. as it was first widely used in military action, it sent messages to enemy troops and their leaders, in a huge way, with bombings and air raids. It was hoped by citizens of many nations, that this technology would finally show enemies who was boss and “that the destructiveness of air power could act as a deterrent to future conflicts” (Pisano 2006: 27). What the technology did is define new terms of conflict, rather than reduce or eliminate it. Every country with an established military unit developed their own planes. Wars were no longer fought solely on the ground. Many battles were also waged in the air. Later, as more political causes and many new groups were formed, the aeroplane became a means of getting one’s political message across. It got the attention of leaders, the media and a global community. First it was hijackings by various groups, to gain political favor or to bring about some type of desired result. Then it became suicide bombers with a message that their groups were not to be ignored and that they could inflict serious damage. Lastly, some citizens fed up with perceived injustices used their personal planes to hit government buildings, as an expression of personal frustration. The social implications of the first flight were not realized for a few decades. The automobile was just being built at the time, and many families did not have one. The fact that fifty people showed up for the Wright brothers’ next flight in 1905, shows that their invention did generate quite a bit of curiosity. The aeroplane was new technology though, and like other new inventions, it took some time to ‘catch on’ and become desirable. Most citizens were happy to watch the invention being used in military service. When the benefits of such travel were finally realized, the way society behaved changed dramatically. People could dream about faraway lands that were more realistic to them, through the experiences and descriptions of others. They could travel to places never imaginable before, acquiring a broader knowledge of the world and connect with others of like minds, whether next door or across the seas. Mail began to be moved by plane, which helped to quicken the pace of overseas and cross country written communications. Not only did this increase social boundaries, it also allowed for faster organization of political movements, with larger, more diverse membership. Though the ocean liner was already in existence, it was extremely slow, compared to the aeroplane. As described by Simonsen (2005), the early part of the twentieth century is known as a period of acceleration, where life had begun to move at a much quicker pace. It expanded the world and possibilities for education, careers and many of life’s most important activities “by altering perceptions of the physical layout of the world and its temporal organization” (Simonsen 2005: 3). Many places were no longer viewed as unreachable or distant. In many instances, this eliminated prior boundaries in which one was limited in career choices or social contacts. New past times such as trekking across Europe or vacationing in the Bahamas. People could broaden not only their horizons, but their identities as well, with the places they traveled or visited. Along with extending social boundaries, the aeorplane created an industry that involved manufacturing and service, which eventually became a major part of the economies of many western nations and soon on other continents. “World economy, essential because of the demands of modern industry for goods and markets, was established in a new and distinctive sense” (Chamberlain 1934: 206). No longer did a single economy operate without the influence of another, across the globe. Parts manufactured in one country were widely distributed and in demand in many others. If the manufacturer went bankrupt, it could affect those industries or businesses that relied on a specific product at a given price. Economic benefits of the aeroplance are any business processes that rely on reaching across national boundaries to operate. However, many families benefit economically as well, taking job offers or positions in other countries that were made lucrative, through corporate support of global operations. Many who desire to travel alter their financial priorities, in terms of how and where money is spent. Those who want to be considered important and well off become the so called ‘jet setters’ who become famous not only for their achievements, but for their special travel itineraries as well. The cultural influences of areoplane travel are numerous. As people of different lands learn about each other, there is an increasing need to experience their lives and cultures as well, even for a short time. Whether knowing one can return to his or her own comfort zone in a very short time, or whether knowing about others helps open up one’s eyes, aeroplane travel has made discovery much easier. As we travel from one place to another, we are not only influenced by the places we visit, but also leave or influences on those we visit as well. For example, American influences have generated a new demand for Disneyland and McDonald’s. In the United States, many overseas products have been embraced. Toyota, Honda and Other corporations learned quickly that a market for their products in other cultures did exist. The influences from other lands, in many instances, are available to us from birth. French bread, Italian leather and others become so commonplace that we tend to ignore their foreign influences. We adopt dishes and new preferences for food from the influences of other cultures. What is unique about this occurrence is that can be highly selective. We May reject Communism, for example, while embracing Russian vodka. We might order French fries and hamburgers, though we deplore American roadways. In a sense, the aeroplane and long distance travel allow us to pick and choose the aspects of other cultures we like, adding to our unique identities. Technologies such as automobiles and aeroplanes have influence cultural norms or expectations, as they are passed on to our children. “Technical craft hobbies like building model aeroplanes reinforced gender norms of technological engagement for boys” (Alcorn 2009: xi). This phenomenon has made it difficult for women to succeed in typically male dominated careers, such as engineering and computer sciences. While such activities are often undertaken or encouraged on a subconscious level, they can also have a more positive effect. The aeroplane has united citizens of nations and cultures, where there may be challenges in relating to neighbors or those of other communities. The Concorde jet created a sense of British pride, with its sleek design and speed. According to Sir George Edwards, in reference to the VC10, “it continues as a proud and productive symbol of British aviation capability-now serving exclusively with what I have always believed the most important of all our customers-the Royal Air Force.” Air Force One, the jet used by the current U.S. president, is a source of great pride for Americans. If neighbors may not agree on anything else, national pride is what often can serve to bring them together, for a united cause or feeling that is evoked through symbolism. The aeroplane and pride of a nation’s unique flyers serves as a common bond. Bibliography Alcorn, A. (2009). Modeling behavior: Boyhood engineering and the model airplane in American culture. Case Western Reserve University. This paper provides an explanation as to how the aeroplane has influenced our culture, from the time of its invention. Of significance is the fact that building models is an activity that was previously undertaken by boys. It explains the connection between boys and technology and how society has encouraged gender stereotyping with its expectations of such activities. Though it is doubtful that if model aeroplane building had not become a hobby, girls would have become more interested in technology, it is useful in understanding how technology influences society Chamberlain, J. (1934). Untitled. Political Science Quarterly, XLIX. The author explains how the aeroplane fits into the world economy and how it helped to advance the activities of conducting business on a global scale. This author describes technology that is created due to the demands of a global society, rather than out of curiosity and achievement. He explains that the development of the aeroplane was necessary, not an optional means, that could be used to expand the global marketplace. He also discusses the political relevance of the aeroplane to society and its view that this new machine could finally end wars and promote world peace. Unfortunately, many citizens did not consider that more than one nation would develop its own version of the technology. Edwards, Sir George (nd). The VC10-25th anniversary. Recollections written on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the VC10. The author of this pieces feels strong that the VC10 aeroplane should hold a place of honor in British history. Having been used by the Royal Air Force, Edwards believes this aeroplane is one of Britain’s greatest sources of pride. Edwards discusses the patriotism that is felt when the squadron of aircraft are seen either in person or through the media, flying the British flag with the Queen on board. The many challenges in building this aircraft is described in detail. The author describes the effects this aircraft has had on the British economy briefly and why this aeroplane was and is so important to the Royal Air Force. The piece further discusses the mechanical and technical aspects of this machine and why it is so unique. Pisano, D. (2006). The Airplane in American culture. University of Michigan Press. The paper presented by this author and scholar discusses the political and social implications that building the aeroplane has produced. He focuses on many of the social injustices and class distinctions that technology such as the aeroplane have helped to bring about, whether intentional or unintentional, and how such technologies served to further create gaps between genders, socio-economic groups and race. The cost of flying for the average citizen is discussed, in terms of who can and cannot afford to use this mode of transportation, and how it serves to bring one or more races together, while creating barriers for others, in terms of connectedness to each other. Simonsen, D. (2005). Accelerating modernity: Time-space compression in the wake of the aeroplane. The Journal of Transport History. The author describes society during the time period in which many new modes of faster travel were being developed, shortly after the turn of the 19th century. He uses the term ‘accelerated’ to describe how the pace of cultures began to change with such new forms of transportation and the automobile and the aeroplane. With a focus on the industrial revolution, his view is one of a cultural perspective and he shares what he believes are the thoughts of many citizens, on how such modes of transportation have changed their lives and perceptions of time and space. The technology invented during this time period changed how many people viewed the world, in terms of bridging the distance gap and creating a new point of reference in the minds of many, that included faraway places and those not readily seen. The author further explains how the new technologies shaped and influenced what we call modern society. Wright, O. & Wright, W. (2008) The Early history of the airplane,the Wright brothers aeroplane, how we made the first flight & some aeronautical experiments. [EBook #25420] pp. 2-9. Project Gutenberg. This personal narrative is presented through the words of both Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur. They explain what their lives were like growing up in Ohio and how they became interested in flying. At the time, many scientists were trying to solve the problem of how to get a machine that is heavier than air into the air. The brothers discuss how they built their first aeroplane and some background about those who influenced them and their interest of flying. They talk about what it was like to experiment with flight and provide detailed information on how each part of their flying machine was fine tuned as they went along. Read More