This work of fiction is not too far from the truth. His description of the world to come is only a slight exaggeration of what today's society is all about. Anderson subversively, and sometimes blatantly, states that corporations and the media have too much power over the consumer and the consumer's actions. The corporations influence the teenagers in Feed by direct contact (the Feed) and indirect contact (the fact that the corporations have so much control over the politics in the United States). These same tactics are used today, only in a different way. Instead of "Feeds" we have commercials, and though today's corporations don't have as much power in politics as the corporations in Feed, they still influence our country's political decisions. Not only are his predictions accurate, but the way he depicts the American teenager is also dead on. Take, for example, these lines, "Link was playing with the seat like an asshole. . . . whenever he[Marty] leaned out to get his bird, Link would slam his seat back like meg hard and it would go bam on Marty's face, and they would start laughing." I can't even remember how many times a situation like this has come up with me and my friends. Of course it's all fun and games, but ultimately someone always ends up taking it too serious and gets mad about it; Titus in this case. The reason I really injoyed reading this book, though, was because of the humor. One of my favorite lines was, ". . . people are laughing and they're chatting, and things are great,and it's just like in a commercial for jeans, or something with nougat." Overall, this was a fun and eye-opening book with lots of lines to keep me entertained.
I can totally agree with what Chris said- media had too much power over our lives and inevitably future generations. Another aspect of Feed that captured my attention was how the characters have no concept of the past. Anderson writes, "... they had to use their hand and their eyes. Computers were all outside the body. They carried them around outside of them, in their hands, like if you carried your lungs in a briefcase and opened it to breathe." The teenagers in this novel believe that "the Feed" is naturally part of their body and think it is silly to have to have carried a computer. I mean how restricting and frustrating would it be to carry around your lungs each day, not to mention having to constantly open and close it to breathe. And this is how Titus sees the computers of today. They are obviously hugely important to the future. The way M.T. Anderson wrote this simile completely clarified how the people of the future believe they would be inconvenienced without internal computers. It is sad to think that our society will possibly come to this. Today, there are researchers and professors studying the effects of too much technology on teenagers. Imagine the problems that would arise if there were computers imbedded in all people brains and there was no limiting power. Kids would never stop playing games, gossiping, looking at inappropriate websites, and purchasing unnecessary junk. The world would be full of walking "zombies". Just think, you go to a party and all you see is bunch of teenagers dazing off in to space. Okay, so maybe they are "chatting" to each other, but there is no human interaction- just computer interaction. How would a party be any different from any other day? I mean, you would still play games, listen to music, and chat to others even if you couldn't physically see your friends. There would be no point in going to see others. I was stunned that the characters think that not having “the Feed” would be like having to hold your organs and I hope that I never think this way.
I am only a third of the way through is book and I already can tell I will thoroughly enjoy the rest. The issues presented make today's problems stand out that much more. Because the issues are exaggerated from their current status today, it is easy to recognize them and then relate the basic complications to your own life. Feed really makes you think about how what we are doing today affects tomorrow.
Chris and Kya both make excellent points. It is frightening to think that one day the minds of our future children will be controlled by the "large corporations," or governments. Everyone's personalities would all be catagorized, making it easier for advertising purposes through the feed. With the corporations having this much controll, individuality and uniqueness would be lost, engendering everyone to be the same. The one thing that I am curious about, is if the feed calculates everything you like and constantly gives you updates on the new sales, then how does one manage their spending? Of course, all will try to limit their spending just like in today's world, but this constant advertising would just make spending and poverty rates expand. Anderson does an outstanding job of paralleling our society with the community in Feed. In doing so, he illustrates how similar the two societies are, and makes me wonder, how much longer will it be till America becomes that technologically dependent? As we found in one situation of Feed, most rely too much on the technology to function without it. What would happen if there was a malfunciton or virus in every feed throughout the country? Would it be considered an epic crisis, or would everyone live in fear until the feed was fixed? While quick technology now in your brain instead of at your finger tips, can be a time and energy saving advantage, it may also cause extreme and unhealthy dependency.
I thoroughly enjoy Anderson's unique style of writing. One of the scene's that was most intriguing was when Titus and Violet are talking about their past in the hospital room. They described their middle school fashion styles. For instance, "like the year when the big fashion from L.A. and shit was that everyone wanted to dress like they were in elderly convalescent home." When I first read this I found it to be hilarious, but then realized we also have our strange fashions that we will one day look back upon and laugh. The humor in Anderson's writing makes Feed even more enjoyable to read. So far, this book has kept me entertained and makes me realize how our society could one day turn in to the society of Feed.
Feed, by M.T. Anderson is a futuristic novel that follows the lives of a group of teenagers. These teens are pretty much alike the kids now days, but just a couple hundred years ahead. They use different sayings and phrases, such as "unit". These words represent changes in now day language and show how they will continue to differ in the future. Their names are also a bit more odd and not common to our current time period. Just like the present, names drift in and out of being common. No one really knows what the future could hold, but this book seems not too far off what might happen.
Mostly everyone has a "feed" implanted into their brain and it is considered not normal to not have a feed. It affects their whole body, almost like an organ, like Kya stated. The feeds are like mini computers telling the person everything they would want to know. Even commercials and sales are notifications that run through the feed. These are a break off of our commercials on television today, which also shows that the future is not totally differnt in every way. The feeds also provide one of the only entertainment devices that the people rely on. After awhile, the feeds almost become persuasive in what the person buys and does. Just this factor alone could corrupt a society at any given time.
The cities are also described as different, like traveling in tubes and upcars. People can also "chat" which is exactly what people do today on computers. The novel shows examples of what the characters mention 'old fashion' things like computers and cars, and act as if they were really old. As technology advances quickly in the present, it does the same in the future. Sometimes, technology can get too out of control and people start to rebel. An example is Violet in the novel. Her feed is malfunctional and it will affect her whole life, or maybe even end it. This shows that the feeds are not flawless, even though they seem like normal, everyday devices.
I believe that these "feeds" are going to be very hard to get rid of because they are run by huge corporations and it is just a part of everyday life. I am not yet done with the novel but I have a feeling the feeds are going to slowly tear apart the futuristic society.
While reading this book, I could not help but constantly see the similaries between our society and the one presented in the book. Our nation is obsessed with the internet's capabilites and having it everywhere. We have WiFi in our restaurants, on our phones, and I think I remember hearing something about the internet on a camera... This book adds a more convieniant location to this list: our brains. The thing that I find interseting though, is that, to me, this idea does not seem too far off. Our society is always looking for ways to improve and make our daily lives slightly easier then they already are. It is only a matter of time before someone finds a way to install the interent into our brains. Though this would be a break through way to access the World Wide Web, after reading the book, I do not think it would be a good idea at all. The characters never seemed to be able to hold an actual conversation with one another. There was always the option of chatting and everyone would be able to go off into their own worlds and watch the Feed. If this was reality, it would drive people farther apart than they already are becoming.
One aspect of the book that was interesting to me was Violet's whole character. She represented the bridge between our world and the one found in Feed. Her malfunctioning, however, almost seemed like a warning by M.T. Anderson that if we keep spending and consuming and wasting resources like we currently are, the outcome will not be pretty. Also, the list that she made of the things she wanted to do to live, reminded me of the world today. It was as if Anderson was telling readers to be content with what we have now and to not neglect the earth.
Anderson's style of writing was intriguing, fitting with the characters and the world they lived in. The idea of the Feed and the not-too-distant-future feel the book had was a completely different outlook on the earth's future; one that I have not heard of. This book was definitely worth reading.
Tori has made an interesting comment on how M.T. Anderson is warning us by incorporating Violet's character and the list she made. I believe Tori's interpretation is quite accurate. Violet wishes she could do things that are completely normal to us. I agree with Tori that Anderson included this so we realize that the simple activities we have now are actually extremely valuable.
In the middle section of this novel, Violet starts her new project- resisting the feed. She has figured out that the corporation has been placing everybody into a few personality types in order to make selling products easier. By showing interest in several items but not buying them, Violet is trying to make herself impossible to place into one of the categories. This brings up questions like, "Should we resist the constant advertising pouring in from the screens we continually focus on?" People have become so attached to the internet that the advertisements continuously popping up must have some impact on what people purchase. Between cell phones, iPods, television, computers, and signs all around us, we can not escape the pressure to buy the newest, coolest gadget out there. Why is our society so focused on physical possessions? It is all about being cool and having the newest and most expensive products. In Feed the reader is able to see how the teenagers rely on their feeds to bring them the newest trend, style, or toy. For example, Riotgear was suddenly "in" one day and Titus's friends had already replaced their wardrobe with the new line. Smell Factor is another example of how people concentrated on their possessions. One day he was clutching a metal bird one day and the next he had practically forgotten about it. I can easily see how this correlates to our society. Although toy and clothes do not go out of style in one day, we still keep our credit cards pretty busy. So, how do we resist the temptations to purchase the new gadgets that everyday life presents us? There are multiple possibilities, but I believe it is something each individual must figure out on their own. Everyone will have their own technique that will help them from overspending and giving in to today’s “feed”.
After reading more of Feed, I discovered more about Violet. One could tell that she cares very much about what the world will end up like. Even though she will not be around in the far future, she believes that what is happening could ruin the society as technology advances. Violet shows her feelings boldly and only wants Titus to care for her. She really gets hurt when Titus ignores her and her friends talk bad about her. Violet's home life is also not stable, so her friends mattered to her very much.
Because her feed is malfunctional, I think she gets the bigger picture of what the world is turning into. She could die any day, so her look at life is changing quickly. In the beginning, it was mentioned that she got her feed at an older age than usual, so it was opt to more problems. She got one to fit in and make life easier, but realized it was destroying humanity day by day. Her effort to rebel against the feed was hard worked, but her weaknesses at the end made it limited.
I also agree with Kya and Tori about how Violet was clever in her ways of resisting the feed. She really did try and it helped her cause. Violet also changed Titus's personality a lot, but in a subdued way. He became more sensitive and caring. Titus did agree with some of the ways Violet rebelled against the feeds, but was still a little bit stuck in the technological world. He liked the idea of the advances to make life easier and disliked learning. On the other hand, he thought it was odd that Violet read and wrote, which was almost a thing of the past. The two characters are different in so many ways, but alike just enough to work together to survive the fast changing atmosphere.
Andrea makes an excellent point, because Violet may soon die, she cherishes the smaller aspects of life. Violet has a better outlook on life compared to others which is shown through some of her dialogue. For instance, she states, "You toss something up in the air, and you expect it to come back down again, (p. 175)." Titus, on the other hand, has no idea what she means by this. This is my favorite quote so far in the novel. To me, this quote is expressing how one makes an action and automatically expects a certain result, but sometimes life throws you for a loop.
Anderson has a unique way of comparing the future to our present. The author constantly displays the technology changes, but in one case, he also includes atmospheric differences, "We flew over gray piles and gray piles and gray piles toward home, (p.172)." One can see the pollution in today's society, but at this rate, our community will end up with mounds of garbage, like those in Feed.
One of Anderson's techniques of writing I found most interesting was when he described a conversation between Titus and Violet. On page 213, the discussion is told as, "I said I had to go. She said she'd see me later." Instead of the use of dialogue, Anderson writes using, "I said," or "she said," hinting at the characters emotions. Rather than clearly stating that the characters are acting awkward or uncomfortable around each other, Anderson portrays the emotions through his description of their conversation. The author's style of writing is keeping the book very entertaining.
Lindsey, I completely agree with what you have written. The quote you have picked out is exceptionally strong and your interpretation is excellent. When I read Violet's statement, I loved how it stuck out from everything else. At first you think it does not belong in the conversation at all, but then, when you think about it, it makes complete sense. I also like how M.T. Anderson had Titus not understand what Violet said. I think this shows how society has progressed in bad ways perfectly. The people in Feed never have to think about what is said to them, so when Violet adds something of this complexity, Titus does not know what to do. He is not used to needing to internalize others' thoughts to understand them. Instead, he lets the comment blow past him and simply admits he has no clue what she said (and seems to not care). It is definitely one of my favorite quotes from this novel.
Like Lindsey discovered, I also noticed that throughout the book Anderson frequently uses "He said" and "She said" followed by a synopsis of the conversation, instead of telling the reader exactly what was communicated. Often, I wondered if the "synopsis" was actually exactly what was said and Anderson just wanted to present in a different way to bring attention to it. Whatever the case, the writing style of this novel captures readers. Another technique Anderson employs is the use of short sentences. There are multiple instances where a chapter is finished by a three to four word sentence. This makes the last part of that section seem profound and forces the readers to dwell on these thoughts, enabling them to find the deeper meaning.
After reading this novel, I am thoroughly impressed. The plot, writing style, characters, and setting all work together incredibly to create a story that has significant meaning. Although this book set in the future, I believe it is truly about the present. M.T. Anderson used the future to reveal the problem with today's society. Not only are the physical complications identified but also the mental struggles. One can easily see how pollution and excessive technology affect the human brain and the world around us just by paying attention to the "gray piles" and feed issues Anderson mentions so often. Yet, Anderson does not stop there. He continues to show readers that teenagers, even adults and kids are caught in the grasp of the today's advertising world in order to feel accepted. Although the situation is exaggerated from today's status, the lesson can still be learned. Violet's father explains to Titus that he didn't want his family to have feeds. He goes on to say that while in a job interview he was "chatted" by his possible employers, but without a feed he was unable to hear what they said. In order to be accepted by the rest of society he buys a feed. He also lets Violet get one, knowing that it will be the only way for her to survive in the world around them- which is ironic because the feed is what threatens Violet's life. Why do we shun people who do not have everything we do? Why do we need everything we have? Our priorities have been skewed by the constant hammering of advertisements, which makes us think that we need certain items to be accepted. Anderson's ability to tie in the mental aspect of this surprised me.
One of my favorite characters is Violet. The main reason for this is because she resists the feed but also tries so hard to be accepted by Titus and his friends. One would think that since she is purposely making herself different from everyone else by creating an "invisible" person, she would not care about what Titus' friends think about her. But, she does- a lot. This contradiction makes her character profound. This novel has been enjoyable and entertaining to read.
Honestly, when I first started reading the beginning chapters, I immeadiately thought of iphones and Blackberries as a direct comparisan of a feed. Not only was I creeped out about how much these two devces were like the feed but I was stunned by how close Titus' present could just as easily be our future.
Also on the same note, I agree with Chris' first comment on how corporations and media have too much power in the world. As I stated before, apple could just as well be the feedtech of our future. But if this were to ever happen, would we have to have the feed to survive since all the major companies would switch to its technology, leaving anyone/thing wthout it behind?
Okay, so it was only this morning that I started reading Feed and I have already finished part two. Something that really struck me was his writing style. It suprised me at first because I was expecting something not so...'in your face'. If that makes any sense. What I really have a question about is what is the signifigance of the boat painting on the hospital wall? Does it foreshadow future events of the book or a big change in Titus?
P.s- I agree with Greg that blackberries are like the Feed in our society today. And yes it is scary. I used to have a blackberry and I could find almost anything from movie times to the cost of an out of country vacation. And it scared me when I realized that I was looking at info that someone had deliberately (if I spelled that right) placed there for me to see. I made me think of a world where we take Feed from people like Dr. Phil and Operah and I don't think I could survive in a society like that.
I finished Feed a couple of days ago, and I was confused about some parts of it. Who were the people that invaded his dreams and promised him a lizard and other various items? Was that really just a dream? If it really had significance why didn't the author say much about it later in the book? Another part that I wanted to know more about was what was causing all the lesions and skin peeling?
When I was reading this book, I didn't know how the characters didnt find the ridiculous amount of commercials going through their heads annoying. I would hate to have something inside my head that tried to sell me random objects that I don't need.It also bothered me to read about the school system in the society and how it taught them about sales and stuff like that.
Also, I didn't really feel like the main character learned anything. I guess at the end he was sad that Violet died, but he wasn't there when she was suffering. He still relied on the feed and that really annoyed me.
After recently finishing the book, I found Feed to be an extremely interseting novel. MT Anderson's writing incorporated a great blend of humor and seriousness to relay the theme to the reader. In the reading I came across numerous intstances where Anderson hints at current issues in today's society and although exaggerated, I believe they convey important messages.
Looking first at Allison's question regarding the lesions, I assumed it was a fad. Suspposedly, having lesions was something cool and popular at that point in time, and peeling skin and loosing hair was a result of this fad being taken to the extreme. However, lurking behind this imagery was a suddle hint of behavior in today's society where people literally go under the knife and cut away at themselves to transform their appearance. Lesions were a representation of the many kinds of plastic surgeries there are today, and further touches at the subject of how our society overlooks natural beauty in attempt to conform to the attractive images displayed in the media. I further noticed these quiet messages in a few passages from the book. On page 16 it mentions "Quendy and Loga went off to the bathroom because hairstyles had changed." This quote is an additional indication of how people, women and teenagers especially, subject themselves to modifying their appearance due to the ever changing trends displayed in the media/feed. Page 120-"The sun was rising over foreign countries, and underwear was cheap, and there were new techniques to reconfigure pecs, abs, and nipples, and the President of the United States was certain of the future, and at Weatherbee & Crotch there was a sale banner and nice rugby shirts and there were pictures of freckled prep-school boys and girls in chinos playing on the beach and dry humping in the eel grass, and as I fell asleep, the feed murmured to me again and again: All shall be well...and all shall be well...and all manner of things shall be well." Obviously stated are the words "and there were new techniques to configure pecs, abs, and nipples," however, I am struggling to break down the rest of the quote into possible meanings for what Anderson is trying to convey. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Anderson's book really opened my eyes to society and how horribly American society can end up. To the characters in the book, having computers implanted in their brains is normal, but to the reader, it is unnatural and disturbing. I would hate to live in a society completely controlled by the media. Instead of having a life based on individual goals and dreams as in today's society, Feed's America is all about having the newest and best upcar, gadget, or look. I completely agree (however harshly) with the other countries in the book threatening to take out this pointless society.
Like a. ball, I am left wondering about those who 'nudged' Titus in his dreams. I couldn't think of who it could be. Anyone have an idea?
Also like a. ball, I was disappointed with Titus' lack of change in regards to the feed. At first I thought this would be the type of book like Anthem - where they would eventually leave society and live independently, the way they thought best. But in the end, Titus doesn't seem to have learned anything, and finds nothing wrong with how his life is being run, regardless of the things Violet tells him. In fact, he seems to get annoyed or dismissive whenever Violet brings up the problems with their society or the terrible things happening in it. How could Titus be so stolid? Why doesn't he care? Is he so obsessed with his feed and being cool that he refuses to see its problems or a life without one?
In regards to Emily's quote, I think that Anderson mixed the advertisements with the current news (such as the President's view) to show that what is going on in the world is as important as the latest sales and trends. I believe Anderson is trying to show how their society revolves around material goods and selfishness (the feed only tells an individual what they want to hear, and what is directly relating to them), instead of things that should be taken more seriously, such as the future and the world outside of themselves. The ending of 'all shall be well' is the feed telling Titus what he wants to hear. Just my thoughts-other views would be appreciated!
Continuing the discussion on Emily's quote, I agree with Glugs. I believe the author was trying to convey how another day was starting in this wasteful society and nothing had changed or was showing any sign of changing. Or maybe, the fact that this society is so much like our own: ignorant about the future and ruled by materialistic dreams. The part of the quote that says, "...and the President of the United States was certain of the future..." is a little confusing. I can't tell if the president is certain for a better or worse outcome. If it is for a better outcome, then this part of the quote becomes ironic because as the reader we can predict what will probably be the result of this country, yet the president is so sure of a positive future. However, if the president is certain of a worse outcome, then why not share this vital information with the public? I can't figure that part out...
Regarding Glug's comparison to Anthem, I had the same predicitons. I was expecting total rebellion to the feed. However, I think Titus already knew everything that Violet was telling him, he was just too afraid to act upon them or do anything about it. He seems to represent many people in our world who know of the problem's we face in the future, yet go along with everyday life believing that they can never change anything about it. Does anyone have other views?
This novel along with novels such as 'Anthem' and 'The Giver' make me fear for the future. The authors of these novels have such a grim outlook for the future and it makes me worry about what the world will become. Although I share the fears of the authors, I wonder... does technology have to lead to tragedy? I mean, humans are smart so is it really necessary for us to let technology control our lives and let it tell us how to live like the characters in 'Feed'? I find that novels such as feed rarely shed light on the benefits of technology, rather than how it will lead to our demise. Maybe I'm just optimistic but I choose to imagine how technology will enhance our lives, not how it will end them. I agree that putting a "feed" is taking things a little far and there is no way I would let a computer that can be easily hacked into my brain, and I definitely would not want to live like the characters in 'Feed', but who's to say that's how society will end up? I think novels such as 'Feed' are important for us to realize that we can't let technology rule our lives, but I feel like there should be more novels about what the future COULD be like... without ending in tragedy.
One thing that I don't understand so far within the book is the lesions. Are the lesions a symbol that technology is making humans fall apart? Or does it even have anything to do with the technology of the future? Are the lesions symbolizing the total control of corporations? Plus I don't understand why the lesions are not being fixed by doctors if technology is so advance.
On another note, is technology really helping the human race? By this I mean that even though technology is making our lives easier each day, is it not setting us up for a horrible downfall. In history class we discussed the flaw that made ancient civilizations collaspe or have a massive disaster, like the black plague. So in reality, if all of the computers in North America were to crash (maybe due to a terrorist attack) and we were plunged into darkness, wouldn't that have the same effect as a plague?
Kaity, I found my interpretation of 'Feed' to be very similar to yours. Although technology has its pros and cons, I did not find this book to be an accurate interpretation of our future society by any means. Books and novels, such as MT Anderson's writings, are meant to be exaggerated to the fullest extent in attempt to deeply impact the reader. I would presume that almost everyone has a care for our future, and to see it in such a state of demise would surely cause one to want to participate in a good change to better our world. These words, carefully crafted by writers, are attempts to make the reader step back and make comparisons between our society and a predicted corrupted world-thus, making Anderson's novel so compelling.
Though, it is obvious the correlation between our media today and the constant advertisements posted on the feed. Yet, I am not fully convinced that this would exist in our future society; at least one hopes. Although it is disgruntling to view the manipulations the media sets forth to the consumer, in the end, it is everyone's personal choice to oblige to the latest trends and gimmicks. Similarly to what Kaity has stated, I am in control of the personal decisions affecting how much technology influences my life. This theory also relates to Violet and her father-two people who chose to combat the feed and rely on other sources of knowledge. Looking back, at least Anderson's novel depicted a United States retaining the same freedoms of personal choice found today. Despite the misrepresentation I believe 'Feed' credits to our future communities(especially in the respect of human intelligence and judgment), if a time like Anderson depicts were to fall upon us, all I would need is my freedom of choice to distinguish good technology from bad.
On a different note, I came across some more interesting quotes from the novel, and even through the author's fictitious plot, I found many passages could be linked to today's society. On page 219 Titus states, "It was like I kept buying these things to be cool, but cool was always flying just ahead of me, and I could never exactly catch up to it. I felt like I'd be running toward it for a long time." Relating to this quote, I notice how alike Titus and his friends are with the teenagers I am surrounded by. Multiple times I have witnessed and been personally guilty of wanting the latest and greatest "thing" to fit in with what is popular and cool. In reality, however, dwelling on materialism makes you no more or less "better", or "cool". I appreciate Anderson for incorporating a quote to make others realize just how materialistic our world is. Somewhat similar to Titus's quote is the following passage: "'We Americans,' he said, 'are interested only in the consumption of our own products. We have no interest in how they were produced,...what happens to them once we discard them, once we throw them away'" (pg 228). Upon reading this section , it reminded me of how wasteful our society can truly be and the ignorance some display toward its effects. Another indication of Anderson displaying this thought is on page 106 when at the end of a dinner scene Titus's family dispose of everything-including the kitchen table.
Other quotes I made note of and are open to interpretation include: "You know, I think death is shallower now. It used to be a hole you fell into and kept falling. Now it's just blank" (pg 188-Violet). "There's an ancient saying in Japan, that life is like walking from one side of infinite darkness to another, on a bridge of dreams. They say that we're all crossing the bridge of dreams together. That there's nothing more than that. Just us, on the bridge of dreams" (pg 233).
The writing style of M. T. Anderson for this book is very unique. Well, not so much the writing style as just the writing outside the dialog, because it's exactly the same as in the dialog. You get no break from the "brag"s and "meg"s and "like"s. It grows to be exasperating very quickly. Though, it did seem to fall off a bit as the book went on, which is good, for if it had continued I wouldn't have kept reading.
Another thing that irked me quite considerable was the statement, "like if you want to know which battles of the civil war George Washington fought in," (pg. 39). With that I automatically hated several people in this book who are unnamed. They have butchered American history and that infuriated me to a tremendous extent. The giant corperations in this book not only are screwing with the life style, economy, and every other thing that could change in America, but they altered what was set in stone. They somehow changed things in out history, probably because people started to become to stupid to notice, and to unobservent to care. It is disgraceful what happened to the people with the feed. They became nothing, just objects set out in the crumbling world to buy products that are completely unnecessary. You can't call them consumers, because consumers are people or organizations that use a commodity or service. With what is going on with the inhabitants of Feed, it is difficult to consider them really people.
As I finished the novel a week or two ago, I realized that I agree with almost everyone that has posted a comment so far. The way M.T. Anderson wrote the book was to show what he thinks the future will be like and how bad/ good one may perceive it to be. Like Emily said, authors try to exaggerate pieces to catch the readers' attention and add details. The futuristic style does make a person think, but who knows what could ever happen. The future could end up somewhat like what was portrayed in the novel, Feed.
Once again, it is fictional, so of course the truth is going to be stretched a bit. The characters pretty much act like they do now, but rely a little more on technology, as we continue to do everyday something new is invented. We as a society wait on the newest cell phone, or buy the smallest iPod. Even televisions continue to get bigger. This constant chain of inventions is good and bad in my opinion. As we create more, we find how to make our lives a little easier, one step at a time. Sometimes, these inventions even save people's lives. On the other hand, they cause multiple problems. People use their technological items to get ahead or show off their money. Disputes could be made about either side of the argument, but no one can really change the future by themselves. Even Violet and Titus tried and tried to get people to notice what was happening. What they were doing was too hard to convey and explain to people why the technology should be avoided in my opinion.
In the novel, Violet still reads and writes, which is a very uncommon thing to do in this time period. One could tell from the start that she is not one of those people totally absorbed in the advancement of technology. I do believe that people like her can change the outcome of the future, but the ones inventing these iPods, laptops, and cell phones are the ones that pretty much have the future set.
Now, society almost relies on these advancements as they do in the book; the future could easily end up almost identical to what M.T. Anderson showed in the novel the whole way through.
The timeline, I've noticed, is very off from what things are actually like. On page 184 Violet says in her list "their [her grandchildren's] great-great-great-grandfather fled Germany just before the Second World War." That would mean that the next generation of this plant will be about the generation with the feed. Now, this book is fiction, and the future will not get to this extent of bad. But in order for things to get to that extent, technology needs to get much better, but the commercialism could stay about the same.
Like several people have said, I thought this book would be about Titus and Violet fighting the feed, but they only fought it for a few chapters. So what was the point of them even fighting it if they weren't going to be consistent. Also, I agree with Sam about the usage of "like", "meg", "brag", etc. At first I couldn't understand what the characters were trying to say because the slang was heavy at the beginning. I am glad that the author cut back on it towards the end.
I want to know what happened to the outside world in this book. The author never mentioned why the houses were under protective bubbles or why there was so much physical damage happening to the people. I wish so much more was explained in this. I wondered why people didn't read or write anymore. How could the government let big corporations take over and rule? The government should have society's best interests in mind, so how could they let the world get so out of control?
As I was reading Andrea's comment, I had forgotten about the fact that very few were able to read and write anymore. I sincerely hope that that does not happen in the future. I cannot imagine the world if it didnt have books. I'm kind of angry about the fact that even in a fictional world they could live without reading. I mean, yes, they have feeds which makes reading and writing unnecessary, but I don't understand how they could allow themselves to stop reading and writing. What if the feeds all stopped working? Everyone would have had to be taught to do everything all over again. Violet and her father were very intelligent for continuing to read and write and make some decisions for themselves.
I agree with a. ball when I say that I want so much more explained about this book (has anyone figured out who the people in Titus' dreams were?), and when she asks how the government would let the corporations take over our country. I have to say that that part bothered me too. For example, I could never imagine our country allowing a private company to take over the schooling of our children, whether the government could pay for the schools or not. Surely, we would not allow school to become only another sales pitch, or a lesson on how to buy things - this is our future, and I don;t think anyone would let all those kids' minds go to waste.
Also, in regards to an earlier blog from Sam, I don't think the companies have messed with the timeline or history directly. I just think that Titus, because no one really learns anything history-related in school, really doesn't know much about the Civil War or George Washington. Because they can just look up the answers on their Feed, they were never taught history.
In regards to Emily's second quote from Violet-about the bridge of dreams-I think that she's trying to say that life isn't about the material things, or how cool you are. It's all about hopes and dreams, and the people you are surrounded by and love.
Finally, does anyone know what is happening, for example, here: "It isn't re: the world serving you some meg three-course dump banquet. It isn't re: the world serving me some dump banquet" (223). What's is with the 're:'s?
In this book a person's life and death can be determined by the big corporation's predictions on whether or not you would be buying any products. "We're sorry, Violet Durn. Unfortunately, FeedTech and other investors reviewed your purchasing history, and we don't feel that you would be a reliable investment at this time," (195). A person's life that they are more than capable of saving his not a "reliable investment," it is disgusting.
Many people have been questioning why the author didn't explain certain details of the book further. In my opinion, I believe that M. T. Anderson is trying to make his readers understand some aspect about society today without directly telling us. Though I'm as confused as everyone who's been questioning the book and have been trying to think of an answer, there must be some point that we're missing. This is all in regards to the random people in Titus's dreams. Another occurence in this book that must have a deeper meaning is at the end of some chapters when details of the president are mentioned. For example, "...It has to be understood that when the President referred to the Prime Minister of the Global Alliance as a 'big shithead,' - this is an American idiom used to praise people, by referring to the sheer fertilizing power of their thoughts" (119). Why was this part put into the story? Does it have anything to do with the plot? And if it does have something to do with the plot why doesn't Titus or Violet mention anything about it? It really confused me.
Speaking of the random people in Titus's dreams, I found something that seemed really out of place. During the chapter "Nudging" on pages 92 and 93, Titus dreams that he's playing a fantasy game when he can suddenly feel someone nudging him with "their nose or cheek". If you keep reading, there's a line coming from whoever is invading his mind that says, " All yours, they said. All Yours. Good night, sweetie." My question is, why did they call him sweetie? Does this hint at who could have been the one inside his head? That word seemed completley out of place to me and I was wondering if anyone had any thought on it.
As previously stated by a. ball and glu, 'Feed' leaves numerous obscure details unexplained to the reader. However, I enjoyed piecing together these bits of information on my own throughout the novel.
In regards to the "nudging" dream, my belief was that it was the "police", so to say. In actuality, since the society Titus lives in is extremely corrupt, there is no real police standing for fair and balanced justice because they are also under the influence of the feed and corporate power. On page 47 when Titus's father visits him at the hospital he mentions, "They [I assume the "police"] want to subpoena your memories." While sleeping one night, this might have been the instance where the "police" began to further make record of the occurrence at the Rumble Spot in order to bring up more evidence against the hacker. Essentially, the police bribe Titus with games and cater to his desires-thus, allowing them to view his memories without suspicion or protest. Reason being why the so called police need evidence against the hacker is because he was apart of the "Coalition of Pity" as stated on page 42. This organization I believe is a group of protestors who are against the feed. In order to spread the word of the feed's damaging effects on society, they hack into others' thoughts and post images and words of threatening disasters caused by the feed. Such as the night at the Rumble Spot, the hacker caused Titus and his friends to broadcast the saying "We enter a time of calamity!" as he spoke these words: "We enter a time of calamity. Blood on he tarmac. Fingers in the juicer: Towers of air frozen in the lunar wastes. Models dead on the runway, with their legs facing backward. Children with smiles that can't be undone. Chicken shall rot in the aisles. See the pillars fall." Similar to the protesters on page 25 shouting, "Chip in my head? I'm better off dead!", the hacker attempted to warn and foreshadow future demise. These passages show how, like Violet, others protested the feed but were overpowered by the large corporations who controlled and corrupted even the justice system.
As far as the environment is concerned, I thought of the bubbles surrounding neighborhoods and homes to be another advance in technology where the natural world is diminishing. Now, instead of the wind, sun, and clouds being a natural and unchangeable occurrence, a consumer can now toy with nature and manipulate the weather. Perhaps these bubbles are needed to protect humans from the severe pollution, or maybe they are more efficient and favorable than the natural atmosphere. In another instance where Violet becomes enraged over the demolition of the last forests in Jefferson Park, Titus's father points out, "Do you know how inefficient trees are, next to an air factory?" Violet responds, "They cut down Jefferson Park? That is so like corporate-" With these statements, I believe Anderson was trying to reveal the severe damages our environment could face with this type of mentality toward the natural world.
Relating to Tori's question about the quote on page 119 dealing with the President, I thought this passage was very revealing of what kind of state the government was in at this point in time. Showing how much the feed has depleted human intelligence, the author makes mention of how even the President of the United States, representing all Americans, lacks leadership and is depicted by ignorance. His language and behavior is one indicator of how the governing bodies in our county have become a dwindling power under the feed corporations. In order to combat this ignorant comment, the feed displays a conjured up excuse to persuade the American public and perhaps other countries to disregard the comment-further showing the feed's manipulating power.
After reading "Feed", I feel as if I have a deeper understanding about how technology can and could influence our lives whether it be in the present or future.
The best example is the nudging in the dreams. My take on it is that it is was the police within the brain. However, I believe that this society is so corrupt that the police are working for the feed's major corporation (feedware, ect.) in order to gather data to benefit from the attack.
Also, another example of how much technology can influence our lives is the internet. This influence is so great that if the whole internet were to crash mass panic would break out. Today, we are a society too dependent on the internet, and "Feed" takes that a step further by showing the reading what could happen if we become too dependent.
My last example is the "Feed" itself. If our society would ever come to having this technology, I believe that this would be the end to the human race. This is because we would be letting technology rule us by bombarding our minds with mindless ads, shows, and information that could dictate how a person lives their life. One instance of this is when Titus and Violet are sitting in one of the bedrooms of the hospitle and Loga comes in to visit them. But while visiting, she would randomly zone in and out of their conversation due to her messing around on her feed. So essentially, the feed is turning people into somewhat of a robot.
Overall, the book has a great lesson about our future inbedded with in an awsome story.
I agree with Greg, the feed is changing people into robots. Chatting other people through the feed while ur eyes stare off into space is just one example of how the feed is robotic. One thing I noticed was that the characters used chatting very similarly to us using texting. For instance, when Titus's dad calls Titus a brat, Violet chats Titus, "You're not being a brat," (p.128). This form of communication is similar to that of texting because many people, especially teenagers, will text one another if they don't want someone else to hear their conversation. M.T. Anderson does an excellent job of relating our society to that of Feed's.
The repition I found most interesting in the novel was about the empty boat picture. Why does the author thoroughly describe the empty boat painting in the hospital room? Anderson later describes another picture, "Ships at sea. Old-time faces, painted without smiles or anything, dressed in black...," (p. 195). I found it extremely interesting, the opposite paintings mentioned, one boat empty and one boat full. Why does the author include these paintings and do they have any symbolism?
After reading this book, I find that Anderson's predictions may be close to our future's reality, although I hope not. I agree with Emily, the choice of using the technology is a major factor in our society's future. I also like Anderson's portrayal of Violet's character. At the beginning of the book I was somewhat annoyed by her outlook on other people, but the author's descriptions of her point of view made me soon love her personality. For example, the list of things she wished to do truly displayed the type of person Violet is. Also, Violet's chat to Titus(p.276), has a lot of voice within it. M.T. Anderson does a wonderful job in illustrating Violet's character.
Lindsey makes a good point by connecting the similarity between texting and chatting. That connection helps show the link between modern times and the future and emphasizes how closely associated the times are. It is almost scary to think that eventually our world will be remarkably similar to theirs.
Another thing I noticed was how alike the kids from "Feed" are to teenagers nowadays. Just the way they mess with each other and talk about parties makes you feel like you have a connection with the teenage charactors from "Feed".
One thing I really enjoyed about reading "Feed" was that you had to work to put together the unexplained details. I makes the book more interesting and it makes the reader want to continue. Macke amde a good point by pointing this out.
Sam did an excellent job interpreting the quote "We're sorry, Violet Durn. Unfortunately, FeedTech and other investors reviewed your purchasing history, and we don't feel that you would be a reliable investment at this time," (195). I always saw it as she was so damaged it would not be worth reparing her, but Sam pointed out that the only reason she wasn't helped was because she did not purchase enough items through her Feed.
I realized the same point as Chris. It often shocked me as how many personal connections I found with the characters in the novel. With this being more of a futuristic novel, honestly I expected the characters to be very peculiar and completely different from anyone I know.
Also, as Lindsey mentioned, I noticed that chatting was similar to texting. Teenagers today tend to text each other when they can't say something aloud. In the novel, when Violet was saying the wrong thing about the Coke product Anderson wrote, "Everyone was looking at her. I could feel them chatting each other, saying that was stupid" (pg. 161). As ridiculous as it is, kids now text each other in the same room, as well. Thus, just showing that currently technology is just one step behind this book.
Feed is a very interesting book. I like how the author came up with all these different phrases like "unit" and "meg" it really connected with me. The characters remind me of teenagers today but using different neologisms. Most of the characters, as of right now, seem to be very dependent on their feed like we are with computers. I have a feeling that Violet is going to change how Titus feels about the feed.
The "feeds" are controlled by corporations and I see this happening in our society, too. Everywhere we look there are advertisements, like the "banners" on the feed. The affect what we buy depending on their appeal to the human eye. We buy things based on if we like them or not, so the goal of big businesses it to make us think their product is more valuable. One way they do this is by repeating their ads. They try to place their adds in commercials, newspapers, billboards, the internet, and etc. Commercials are the most common advertisement and are often repeated like on their feeds. Every time they see a store or something from a certain store, the feed pops up an ad for the clothes so they can order them.
The first thing I noticed when I first started reading Feed was the vocabulary. Words such as unit, null, and brag were unfamiliar to me, and a little confusing. I soon got used to it though, after reading for a little while. I think the words M.T. Anderson chose to use really does help paint a believable future. I haven’t gotten too far into the novel yet, but I can already notice a few things. Characters such as Titus and Violet seem different from the rest. They don’t seem as if they are as comfortable with the feed as their friends are. Violet challenges the Feed everyday by trying to confuse it of her wishes and wants. Titus just seems as if he is unsure. For example on page 73 Titus is talking to Violet and states “People have just gone so quick back to like before.” As Dany, Lindsey and some others stated before. I am also curious to know what the symbolism of the boat is. M.T. Anderson mentions it more than once and even devotes a chapter to it. So far I think Feed is intriguing and I want to learn more about this different world.
I agree with Cristina. The vocabulary was the first thing in the book to grab my attention, it confuses me sometimes. I understand that Feed is written as it takes time in the future but null, unit, brag, and mal were a little hard to fully understand. These new words make the book fun to read though, like since it's so different than a normal book it is entertaining to see how MT Anderson is going to word the rest of the adventure.
Kelsey, I agree about the vocabulary. It makes the book much more fun to read because it's not so predictable. It would be interesting to see if these words would catch on if we started using them in our everyday conversations.
The first thing that caught my eye was the quote "We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck." (pg.3) In my opinion it is the perfect first line for a book. It sets the futuristic tone and also gives away the honesty of the narrator.
Cloning also came up in the book and it made me wonder how far off M.T Anderson is. We have already successfully cloned sheep and other animals so how long before we move on to humans?
Throughout the entire novel I also wondered exactly what Allie was. The book really doesn't seem too distant from some of the recent technological discoveries. I just question how long it will be until this book isn't considered "futuristic" anymore.
As I was reading Emily E's comment I started thinking more about the "banners" on the characters' "feeds". I found it interesting when Violet would just look at random merchandise just to throw off her "feed". I had to laugh at this because I realized I do this exact same thing. On the "itunes" program once you buy a song it will personally give you other suggestions based on that music you just bought. I am guilty of just picking a random song to buy just to confuse the program. My act is more of just out of personal entertainment and being bored, while Violet is pure rebellion. Nevertheless, I found this personal connection just another example of how close our world is becoming to theirs.
Lindsey, I agree with your connection of chatting, in their world, to texting, in our world. At one point, Titus, while missing his feed on the moon, he mentions, “Computers were all outside the body. They carried them around the outside of them, in their hands, like if you carried your lungs in a briefcase and opened it to breathe” (pg. 47). This comment caught my attention. When we use cell phones or chat on the computer, our actions are voluntary. In M.T. Anderson’s “Feed” world, all technology contact is completely involuntary, like breathing for us. I wonder, while reading, if I would like to live in this futuristic society. Everything anyone ever needed to know would be “ . . . at their fingertips, closer than their fingertips . . . ” (pg. 47). This would be useful at times. Then again, I do not always want my phone or computer attached to me at all times without my consent. I appreciate technology; I just want to be able to monitor my use. Therefore, my decision of me being in this high-technological world or not would be extremely difficult.
Later in the novel, I find a connection between myself and Violet. Every human is their own person for a reason. Why should you let a “corporation” make you, you? Violet finally pushes for a stop in this. “I’m not going to let them catalog me. I’m going to become invisible” (pg. 98). Violet merely wants to be her own person, not a person pushed into a personality other than her own. Soon after, though, her persistence against the “corporations” starts to fail her. Her “feedware is damaged” (pg. 90). Violet slowly gets worse and worse, yet she continues to go against her feed. I respect her for not being like everyone else, just chatting and moving on. She has made it different, teasing the “corporations.”
I made the same connection as Gloria about the iTunes program that chooses songs you should like. I think it is just a little creepy that something can look at the songs I bought and then tell me what else I should like. I also compared the chatting to texting. I am guilty of texting someone thats in the same room to point out something that I wouldn't say out loud.
I am still bothered by the facts that the author did not include. There is so much more that I would like to know about what happened to the world. I wish the author would have elaborated on that just a little. Glugs, I don't understand the whole "re:" thing either. What is all that about? Also, like glugs I am still wondering who the nudgers were. If anyone finds out please tell me what that was about.
I totally agree with Kya and CHris about how media is overtaking our lives and how Anderson's description of their society is just a more high-tech world than ours. CAn you ever go anywhere in public without seeing at least three people on their cellphones or carrying around their laptops? Our world is so dependant on the new inventions that if one of them breaks we are clueless of how to function without them. Even I personally will admit that if I happen to forget my cellphone it drives me crazy and I can feel lost or like I'm missing something. The technology included in the story just bothers me because no matter how high- tech our world becomes, people will not be flying up to the moon every friday to just hang out for fun.
After further text, I’m starting to see how ridiculous “fads” really are in today’s society and this futuristic one. The lesions are a prime example of the absurdity. In the beginning, it is obvious, through sarcasm, that these lesions were something to be embarrassed by. “Omigod! Like big thanks to everyone for not telling me that my lesion is meg completely spreading” (pg. 21). Later, famous people start making lesions popular, which makes them look “cool.” “ . . . she had a real low shirt on, to show off her lesion . . . “ (pg. 96). Eventually, to make herself look even more cool, Quendy gets fake lesions. “ . . . her whole skin was cut up with these artificial lesions. We were all just looking at her. They were all over her” (pg. 191). Why would anyone agree to have cuts put all over them just to be considered “cool”? I now know how bizarre and unnecessary random fashions are, especially when they last for only a short period. Why bother?
Immediately after being disconnected on the moon, Titus started feeling different. He had to re-learn how to communicate and think. Change is difficult, especially when it deals with something you’ve been practically addicted to for life. “ . . . I was currently disconnected from feednet, of course, and I was starting to get scared . . . ) (pg. 43). Maybe even experiencing withdrawal symptoms, Titus barely knows what to do without his technological connection to the world. I panic at the thought that technology could become my life. No one can predict the future. At the rate technology is advancing, this world may be a glimpse of our own future. As Titus is frightened by the withdrawal of his technology, I am frightened by the advance in technology. It is nothing we can stop; it is just something we have to wait to occur.
Marissa made a great point about the differences in our society today and the futuristic society of "Feed". I liked how she pointed out that the use of our technology today is strictly voluntary. We have the right to decide when we want to get on the computer, text, make phone calls, etc. It is a freedom that is not always recognized but ever since reading "Feed" I am thankful to be able to take a break from technology.
Marissa, I totally agree that the lesions were a rediculous fad. While reading about Quendy's lesions I wondered how anyone could possibly do that to themselves, but I realize maybe that is where we're headed. I mean look at all the unnecessary cosmetic surgeries that are being performed. In the beginning, I'm sure people thought it was stupid to put unnatural materials in their bodies, and some still do, but look at all the people who are doing it. Is that so different from the lesions? I guess what I'm trying to say is that while the lesions trend was a little toward the extreme side, I think Anderson was using them to portray some of the fads we already have.
I agree with Gloria that chatting is like texting for us. They use that more than regular talking just like we use texting. Titus even tries to chat Violet when they are in his upcar rather than just talking to her. She finally makes Titus talk to her in person. I agree with her that chatting/ texting is not as personal as talking out loud. If we become so dependent on texting, human communication skills will atrophy.
I finished the part where Violet asks FeedNet to help her pay for her bills When they declined aid to her I was so upset. They told ner no because she wasn't profiled in their network. All of the corporations want each person to be catagorized into a certain group. If this is what happens to our future, I will be devastated. Everyone has the right to be their own person. No one should have to conform to a certain group because each person is different.
I also have one thing that got my attention. On Violet's list, she mentions talking tpo her grandkids. "20. I to tell her about when her mama used to do when she was just hatched" (232). This leads me to believe that humans come out of eggs. Maybe someone could clear this up for me, I was just a little confused.
I agree with the connection Emily E. has made about advertisements. What if all the billboards we see were in our head? Most advertisements are pushing or persuading us to go somewhere, buy something, etc. In “Feed”, each person’s feed is putting that billboard or commercial up in their head, which surpasses today’s form of persuading. For example, when in the mall, Titus admitted that “Bebrekker & Karl were bannering us [Titus and Violet] big” (pg. 99). The constant commercials, whether wanted or not, continue to go through their feeds every second they walk through the mall together.
I also agree with Greg. If our society would every come to this, the human race would never seem to live up to the corporation’s standards. For instance, for lack of funding, teachers were let go and were replaced by holograms (pg. 234). Often, the teenagers get an update, through their feed, telling them that style has changed. “Quendy and Loga went off to the bathroom because hairstyles had changed” (pg. 20). The constant updates with sales and changes are now regular to these future teens and making them completely reliant on the corporations.
This novel was extremely catchy, and I enjoyed the future setting. This made me well aware on how dependent people, especially teens, are on technology. Most people you see either have their phone in their hand or connected to their ear, via Bluetooth. We all have to wonder when the technological advances push to the extremes, like in “Feed”.
As Marissa mentioned, the updates through their feeds often showed fashion trends and latest styles. One of the "fads" that really astonished me was the lesions. Quendy showed up at the party with them all over her body. I just couldn't believe it came to actually having to cut your body to be cool.
As i finished the book, the one line that stood out really didn't even have to do with the future or technology at all. This line just seemed to wrap up the whole book for me though. It was when Titus was describing his hologram teacher, "If you don't look right at them, they can look just like an empty shell" (235). To me this says if you don't give someone a chance and you just judge them, you will never truly know them. This is how Titus' friends treat Violet throughout the book. Titus is the only one that takes the time to fully grasp her personality therefore his friends only see her as "an empty shell".
I agree with Gloria's statement that cutting the body to make lesions is an unusual way to make yourself cool.
However, despite the lesions being different I think it would be really annoying to have a feed. Honestly having commercials constantly running through your head would be distracting. Think of the bothersome pop- ups a computer gets when it gets a virus, now imagine that nonstop in your brain. M.T. Anderson really surprises me with his writing. I do have a question though, what does this "re:" stuff mean? Titus uses it when he speaks to his mom about Violet when his parents think he has a problem.
I like Marissa's observation of change. The way Titus changes when he is hacked is disappointing. To see how much the feed distracts from reality is almost pathetic. These feeds are filling the minds with business and money, almost how our propaganda and billboards do these days, but the fact that just a few days without the feed, Titus and the others did not have any clue how to function. Staring at a picture of a boat made them clueless because they didn't exactly know what it was and if they did they had no way of knowing how to connect to anything because their feed wasn't there to directly tell them how.
Gloria did a great job of analyzing the quote, "If you don't look right at them, they can look just like an empty shell" (235). It sums up one of the main themes of the novel which is judgement and conformity.
The lesions somewhat remind me of tattoos in our society. They are both medical procedures which involves pain as a form of self expression. Although, the lesions seem a bit more rediculous because tattoos are art and the lesions are just open wounds. It's still the same concept of changing your body.
Kelsey’s right, The Feed, in this novel, is basically the futuristic version of advertisements constantly displaying prices and information about items corporations think you’ll like after they determine what type of personality you have. The corporations are only worried about your money. They try to squeeze every penny out of you by marketing new products and establishing new fads. Personally I would never have one installed because, as stated by violet numerous times in the novel, they create a world without knowledge. The Feed turns human beings into computers, allowing them to search any topic they wish in the blink of an eye. Titus even stated that school is primarily a seminar on how to better utilize the feednet. How can education exist in a world full of computers?
It would truly disappoint me if our society sank to this state in the future, rather than using advancements and new technologies for something more helpful to the human race. I agree that feeds are just like texting, and that the lesions were a very strange and bizarre fad, even though they are similar to tattoos.
One thing that I like about how Anderson wrote the novel was all the creative ways he connected his characters to modern day teens. They weren't very different than us now, besides the feed. They still party, follow trends, and get addicted to technology the way we do now.
I also liked the authors' use of irony. For example, Violet's innocent experiment with the feed companies' categorization system ends up killing her in the end - a result that could never have been foreseen.
The final thing about Anderson's style that stood out to me was how he took present day issues and magnified them to provide a warning to his readers. For example, he takes the problem of wastefulness we have nowadays and enlarges it so that in his book, Titus' family threw out their whole dinning room set after eating! He also addressed problems with pollution, politics, and technology addiction.
Overall, I love the strength of the messages the book sends its readers, even if I wasn't crazy about the main storyline.
After completing this novel, I couldn’t help but be the slightest bit frightened for our future. When you consider how far technology has already come, it isn’t crazy to think that it could potentially ruin our planet as well as its inhabitants, just as the novel portrays. It’s a horrible thing to think about, I know, but technology is meant to simplify everyday life, just look around you, automobiles, televisions, and even microwaves all make life simpler, but there’s always a hidden expense. Cars are awesome, but they pollute the environment and are destroying our planet’s ozone layer. I love television, like most people, but there creating a world full of lazy coach potatoes who would rather sit in front of the TV and eat a tub of ice cream then go out for a jog. As for microwaves, well there great inventions, but they emit small amounts of radiation and I don’t think I’ve cooked a meal for myself since home economics class in the seventh grade. As you can see, technology is destroying our environment a little bit at a time and with every advancement it makes people become lazier and the environment dies just a little more. It’s scary to think that, one day, technology might advance so much that we may live in a world where natural vegetation no longer exists, oceans are so polluted that you can’t swim in them, baby’s can be made in test tubes, and humanity becomes incompetent because people can just search for answers on the feednet rather than actually learn something.
Throughout the book I could not believe that Violet was the only one out of all the main characters that questioned the Feed and saw it for what it really was. It almost seemed as if most of Titus’s friends had been brain washed by the Feed. And I guess they basically were. If not for the Feed none of them would be able to really function properly. It makes me wonder why anyone would even let it be installed in them in the first place. Who would want something such as the Feed to have so much power over there life. For example like Violet said, “You don’t have the Feed! You are the Feed! You’re being eaten! You’re raised for food! Look at what you’ve made yourselves” (pg.160). This is a very powerful line for me at this moment Violet is being completely honest and telling everyone exactly what they need to hear. Instead of realizing she is right though they just get embarrassed and think she is weird. One thing that shocked me in the book was when Violet gets sick and asks the Feed Company to fix her Feed for free, and they flat out reject her because they were not able to classify her. They look at her as a bad investment and not even a person. I could not believe that instead of paying to fix her Feed they would rather let her suffer and die. Another thing that angered me in the book was Titus. I actually started of liking his character, but I soon found myself thinking he was a complete jerk after the way he treated Violet when she was sick. I know he was scared of her dying but he shouldn’t of just abandoned her in the time she needed him most.
Overall I think this book really shows how much power the media can have over are lives. M.T. Anderson has created such a scary future to even think about. But like many others have said before it is not too far away from the truth now. Sometimes we can get so sucked into what the media has to offer. We always want to newest coolest cell phone, computer, I-pod exc. We always want to keep up with the newest trends, no matter how crazy they seem. In away corporations already control a small aspect of our lives. They know what we, want make it and then we buy it. We have to be careful not to let them have too much power, or we might just end up with something as similar and as scary as the Feed. Not only does M.T. Anderson touch on the power the media has over us but he also shows what our environment could end up as if we are not careful. Not only were there no real forests, but the oceans were in bad conditions as well. If we want the environment to be healthy in the future we need to start trying to fix it now. I hope that in the future the world will never be as bad as it was described in this book.
Anderson’s connection between modern day issues and his futuristic dilemmas is remarkable. He uses his characters to establish a relationship with modern day teenagers, and, most importantly, he utilizes Violet to represent morality, what he believes America should truly stand for. In the novel, Anderson creates a futuristic persona of the modern day teenager’s life by involving drug use, relationships, fads, and parties. He establishes a foundation for his characters by describing their personalities and, then, involves them in contemporary situations. His use of slang to represent the age of his characters is very thorough as well; I cold even see a difference between the slang Titus used and the slang his parents used. As Glu has already stated, Irony does play a major factor in this novel, It leads to the entire downfall of, one of the most influential characters, Violet—the only character standing up for her beliefs and trying to fight the Feed. The Feed, on the other hand, represents what is wrong with the world, what corporations use to control people and advertise there products. These corporations could care less about a person’s welfare as long as that person buys there products. Anderson’s use of symbolism is very well thought out as well. The last paragraph of many chapters left me a bit confused because it would go off topic and discus something, seemingly, unrelated, but after pondering the reason for this I realized that, more often than not, it was meant to form a relationship with the topic at hand. An example of symbolism found in the book was after Titus was hacked and was lying in the hospital staring at a picture of a boat at sea without a captain. The boat was meant to symbolize Titus and the missing captain was meant to symbolize his Feed. It was meant to show that Titus was no longer being controlled by his Feed just as the boat wasn’t being controlled by its captain. Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and especially the hidden messages the author conveyed.
I agree with Michael's comment about Feed. The way Anderson uses every word to get his point out is magnificant. Violet is true morals and is someone Titus needs to learn from. Everyone with the feeds are just your typical people that live off of the media and advertisements and don't realize the difference between work and play. Also, the feed is the media's way of reaching out to the characters to overtake their minds so they spend their money on something that seems to be wonderful. However, Violet notices that what the feeds advertise is not anything special, just material goods with no meaning. That is the difference between her and Titus. Titus, when he gets his new car, yes he acts selfish, but he doesn't realize the real part of any of it. He accepts the gift and takes advantage of it. He reads the "banners" that the feed shows him of which car is "better". Titus cannot make a decision for himself, he dwells off of what his feed tells him.
I recently finished reading this book and I must say that it goes in my top selection of books. I say this because this book isn't really action packed to the extreme but it still gives you a trill.
At first it was hard to stick with because there are words in the book that aren't used in the same context that we use them in, such as pg. 35 "She was like,'Da da da? Da da!'" I found this really interesting because I connected it to the way that we use 'Blah' when we aren't really paying attention or don't want to pay attention.
Also, I like how to the readers, the Feed is the ultimate device of domination that the media has come up with while to all characters, minus Violet, the Feed is totally normal 'and like meg awesome'.
Overall, I found this book fun to read and I would definately reccomend it to others.
This work of fiction is not too far from the truth. His description of the world to come is only a slight exaggeration of what today's society is all about. Anderson subversively, and sometimes blatantly, states that corporations and the media have too much power over the consumer and the consumer's actions. The corporations influence the teenagers in Feed by direct contact (the Feed) and indirect contact (the fact that the corporations have so much control over the politics in the United States). These same tactics are used today, only in a different way. Instead of "Feeds" we have commercials, and though today's corporations don't have as much power in politics as the corporations in Feed, they still influence our country's political decisions. Not only are his predictions accurate, but the way he depicts the American teenager is also dead on. Take, for example, these lines, "Link was playing with the seat like an asshole. . . . whenever he[Marty] leaned out to get his bird, Link would slam his seat back like meg hard and it would go bam on Marty's face, and they would start laughing." I can't even remember how many times a situation like this has come up with me and my friends. Of course it's all fun and games, but ultimately someone always ends up taking it too serious and gets mad about it; Titus in this case. The reason I really injoyed reading this book, though, was because of the humor. One of my favorite lines was, ". . . people are laughing and they're chatting, and things are great,and it's just like in a commercial for jeans, or something with nougat." Overall, this was a fun and eye-opening book with lots of lines to keep me entertained.
ReplyDeleteI can totally agree with what Chris said- media had too much power over our lives and inevitably future generations. Another aspect of Feed that captured my attention was how the characters have no concept of the past. Anderson writes, "... they had to use their hand and their eyes. Computers were all outside the body. They carried them around outside of them, in their hands, like if you carried your lungs in a briefcase and opened it to breathe." The teenagers in this novel believe that "the Feed" is naturally part of their body and think it is silly to have to have carried a computer. I mean how restricting and frustrating would it be to carry around your lungs each day, not to mention having to constantly open and close it to breathe. And this is how Titus sees the computers of today. They are obviously hugely important to the future. The way M.T. Anderson wrote this simile completely clarified how the people of the future believe they would be inconvenienced without internal computers. It is sad to think that our society will possibly come to this. Today, there are researchers and professors studying the effects of too much technology on teenagers. Imagine the problems that would arise if there were computers imbedded in all people brains and there was no limiting power. Kids would never stop playing games, gossiping, looking at inappropriate websites, and purchasing unnecessary junk. The world would be full of walking "zombies". Just think, you go to a party and all you see is bunch of teenagers dazing off in to space. Okay, so maybe they are "chatting" to each other, but there is no human interaction- just computer interaction. How would a party be any different from any other day? I mean, you would still play games, listen to music, and chat to others even if you couldn't physically see your friends. There would be no point in going to see others. I was stunned that the characters think that not having “the Feed” would be like having to hold your organs and I hope that I never think this way.
ReplyDeleteI am only a third of the way through is book and I already can tell I will thoroughly enjoy the rest. The issues presented make today's problems stand out that much more. Because the issues are exaggerated from their current status today, it is easy to recognize them and then relate the basic complications to your own life. Feed really makes you think about how what we are doing today affects tomorrow.
Chris and Kya both make excellent points. It is frightening to think that one day the minds of our future children will be controlled by the "large corporations," or governments. Everyone's personalities would all be catagorized, making it easier for advertising purposes through the feed. With the corporations having this much controll, individuality and uniqueness would be lost, engendering everyone to be the same. The one thing that I am curious about, is if the feed calculates everything you like and constantly gives you updates on the new sales, then how does one manage their spending? Of course, all will try to limit their spending just like in today's world, but this constant advertising would just make spending and poverty rates expand. Anderson does an outstanding job of paralleling our society with the community in Feed. In doing so, he illustrates how similar the two societies are, and makes me wonder, how much longer will it be till America becomes that technologically dependent? As we found in one situation of Feed, most rely too much on the technology to function without it. What would happen if there was a malfunciton or virus in every feed throughout the country? Would it be considered an epic crisis, or would everyone live in fear until the feed was fixed? While quick technology now in your brain instead of at your finger tips, can be a time and energy saving advantage, it may also cause extreme and unhealthy dependency.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoy Anderson's unique style of writing. One of the scene's that was most intriguing was when Titus and Violet are talking about their past in the hospital room. They described their middle school fashion styles. For instance, "like the year when the big fashion from L.A. and shit was that everyone wanted to dress like they were in elderly convalescent home." When I first read this I found it to be hilarious, but then realized we also have our strange fashions that we will one day look back upon and laugh. The humor in Anderson's writing makes Feed even more enjoyable to read. So far, this book has kept me entertained and makes me realize how our society could one day turn in to the society of Feed.
Feed, by M.T. Anderson is a futuristic novel that follows the lives of a group of teenagers. These teens are pretty much alike the kids now days, but just a couple hundred years ahead. They use different sayings and phrases, such as "unit". These words represent changes in now day language and show how they will continue to differ in the future. Their names are also a bit more odd and not common to our current time period. Just like the present, names drift in and out of being common. No one really knows what the future could hold, but this book seems not too far off what might happen.
ReplyDeleteMostly everyone has a "feed" implanted into their brain and it is considered not normal to not have a feed. It affects their whole body, almost like an organ, like Kya stated. The feeds are like mini computers telling the person everything they would want to know. Even commercials and sales are notifications that run through the feed. These are a break off of our commercials on television today, which also shows that the future is not totally differnt in every way. The feeds also provide one of the only entertainment devices that the people rely on. After awhile, the feeds almost become persuasive in what the person buys and does. Just this factor alone could corrupt a society at any given time.
The cities are also described as different, like traveling in tubes and upcars. People can also "chat" which is exactly what people do today on computers. The novel shows examples of what the characters mention 'old fashion' things like computers and cars, and act as if they were really old. As technology advances quickly in the present, it does the same in the future. Sometimes, technology can get too out of control and people start to rebel. An example is Violet in the novel. Her feed is malfunctional and it will affect her whole life, or maybe even end it. This shows that the feeds are not flawless, even though they seem like normal, everyday devices.
I believe that these "feeds" are going to be very hard to get rid of because they are run by huge corporations and it is just a part of everyday life. I am not yet done with the novel but I have a feeling the feeds are going to slowly tear apart the futuristic society.
While reading this book, I could not help but constantly see the similaries between our society and the one presented in the book. Our nation is obsessed with the internet's capabilites and having it everywhere. We have WiFi in our restaurants, on our phones, and I think I remember hearing something about the internet on a camera... This book adds a more convieniant location to this list: our brains. The thing that I find interseting though, is that, to me, this idea does not seem too far off. Our society is always looking for ways to improve and make our daily lives slightly easier then they already are. It is only a matter of time before someone finds a way to install the interent into our brains. Though this would be a break through way to access the World Wide Web, after reading the book, I do not think it would be a good idea at all. The characters never seemed to be able to hold an actual conversation with one another. There was always the option of chatting and everyone would be able to go off into their own worlds and watch the Feed. If this was reality, it would drive people farther apart than they already are becoming.
ReplyDeleteOne aspect of the book that was interesting to me was Violet's whole character. She represented the bridge between our world and the one found in Feed. Her malfunctioning, however, almost seemed like a warning by M.T. Anderson that if we keep spending and consuming and wasting resources like we currently are, the outcome will not be pretty. Also, the list that she made of the things she wanted to do to live, reminded me of the world today. It was as if Anderson was telling readers to be content with what we have now and to not neglect the earth.
Anderson's style of writing was intriguing, fitting with the characters and the world they lived in. The idea of the Feed and the not-too-distant-future feel the book had was a completely different outlook on the earth's future; one that I have not heard of. This book was definitely worth reading.
Tori has made an interesting comment on how M.T. Anderson is warning us by incorporating Violet's character and the list she made. I believe Tori's interpretation is quite accurate. Violet wishes she could do things that are completely normal to us. I agree with Tori that Anderson included this so we realize that the simple activities we have now are actually extremely valuable.
ReplyDeleteIn the middle section of this novel, Violet starts her new project- resisting the feed. She has figured out that the corporation has been placing everybody into a few personality types in order to make selling products easier. By showing interest in several items but not buying them, Violet is trying to make herself impossible to place into one of the categories. This brings up questions like, "Should we resist the constant advertising pouring in from the screens we continually focus on?" People have become so attached to the internet that the advertisements continuously popping up must have some impact on what people purchase. Between cell phones, iPods, television, computers, and signs all around us, we can not escape the pressure to buy the newest, coolest gadget out there. Why is our society so focused on physical possessions? It is all about being cool and having the newest and most expensive products. In Feed the reader is able to see how the teenagers rely on their feeds to bring them the newest trend, style, or toy. For example, Riotgear was suddenly "in" one day and Titus's friends had already replaced their wardrobe with the new line. Smell Factor is another example of how people concentrated on their possessions. One day he was clutching a metal bird one day and the next he had practically forgotten about it. I can easily see how this correlates to our society. Although toy and clothes do not go out of style in one day, we still keep our credit cards pretty busy. So, how do we resist the temptations to purchase the new gadgets that everyday life presents us? There are multiple possibilities, but I believe it is something each individual must figure out on their own. Everyone will have their own technique that will help them from overspending and giving in to today’s “feed”.
After reading more of Feed, I discovered more about Violet. One could tell that she cares very much about what the world will end up like. Even though she will not be around in the far future, she believes that what is happening could ruin the society as technology advances. Violet shows her feelings boldly and only wants Titus to care for her. She really gets hurt when Titus ignores her and her friends talk bad about her. Violet's home life is also not stable, so her friends mattered to her very much.
ReplyDeleteBecause her feed is malfunctional, I think she gets the bigger picture of what the world is turning into. She could die any day, so her look at life is changing quickly. In the beginning, it was mentioned that she got her feed at an older age than usual, so it was opt to more problems. She got one to fit in and make life easier, but realized it was destroying humanity day by day. Her effort to rebel against the feed was hard worked, but her weaknesses at the end made it limited.
I also agree with Kya and Tori about how Violet was clever in her ways of resisting the feed. She really did try and it helped her cause. Violet also changed Titus's personality a lot, but in a subdued way. He became more sensitive and caring. Titus did agree with some of the ways Violet rebelled against the feeds, but was still a little bit stuck in the technological world. He liked the idea of the advances to make life easier and disliked learning. On the other hand, he thought it was odd that Violet read and wrote, which was almost a thing of the past. The two characters are different in so many ways, but alike just enough to work together to survive the fast changing atmosphere.
Andrea makes an excellent point, because Violet may soon die, she cherishes the smaller aspects of life. Violet has a better outlook on life compared to others which is shown through some of her dialogue. For instance, she states, "You toss something up in the air, and you expect it to come back down again, (p. 175)." Titus, on the other hand, has no idea what she means by this. This is my favorite quote so far in the novel. To me, this quote is expressing how one makes an action and automatically expects a certain result, but sometimes life throws you for a loop.
ReplyDeleteAnderson has a unique way of comparing the future to our present. The author constantly displays the technology changes, but in one case, he also includes atmospheric differences, "We flew over gray piles and gray piles and gray piles toward home, (p.172)." One can see the pollution in today's society, but at this rate, our community will end up with mounds of garbage, like those in Feed.
One of Anderson's techniques of writing I found most interesting was when he described a conversation between Titus and Violet. On page 213, the discussion is told as, "I said I had to go. She said she'd see me later." Instead of the use of dialogue, Anderson writes using, "I said," or "she said," hinting at the characters emotions. Rather than clearly stating that the characters are acting awkward or uncomfortable around each other, Anderson portrays the emotions through his description of their conversation. The author's style of writing is keeping the book very entertaining.
Lindsey, I completely agree with what you have written. The quote you have picked out is exceptionally strong and your interpretation is excellent. When I read Violet's statement, I loved how it stuck out from everything else. At first you think it does not belong in the conversation at all, but then, when you think about it, it makes complete sense. I also like how M.T. Anderson had Titus not understand what Violet said. I think this shows how society has progressed in bad ways perfectly. The people in Feed never have to think about what is said to them, so when Violet adds something of this complexity, Titus does not know what to do. He is not used to needing to internalize others' thoughts to understand them. Instead, he lets the comment blow past him and simply admits he has no clue what she said (and seems to not care). It is definitely one of my favorite quotes from this novel.
ReplyDeleteLike Lindsey discovered, I also noticed that throughout the book Anderson frequently uses "He said" and "She said" followed by a synopsis of the conversation, instead of telling the reader exactly what was communicated. Often, I wondered if the "synopsis" was actually exactly what was said and Anderson just wanted to present in a different way to bring attention to it. Whatever the case, the writing style of this novel captures readers. Another technique Anderson employs is the use of short sentences. There are multiple instances where a chapter is finished by a three to four word sentence. This makes the last part of that section seem profound and forces the readers to dwell on these thoughts, enabling them to find the deeper meaning.
After reading this novel, I am thoroughly impressed. The plot, writing style, characters, and setting all work together incredibly to create a story that has significant meaning. Although this book set in the future, I believe it is truly about the present. M.T. Anderson used the future to reveal the problem with today's society. Not only are the physical complications identified but also the mental struggles. One can easily see how pollution and excessive technology affect the human brain and the world around us just by paying attention to the "gray piles" and feed issues Anderson mentions so often. Yet, Anderson does not stop there. He continues to show readers that teenagers, even adults and kids are caught in the grasp of the today's advertising world in order to feel accepted. Although the situation is exaggerated from today's status, the lesson can still be learned. Violet's father explains to Titus that he didn't want his family to have feeds. He goes on to say that while in a job interview he was "chatted" by his possible employers, but without a feed he was unable to hear what they said. In order to be accepted by the rest of society he buys a feed. He also lets Violet get one, knowing that it will be the only way for her to survive in the world around them- which is ironic because the feed is what threatens Violet's life. Why do we shun people who do not have everything we do? Why do we need everything we have? Our priorities have been skewed by the constant hammering of advertisements, which makes us think that we need certain items to be accepted. Anderson's ability to tie in the mental aspect of this surprised me.
One of my favorite characters is Violet. The main reason for this is because she resists the feed but also tries so hard to be accepted by Titus and his friends. One would think that since she is purposely making herself different from everyone else by creating an "invisible" person, she would not care about what Titus' friends think about her. But, she does- a lot. This contradiction makes her character profound. This novel has been enjoyable and entertaining to read.
Honestly, when I first started reading the beginning chapters, I immeadiately thought of iphones and Blackberries as a direct comparisan of a feed. Not only was I creeped out about how much these two devces were like the feed but I was stunned by how close Titus' present could just as easily be our future.
ReplyDeleteAlso on the same note, I agree with Chris' first comment on how corporations and media have too much power in the world. As I stated before, apple could just as well be the feedtech of our future. But if this were to ever happen, would we have to have the feed to survive since all the major companies would switch to its technology, leaving anyone/thing wthout it behind?
Okay, so it was only this morning that I started reading Feed and I have already finished part two. Something that really struck me was his writing style. It suprised me at first because I was expecting something not so...'in your face'. If that makes any sense. What I really have a question about is what is the signifigance of the boat painting on the hospital wall? Does it foreshadow future events of the book or a big change in Titus?
ReplyDeleteP.s- I agree with Greg that blackberries are like the Feed in our society today. And yes it is scary. I used to have a blackberry and I could find almost anything from movie times to the cost of an out of country vacation. And it scared me when I realized that I was looking at info that someone had deliberately (if I spelled that right) placed there for me to see. I made me think of a world where we take Feed from people like Dr. Phil and Operah and I don't think I could survive in a society like that.
I finished Feed a couple of days ago, and I was confused about some parts of it. Who were the people that invaded his dreams and promised him a lizard and other various items? Was that really just a dream? If it really had significance why didn't the author say much about it later in the book? Another part that I wanted to know more about was what was causing all the lesions and skin peeling?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was reading this book, I didn't know how the characters didnt find the ridiculous amount of commercials going through their heads annoying. I would hate to have something inside my head that tried to sell me random objects that I don't need.It also bothered me to read about the school system in the society and how it taught them about sales and stuff like that.
Also, I didn't really feel like the main character learned anything. I guess at the end he was sad that Violet died, but he wasn't there when she was suffering. He still relied on the feed and that really annoyed me.
After recently finishing the book, I found Feed to be an extremely interseting novel. MT Anderson's writing incorporated a great blend of humor and seriousness to relay the theme to the reader. In the reading I came across numerous intstances where Anderson hints at current issues in today's society and although exaggerated, I believe they convey important messages.
ReplyDeleteLooking first at Allison's question regarding the lesions, I assumed it was a fad. Suspposedly, having lesions was something cool and popular at that point in time, and peeling skin and loosing hair was a result of this fad being taken to the extreme. However, lurking behind this imagery was a suddle hint of behavior in today's society where people literally go under the knife and cut away at themselves to transform their appearance. Lesions were a representation of the many kinds of plastic surgeries there are today, and further touches at the subject of how our society overlooks natural beauty in attempt to conform to the attractive images displayed in the media. I further noticed these quiet messages in a few passages from the book. On page 16 it mentions "Quendy and Loga went off to the bathroom because hairstyles had changed." This quote is an additional indication of how people, women and teenagers especially, subject themselves to modifying their appearance due to the ever changing trends displayed in the media/feed.
Page 120-"The sun was rising over foreign countries, and underwear was cheap, and there were new techniques to reconfigure pecs, abs, and nipples, and the President of the United States was certain of the future, and at Weatherbee & Crotch there was a sale banner and nice rugby shirts and there were pictures of freckled prep-school boys and girls in chinos playing on the beach and dry humping in the eel grass, and as I fell asleep, the feed murmured to me again and again: All shall be well...and all shall be well...and all manner of things shall be well." Obviously stated are the words "and there were new techniques to configure pecs, abs, and nipples," however, I am struggling to break down the rest of the quote into possible meanings for what Anderson is trying to convey. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Anderson's book really opened my eyes to society and how horribly American society can end up. To the characters in the book, having computers implanted in their brains is normal, but to the reader, it is unnatural and disturbing. I would hate to live in a society completely controlled by the media. Instead of having a life based on individual goals and dreams as in today's society, Feed's America is all about having the newest and best upcar, gadget, or look. I completely agree (however harshly) with the other countries in the book threatening to take out this pointless society.
ReplyDeleteLike a. ball, I am left wondering about those who 'nudged' Titus in his dreams. I couldn't think of who it could be. Anyone have an idea?
Also like a. ball, I was disappointed with Titus' lack of change in regards to the feed. At first I thought this would be the type of book like Anthem - where they would eventually leave society and live independently, the way they thought best. But in the end, Titus doesn't seem to have learned anything, and finds nothing wrong with how his life is being run, regardless of the things Violet tells him. In fact, he seems to get annoyed or dismissive whenever Violet brings up the problems with their society or the terrible things happening in it. How could Titus be so stolid? Why doesn't he care? Is he so obsessed with his feed and being cool that he refuses to see its problems or a life without one?
In regards to Emily's quote, I think that Anderson mixed the advertisements with the current news (such as the President's view) to show that what is going on in the world is as important as the latest sales and trends. I believe Anderson is trying to show how their society revolves around material goods and selfishness (the feed only tells an individual what they want to hear, and what is directly relating to them), instead of things that should be taken more seriously, such as the future and the world outside of themselves. The ending of 'all shall be well' is the feed telling Titus what he wants to hear. Just my thoughts-other views would be appreciated!
Continuing the discussion on Emily's quote, I agree with Glugs. I believe the author was trying to convey how another day was starting in this wasteful society and nothing had changed or was showing any sign of changing. Or maybe, the fact that this society is so much like our own: ignorant about the future and ruled by materialistic dreams. The part of the quote that says, "...and the President of the United States was certain of the future..." is a little confusing. I can't tell if the president is certain for a better or worse outcome. If it is for a better outcome, then this part of the quote becomes ironic because as the reader we can predict what will probably be the result of this country, yet the president is so sure of a positive future. However, if the president is certain of a worse outcome, then why not share this vital information with the public? I can't figure that part out...
ReplyDeleteRegarding Glug's comparison to Anthem, I had the same predicitons. I was expecting total rebellion to the feed. However, I think Titus already knew everything that Violet was telling him, he was just too afraid to act upon them or do anything about it. He seems to represent many people in our world who know of the problem's we face in the future, yet go along with everyday life believing that they can never change anything about it. Does anyone have other views?
This novel along with novels such as 'Anthem' and 'The Giver' make me fear for the future. The authors of these novels have such a grim outlook for the future and it makes me worry about what the world will become. Although I share the fears of the authors, I wonder... does technology have to lead to tragedy? I mean, humans are smart so is it really necessary for us to let technology control our lives and let it tell us how to live like the characters in 'Feed'? I find that novels such as feed rarely shed light on the benefits of technology, rather than how it will lead to our demise. Maybe I'm just optimistic but I choose to imagine how technology will enhance our lives, not how it will end them. I agree that putting a "feed" is taking things a little far and there is no way I would let a computer that can be easily hacked into my brain, and I definitely would not want to live like the characters in 'Feed', but who's to say that's how society will end up? I think novels such as 'Feed' are important for us to realize that we can't let technology rule our lives, but I feel like there should be more novels about what the future COULD be like... without ending in tragedy.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I don't understand so far within the book is the lesions. Are the lesions a symbol that technology is making humans fall apart? Or does it even have anything to do with the technology of the future? Are the lesions symbolizing the total control of corporations? Plus I don't understand why the lesions are not being fixed by doctors if technology is so advance.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, is technology really helping the human race? By this I mean that even though technology is making our lives easier each day, is it not setting us up for a horrible downfall. In history class we discussed the flaw that made ancient civilizations collaspe or have a massive disaster, like the black plague. So in reality, if all of the computers in North America were to crash (maybe due to a terrorist attack) and we were plunged into darkness, wouldn't that have the same effect as a plague?
Kaity, I found my interpretation of 'Feed' to be very similar to yours. Although technology has its pros and cons, I did not find this book to be an accurate interpretation of our future society by any means. Books and novels, such as MT Anderson's writings, are meant to be exaggerated to the fullest extent in attempt to deeply impact the reader. I would presume that almost everyone has a care for our future, and to see it in such a state of demise would surely cause one to want to participate in a good change to better our world. These words, carefully crafted by writers, are attempts to make the reader step back and make comparisons between our society and a predicted corrupted world-thus, making Anderson's novel so compelling.
ReplyDeleteThough, it is obvious the correlation between our media today and the constant advertisements posted on the feed. Yet, I am not fully convinced that this would exist in our future society; at least one hopes. Although it is disgruntling to view the manipulations the media sets forth to the consumer, in the end, it is everyone's personal choice to oblige to the latest trends and gimmicks. Similarly to what Kaity has stated, I am in control of the personal decisions affecting how much technology influences my life. This theory also relates to Violet and her father-two people who chose to combat the feed and rely on other sources of knowledge. Looking back, at least Anderson's novel depicted a United States retaining the same freedoms of personal choice found today. Despite the misrepresentation I believe 'Feed' credits to our future communities(especially in the respect of human intelligence and judgment), if a time like Anderson depicts were to fall upon us, all I would need is my freedom of choice to distinguish good technology from bad.
On a different note, I came across some more interesting quotes from the novel, and even through the author's fictitious plot, I found many passages could be linked to today's society. On page 219 Titus states, "It was like I kept buying these things to be cool, but cool was always flying just ahead of me, and I could never exactly catch up to it. I felt like I'd be running toward it for a long time." Relating to this quote, I notice how alike Titus and his friends are with the teenagers I am surrounded by. Multiple times I have witnessed and been personally guilty of wanting the latest and greatest "thing" to fit in with what is popular and cool. In reality, however, dwelling on materialism makes you no more or less "better", or "cool". I appreciate Anderson for incorporating a quote to make others realize just how materialistic our world is. Somewhat similar to Titus's quote is the following passage: "'We Americans,' he said, 'are interested only in the consumption of our own products. We have no interest in how they were produced,...what happens to them once we discard them, once we throw them away'" (pg 228). Upon reading this section , it reminded me of how wasteful our society can truly be and the ignorance some display toward its effects. Another indication of Anderson displaying this thought is on page 106 when at the end of a dinner scene Titus's family dispose of everything-including the kitchen table.
Other quotes I made note of and are open to interpretation include: "You know, I think death is shallower now. It used to be a hole you fell into and kept falling. Now it's just blank" (pg 188-Violet). "There's an ancient saying in Japan, that life is like walking from one side of infinite darkness to another, on a bridge of dreams. They say that we're all crossing the bridge of dreams together. That there's nothing more than that. Just us, on the bridge of dreams" (pg 233).
The writing style of M. T. Anderson for this book is very unique. Well, not so much the writing style as just the writing outside the dialog, because it's exactly the same as in the dialog. You get no break from the "brag"s and "meg"s and "like"s. It grows to be exasperating very quickly. Though, it did seem to fall off a bit as the book went on, which is good, for if it had continued I wouldn't have kept reading.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that irked me quite considerable was the statement, "like if you want to know which battles of the civil war George Washington fought in," (pg. 39). With that I automatically hated several people in this book who are unnamed. They have butchered American history and that infuriated me to a tremendous extent. The giant corperations in this book not only are screwing with the life style, economy, and every other thing that could change in America, but they altered what was set in stone. They somehow changed things in out history, probably because people started to become to stupid to notice, and to unobservent to care. It is disgraceful what happened to the people with the feed. They became nothing, just objects set out in the crumbling world to buy products that are completely unnecessary. You can't call them consumers, because consumers are people or organizations that use a commodity or service. With what is going on with the inhabitants of Feed, it is difficult to consider them really people.
As I finished the novel a week or two ago, I realized that I agree with almost everyone that has posted a comment so far. The way M.T. Anderson wrote the book was to show what he thinks the future will be like and how bad/ good one may perceive it to be. Like Emily said, authors try to exaggerate pieces to catch the readers' attention and add details. The futuristic style does make a person think, but who knows what could ever happen. The future could end up somewhat like what was portrayed in the novel, Feed.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, it is fictional, so of course the truth is going to be stretched a bit. The characters pretty much act like they do now, but rely a little more on technology, as we continue to do everyday something new is invented. We as a society wait on the newest cell phone, or buy the smallest iPod. Even televisions continue to get bigger. This constant chain of inventions is good and bad in my opinion. As we create more, we find how to make our lives a little easier, one step at a time. Sometimes, these inventions even save people's lives. On the other hand, they cause multiple problems. People use their technological items to get ahead or show off their money. Disputes could be made about either side of the argument, but no one can really change the future by themselves. Even Violet and Titus tried and tried to get people to notice what was happening. What they were doing was too hard to convey and explain to people why the technology should be avoided in my opinion.
In the novel, Violet still reads and writes, which is a very uncommon thing to do in this time period. One could tell from the start that she is not one of those people totally absorbed in the advancement of technology. I do believe that people like her can change the outcome of the future, but the ones inventing these iPods, laptops, and cell phones are the ones that pretty much have the future set.
Now, society almost relies on these advancements as they do in the book; the future could easily end up almost identical to what M.T. Anderson showed in the novel the whole way through.
The timeline, I've noticed, is very off from what things are actually like. On page 184 Violet says in her list "their [her grandchildren's] great-great-great-grandfather fled Germany just before the Second World War." That would mean that the next generation of this plant will be about the generation with the feed. Now, this book is fiction, and the future will not get to this extent of bad. But in order for things to get to that extent, technology needs to get much better, but the commercialism could stay about the same.
ReplyDeleteLike several people have said, I thought this book would be about Titus and Violet fighting the feed, but they only fought it for a few chapters. So what was the point of them even fighting it if they weren't going to be consistent. Also, I agree with Sam about the usage of "like", "meg", "brag", etc. At first I couldn't understand what the characters were trying to say because the slang was heavy at the beginning. I am glad that the author cut back on it towards the end.
ReplyDeleteI want to know what happened to the outside world in this book. The author never mentioned why the houses were under protective bubbles or why there was so much physical damage happening to the people. I wish so much more was explained in this. I wondered why people didn't read or write anymore. How could the government let big corporations take over and rule? The government should have society's best interests in mind, so how could they let the world get so out of control?
As I was reading Andrea's comment, I had forgotten about the fact that very few were able to read and write anymore. I sincerely hope that that does not happen in the future. I cannot imagine the world if it didnt have books. I'm kind of angry about the fact that even in a fictional world they could live without reading. I mean, yes, they have feeds which makes reading and writing unnecessary, but I don't understand how they could allow themselves to stop reading and writing. What if the feeds all stopped working? Everyone would have had to be taught to do everything all over again. Violet and her father were very intelligent for continuing to read and write and make some decisions for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a. ball when I say that I want so much more explained about this book (has anyone figured out who the people in Titus' dreams were?), and when she asks how the government would let the corporations take over our country. I have to say that that part bothered me too. For example, I could never imagine our country allowing a private company to take over the schooling of our children, whether the government could pay for the schools or not. Surely, we would not allow school to become only another sales pitch, or a lesson on how to buy things - this is our future, and I don;t think anyone would let all those kids' minds go to waste.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in regards to an earlier blog from Sam, I don't think the companies have messed with the timeline or history directly. I just think that Titus, because no one really learns anything history-related in school, really doesn't know much about the Civil War or George Washington. Because they can just look up the answers on their Feed, they were never taught history.
In regards to Emily's second quote from Violet-about the bridge of dreams-I think that she's trying to say that life isn't about the material things, or how cool you are. It's all about hopes and dreams, and the people you are surrounded by and love.
Finally, does anyone know what is happening, for example, here: "It isn't re: the world serving you some meg three-course dump banquet. It isn't re: the world serving me some dump banquet" (223). What's is with the 're:'s?
In this book a person's life and death can be determined by the big corporation's predictions on whether or not you would be buying any products. "We're sorry, Violet Durn. Unfortunately, FeedTech and other investors reviewed your purchasing history, and we don't feel that you would be a reliable investment at this time," (195). A person's life that they are more than capable of saving his not a "reliable investment," it is disgusting.
ReplyDeleteMany people have been questioning why the author didn't explain certain details of the book further. In my opinion, I believe that M. T. Anderson is trying to make his readers understand some aspect about society today without directly telling us. Though I'm as confused as everyone who's been questioning the book and have been trying to think of an answer, there must be some point that we're missing. This is all in regards to the random people in Titus's dreams. Another occurence in this book that must have a deeper meaning is at the end of some chapters when details of the president are mentioned. For example, "...It has to be understood that when the President referred to the Prime Minister of the Global Alliance as a 'big shithead,' - this is an American idiom used to praise people, by referring to the sheer fertilizing power of their thoughts" (119). Why was this part put into the story? Does it have anything to do with the plot? And if it does have something to do with the plot why doesn't Titus or Violet mention anything about it? It really confused me.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the random people in Titus's dreams, I found something that seemed really out of place. During the chapter "Nudging" on pages 92 and 93, Titus dreams that he's playing a fantasy game when he can suddenly feel someone nudging him with "their nose or cheek". If you keep reading, there's a line coming from whoever is invading his mind that says, " All yours, they said. All Yours. Good night, sweetie." My question is, why did they call him sweetie? Does this hint at who could have been the one inside his head? That word seemed completley out of place to me and I was wondering if anyone had any thought on it.
As previously stated by a. ball and glu, 'Feed' leaves numerous obscure details unexplained to the reader. However, I enjoyed piecing together these bits of information on my own throughout the novel.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the "nudging" dream, my belief was that it was the "police", so to say. In actuality, since the society Titus lives in is extremely corrupt, there is no real police standing for fair and balanced justice because they are also under the influence of the feed and corporate power. On page 47 when Titus's father visits him at the hospital he mentions, "They [I assume the "police"] want to subpoena your memories." While sleeping one night, this might have been the instance where the "police" began to further make record of the occurrence at the Rumble Spot in order to bring up more evidence against the hacker. Essentially, the police bribe Titus with games and cater to his desires-thus, allowing them to view his memories without suspicion or protest. Reason being why the so called police need evidence against the hacker is because he was apart of the "Coalition of Pity" as stated on page 42. This organization I believe is a group of protestors who are against the feed. In order to spread the word of the feed's damaging effects on society, they hack into others' thoughts and post images and words of threatening disasters caused by the feed. Such as the night at the Rumble Spot, the hacker caused Titus and his friends to broadcast the saying "We enter a time of calamity!" as he spoke these words: "We enter a time of calamity. Blood on he tarmac. Fingers in the juicer: Towers of air frozen in the lunar wastes. Models dead on the runway, with their legs facing backward. Children with smiles that can't be undone. Chicken shall rot in the aisles. See the pillars fall." Similar to the protesters on page 25 shouting, "Chip in my head? I'm better off dead!", the hacker attempted to warn and foreshadow future demise. These passages show how, like Violet, others protested the feed but were overpowered by the large corporations who controlled and corrupted even the justice system.
As far as the environment is concerned, I thought of the bubbles surrounding neighborhoods and homes to be another advance in technology where the natural world is diminishing. Now, instead of the wind, sun, and clouds being a natural and unchangeable occurrence, a consumer can now toy with nature and manipulate the weather. Perhaps these bubbles are needed to protect humans from the severe pollution, or maybe they are more efficient and favorable than the natural atmosphere. In another instance where Violet becomes enraged over the demolition of the last forests in Jefferson Park, Titus's father points out, "Do you know how inefficient trees are, next to an air factory?" Violet responds, "They cut down Jefferson Park? That is so like corporate-" With these statements, I believe Anderson was trying to reveal the severe damages our environment could face with this type of mentality toward the natural world.
Relating to Tori's question about the quote on page 119 dealing with the President, I thought this passage was very revealing of what kind of state the government was in at this point in time. Showing how much the feed has depleted human intelligence, the author makes mention of how even the President of the United States, representing all Americans, lacks leadership and is depicted by ignorance. His language and behavior is one indicator of how the governing bodies in our county have become a dwindling power under the feed corporations. In order to combat this ignorant comment, the feed displays a conjured up excuse to persuade the American public and perhaps other countries to disregard the comment-further showing the feed's manipulating power.
After reading "Feed", I feel as if I have a deeper understanding about how technology can and could influence our lives whether it be in the present or future.
ReplyDeleteThe best example is the nudging in the dreams. My take on it is that it is was the police within the brain. However, I believe that this society is so corrupt that the police are working for the feed's major corporation (feedware, ect.) in order to gather data to benefit from the attack.
Also, another example of how much technology can influence our lives is the internet. This influence is so great that if the whole internet were to crash mass panic would break out. Today, we are a society too dependent on the internet, and "Feed" takes that a step further by showing the reading what could happen if we become too dependent.
My last example is the "Feed" itself. If our society would ever come to having this technology, I believe that this would be the end to the human race. This is because we would be letting technology rule us by bombarding our minds with mindless ads, shows, and information that could dictate how a person lives their life. One instance of this is when Titus and Violet are sitting in one of the bedrooms of the hospitle and Loga comes in to visit them. But while visiting, she would randomly zone in and out of their conversation due to her messing around on her feed. So essentially, the feed is turning people into somewhat of a robot.
Overall, the book has a great lesson about our future inbedded with in an awsome story.
I agree with Greg, the feed is changing people into robots. Chatting other people through the feed while ur eyes stare off into space is just one example of how the feed is robotic. One thing I noticed was that the characters used chatting very similarly to us using texting. For instance, when Titus's dad calls Titus a brat, Violet chats Titus, "You're not being a brat," (p.128). This form of communication is similar to that of texting because many people, especially teenagers, will text one another if they don't want someone else to hear their conversation. M.T. Anderson does an excellent job of relating our society to that of Feed's.
ReplyDeleteThe repition I found most interesting in the novel was about the empty boat picture. Why does the author thoroughly describe the empty boat painting in the hospital room? Anderson later describes another picture, "Ships at sea. Old-time faces, painted without smiles or anything, dressed in black...," (p. 195). I found it extremely interesting, the opposite paintings mentioned, one boat empty and one boat full. Why does the author include these paintings and do they have any symbolism?
After reading this book, I find that Anderson's predictions may be close to our future's reality, although I hope not. I agree with Emily, the choice of using the technology is a major factor in our society's future. I also like Anderson's portrayal of Violet's character. At the beginning of the book I was somewhat annoyed by her outlook on other people, but the author's descriptions of her point of view made me soon love her personality. For example, the list of things she wished to do truly displayed the type of person Violet is. Also, Violet's chat to Titus(p.276), has a lot of voice within it. M.T. Anderson does a wonderful job in illustrating Violet's character.
Lindsey makes a good point by connecting the similarity between texting and chatting. That connection helps show the link between modern times and the future and emphasizes how closely associated the times are. It is almost scary to think that eventually our world will be remarkably similar to theirs.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I noticed was how alike the kids from "Feed" are to teenagers nowadays. Just the way they mess with each other and talk about parties makes you feel like you have a connection with the teenage charactors from "Feed".
One thing I really enjoyed about reading "Feed" was that you had to work to put together the unexplained details. I makes the book more interesting and it makes the reader want to continue. Macke amde a good point by pointing this out.
ReplyDeleteSam did an excellent job interpreting the quote "We're sorry, Violet Durn. Unfortunately, FeedTech and other investors reviewed your purchasing history, and we don't feel that you would be a reliable investment at this time," (195). I always saw it as she was so damaged it would not be worth reparing her, but Sam pointed out that the only reason she wasn't helped was because she did not purchase enough items through her Feed.
I realized the same point as Chris. It often shocked me as how many personal connections I found with the characters in the novel. With this being more of a futuristic novel, honestly I expected the characters to be very peculiar and completely different from anyone I know.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as Lindsey mentioned, I noticed that chatting was similar to texting. Teenagers today tend to text each other when they can't say something aloud. In the novel, when Violet was saying the wrong thing about the Coke product Anderson wrote, "Everyone was looking at her. I could feel them chatting each other, saying that was stupid" (pg. 161). As ridiculous as it is, kids now text each other in the same room, as well. Thus, just showing that currently technology is just one step behind this book.
Feed is a very interesting book. I like how the author came up with all these different phrases like "unit" and "meg" it really connected with me. The characters remind me of teenagers today but using different neologisms. Most of the characters, as of right now, seem to be very dependent on their feed like we are with computers. I have a feeling that Violet is going to change how Titus feels about the feed.
ReplyDeleteThe "feeds" are controlled by corporations and I see this happening in our society, too. Everywhere we look there are advertisements, like the "banners" on the feed. The affect what we buy depending on their appeal to the human eye. We buy things based on if we like them or not, so the goal of big businesses it to make us think their product is more valuable. One way they do this is by repeating their ads. They try to place their adds in commercials, newspapers, billboards, the internet, and etc. Commercials are the most common advertisement and are often repeated like on their feeds. Every time they see a store or something from a certain store, the feed pops up an ad for the clothes so they can order them.
The first thing I noticed when I first started reading Feed was the vocabulary. Words such as unit, null, and brag were unfamiliar to me, and a little confusing. I soon got used to it though, after reading for a little while. I think the words M.T. Anderson chose to use really does help paint a believable future. I haven’t gotten too far into the novel yet, but I can already notice a few things. Characters such as Titus and Violet seem different from the rest. They don’t seem as if they are as comfortable with the feed as their friends are. Violet challenges the Feed everyday by trying to confuse it of her wishes and wants. Titus just seems as if he is unsure. For example on page 73 Titus is talking to Violet and states “People have just gone so quick back to like before.”
ReplyDeleteAs Dany, Lindsey and some others stated before. I am also curious to know what the symbolism of the boat is. M.T. Anderson mentions it more than once and even devotes a chapter to it. So far I think Feed is intriguing and I want to learn more about this different world.
I agree with Cristina. The vocabulary was the first thing in the book to grab my attention, it confuses me sometimes. I understand that Feed is written as it takes time in the future but null, unit, brag, and mal were a little hard to fully understand. These new words make the book fun to read though, like since it's so different than a normal book it is entertaining to see how MT Anderson is going to word the rest of the adventure.
ReplyDeleteKelsey, I agree about the vocabulary. It makes the book much more fun to read because it's not so predictable. It would be interesting to see if these words would catch on if we started using them in our everyday conversations.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that caught my eye was the quote "We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck." (pg.3) In my opinion it is the perfect first line for a book. It sets the futuristic tone and also gives away the honesty of the narrator.
Cloning also came up in the book and it made me wonder how far off M.T Anderson is. We have already successfully cloned sheep and other animals so how long before we move on to humans?
Throughout the entire novel I also wondered exactly what Allie was. The book really doesn't seem too distant from some of the recent technological discoveries. I just question how long it will be until this book isn't considered "futuristic" anymore.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading Emily E's comment I started thinking more about the "banners" on the characters' "feeds". I found it interesting when Violet would just look at random merchandise just to throw off her "feed". I had to laugh at this because I realized I do this exact same thing. On the "itunes" program once you buy a song it will personally give you other suggestions based on that music you just bought. I am guilty of just picking a random song to buy just to confuse the program. My act is more of just out of personal entertainment and being bored, while Violet is pure rebellion. Nevertheless, I found this personal connection just another example of how close our world is becoming to theirs.
Lindsey, I agree with your connection of chatting, in their world, to texting, in our world. At one point, Titus, while missing his feed on the moon, he mentions, “Computers were all outside the body. They carried them around the outside of them, in their hands, like if you carried your lungs in a briefcase and opened it to breathe” (pg. 47). This comment caught my attention. When we use cell phones or chat on the computer, our actions are voluntary. In M.T. Anderson’s “Feed” world, all technology contact is completely involuntary, like breathing for us. I wonder, while reading, if I would like to live in this futuristic society. Everything anyone ever needed to know would be “ . . . at their fingertips, closer than their fingertips . . . ” (pg. 47). This would be useful at times. Then again, I do not always want my phone or computer attached to me at all times without my consent. I appreciate technology; I just want to be able to monitor my use. Therefore, my decision of me being in this high-technological world or not would be extremely difficult.
ReplyDeleteLater in the novel, I find a connection between myself and Violet. Every human is their own person for a reason. Why should you let a “corporation” make you, you? Violet finally pushes for a stop in this. “I’m not going to let them catalog me. I’m going to become invisible” (pg. 98). Violet merely wants to be her own person, not a person pushed into a personality other than her own. Soon after, though, her persistence against the “corporations” starts to fail her. Her “feedware is damaged” (pg. 90). Violet slowly gets worse and worse, yet she continues to go against her feed. I respect her for not being like everyone else, just chatting and moving on. She has made it different, teasing the “corporations.”
I made the same connection as Gloria about the iTunes program that chooses songs you should like. I think it is just a little creepy that something can look at the songs I bought and then tell me what else I should like. I also compared the chatting to texting. I am guilty of texting someone thats in the same room to point out something that I wouldn't say out loud.
ReplyDeleteI am still bothered by the facts that the author did not include. There is so much more that I would like to know about what happened to the world. I wish the author would have elaborated on that just a little. Glugs, I don't understand the whole "re:" thing either. What is all that about? Also, like glugs I am still wondering who the nudgers were. If anyone finds out please tell me what that was about.
I totally agree with Kya and CHris about how media is overtaking our lives and how Anderson's description of their society is just a more high-tech world than ours. CAn you ever go anywhere in public without seeing at least three people on their cellphones or carrying around their laptops? Our world is so dependant on the new inventions that if one of them breaks we are clueless of how to function without them. Even I personally will admit that if I happen to forget my cellphone it drives me crazy and I can feel lost or like I'm missing something. The technology included in the story just bothers me because no matter how high- tech our world becomes, people will not be flying up to the moon every friday to just hang out for fun.
ReplyDeleteAfter further text, I’m starting to see how ridiculous “fads” really are in today’s society and this futuristic one. The lesions are a prime example of the absurdity. In the beginning, it is obvious, through sarcasm, that these lesions were something to be embarrassed by. “Omigod! Like big thanks to everyone for not telling me that my lesion is meg completely spreading” (pg. 21). Later, famous people start making lesions popular, which makes them look “cool.” “ . . . she had a real low shirt on, to show off her lesion . . . “ (pg. 96). Eventually, to make herself look even more cool, Quendy gets fake lesions. “ . . . her whole skin was cut up with these artificial lesions. We were all just looking at her. They were all over her” (pg. 191). Why would anyone agree to have cuts put all over them just to be considered “cool”? I now know how bizarre and unnecessary random fashions are, especially when they last for only a short period. Why bother?
ReplyDeleteImmediately after being disconnected on the moon, Titus started feeling different. He had to re-learn how to communicate and think. Change is difficult, especially when it deals with something you’ve been practically addicted to for life. “ . . . I was currently disconnected from feednet, of course, and I was starting to get scared . . . ) (pg. 43). Maybe even experiencing withdrawal symptoms, Titus barely knows what to do without his technological connection to the world. I panic at the thought that technology could become my life. No one can predict the future. At the rate technology is advancing, this world may be a glimpse of our own future. As Titus is frightened by the withdrawal of his technology, I am frightened by the advance in technology. It is nothing we can stop; it is just something we have to wait to occur.
Marissa made a great point about the differences in our society today and the futuristic society of "Feed". I liked how she pointed out that the use of our technology today is strictly voluntary. We have the right to decide when we want to get on the computer, text, make phone calls, etc. It is a freedom that is not always recognized but ever since reading "Feed" I am thankful to be able to take a break from technology.
ReplyDeleteMarissa, I totally agree that the lesions were a rediculous fad. While reading about Quendy's lesions I wondered how anyone could possibly do that to themselves, but I realize maybe that is where we're headed. I mean look at all the unnecessary cosmetic surgeries that are being performed. In the beginning, I'm sure people thought it was stupid to put unnatural materials in their bodies, and some still do, but look at all the people who are doing it. Is that so different from the lesions? I guess what I'm trying to say is that while the lesions trend was a little toward the extreme side, I think Anderson was using them to portray some of the fads we already have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gloria that chatting is like texting for us. They use that more than regular talking just like we use texting. Titus even tries to chat Violet when they are in his upcar rather than just talking to her. She finally makes Titus talk to her in person. I agree with her that chatting/ texting is not as personal as talking out loud. If we become so dependent on texting, human communication skills will atrophy.
ReplyDeleteI finished the part where Violet asks FeedNet to help her pay for her bills When they declined aid to her I was so upset. They told ner no because she wasn't profiled in their network. All of the corporations want each person to be catagorized into a certain group. If this is what happens to our future, I will be devastated. Everyone has the right to be their own person. No one should have to conform to a certain group because each person is different.
I also have one thing that got my attention. On Violet's list, she mentions talking tpo her grandkids. "20. I to tell her about when her mama used to do when she was just hatched" (232). This leads me to believe that humans come out of eggs. Maybe someone could clear this up for me, I was just a little confused.
I agree with the connection Emily E. has made about advertisements. What if all the billboards we see were in our head? Most advertisements are pushing or persuading us to go somewhere, buy something, etc. In “Feed”, each person’s feed is putting that billboard or commercial up in their head, which surpasses today’s form of persuading. For example, when in the mall, Titus admitted that “Bebrekker & Karl were bannering us [Titus and Violet] big” (pg. 99). The constant commercials, whether wanted or not, continue to go through their feeds every second they walk through the mall together.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Greg. If our society would every come to this, the human race would never seem to live up to the corporation’s standards. For instance, for lack of funding, teachers were let go and were replaced by holograms (pg. 234). Often, the teenagers get an update, through their feed, telling them that style has changed. “Quendy and Loga went off to the bathroom because hairstyles had changed” (pg. 20). The constant updates with sales and changes are now regular to these future teens and making them completely reliant on the corporations.
This novel was extremely catchy, and I enjoyed the future setting. This made me well aware on how dependent people, especially teens, are on technology. Most people you see either have their phone in their hand or connected to their ear, via Bluetooth. We all have to wonder when the technological advances push to the extremes, like in “Feed”.
As Marissa mentioned, the updates through their feeds often showed fashion trends and latest styles. One of the "fads" that really astonished me was the lesions. Quendy showed up at the party with them all over her body. I just couldn't believe it came to actually having to cut your body to be cool.
ReplyDeleteAs i finished the book, the one line that stood out really didn't even have to do with the future or technology at all. This line just seemed to wrap up the whole book for me though. It was when Titus was describing his hologram teacher, "If you don't look right at them, they can look just like an empty shell" (235). To me this says if you don't give someone a chance and you just judge them, you will never truly know them. This is how Titus' friends treat Violet throughout the book. Titus is the only one that takes the time to fully grasp her personality therefore his friends only see her as "an empty shell".
I agree with Gloria's statement that cutting the body to make lesions is an unusual way to make yourself cool.
ReplyDeleteHowever, despite the lesions being different I think it would be really annoying to have a feed. Honestly having commercials constantly running through your head would be distracting. Think of the bothersome pop- ups a computer gets when it gets a virus, now imagine that nonstop in your brain. M.T. Anderson really surprises me with his writing. I do have a question though, what does this "re:" stuff mean? Titus uses it when he speaks to his mom about Violet when his parents think he has a problem.
I like Marissa's observation of change. The way Titus changes when he is hacked is disappointing. To see how much the feed distracts from reality is almost pathetic. These feeds are filling the minds with business and money, almost how our propaganda and billboards do these days, but the fact that just a few days without the feed, Titus and the others did not have any clue how to function. Staring at a picture of a boat made them clueless because they didn't exactly know what it was and if they did they had no way of knowing how to connect to anything because their feed wasn't there to directly tell them how.
Gloria did a great job of analyzing the quote, "If you don't look right at them, they can look just like an empty shell" (235). It sums up one of the main themes of the novel which is judgement and conformity.
ReplyDeleteThe lesions somewhat remind me of tattoos in our society. They are both medical procedures which involves pain as a form of self expression. Although, the lesions seem a bit more rediculous because tattoos are art and the lesions are just open wounds. It's still the same concept of changing your body.
Kelsey’s right, The Feed, in this novel, is basically the futuristic version of advertisements constantly displaying prices and information about items corporations think you’ll like after they determine what type of personality you have. The corporations are only worried about your money. They try to squeeze every penny out of you by marketing new products and establishing new fads. Personally I would never have one installed because, as stated by violet numerous times in the novel, they create a world without knowledge. The Feed turns human beings into computers, allowing them to search any topic they wish in the blink of an eye. Titus even stated that school is primarily a seminar on how to better utilize the feednet. How can education exist in a world full of computers?
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ReplyDeleteIt would truly disappoint me if our society sank to this state in the future, rather than using advancements and new technologies for something more helpful to the human race. I agree that feeds are just like texting, and that the lesions were a very strange and bizarre fad, even though they are similar to tattoos.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I like about how Anderson wrote the novel was all the creative ways he connected his characters to modern day teens. They weren't very different than us now, besides the feed. They still party, follow trends, and get addicted to technology the way we do now.
I also liked the authors' use of irony. For example, Violet's innocent experiment with the feed companies' categorization system ends up killing her in the end - a result that could never have been foreseen.
The final thing about Anderson's style that stood out to me was how he took present day issues and magnified them to provide a warning to his readers. For example, he takes the problem of wastefulness we have nowadays and enlarges it so that in his book, Titus' family threw out their whole dinning room set after eating! He also addressed problems with pollution, politics, and technology addiction.
Overall, I love the strength of the messages the book sends its readers, even if I wasn't crazy about the main storyline.
After completing this novel, I couldn’t help but be the slightest bit frightened for our future. When you consider how far technology has already come, it isn’t crazy to think that it could potentially ruin our planet as well as its inhabitants, just as the novel portrays. It’s a horrible thing to think about, I know, but technology is meant to simplify everyday life, just look around you, automobiles, televisions, and even microwaves all make life simpler, but there’s always a hidden expense. Cars are awesome, but they pollute the environment and are destroying our planet’s ozone layer. I love television, like most people, but there creating a world full of lazy coach potatoes who would rather sit in front of the TV and eat a tub of ice cream then go out for a jog. As for microwaves, well there great inventions, but they emit small amounts of radiation and I don’t think I’ve cooked a meal for myself since home economics class in the seventh grade.
ReplyDeleteAs you can see, technology is destroying our environment a little bit at a time and with every advancement it makes people become lazier and the environment dies just a little more. It’s scary to think that, one day, technology might advance so much that we may live in a world where natural vegetation no longer exists, oceans are so polluted that you can’t swim in them, baby’s can be made in test tubes, and humanity becomes incompetent because people can just search for answers on the feednet rather than actually learn something.
Throughout the book I could not believe that Violet was the only one out of all the main characters that questioned the Feed and saw it for what it really was. It almost seemed as if most of Titus’s friends had been brain washed by the Feed. And I guess they basically were. If not for the Feed none of them would be able to really function properly. It makes me wonder why anyone would even let it be installed in them in the first place. Who would want something such as the Feed to have so much power over there life. For example like Violet said, “You don’t have the Feed! You are the Feed! You’re being eaten! You’re raised for food! Look at what you’ve made yourselves” (pg.160). This is a very powerful line for me at this moment Violet is being completely honest and telling everyone exactly what they need to hear. Instead of realizing she is right though they just get embarrassed and think she is weird. One thing that shocked me in the book was when Violet gets sick and asks the Feed Company to fix her Feed for free, and they flat out reject her because they were not able to classify her. They look at her as a bad investment and not even a person. I could not believe that instead of paying to fix her Feed they would rather let her suffer and die. Another thing that angered me in the book was Titus. I actually started of liking his character, but I soon found myself thinking he was a complete jerk after the way he treated Violet when she was sick. I know he was scared of her dying but he shouldn’t of just abandoned her in the time she needed him most.
ReplyDeleteOverall I think this book really shows how much power the media can have over are lives. M.T. Anderson has created such a scary future to even think about. But like many others have said before it is not too far away from the truth now. Sometimes we can get so sucked into what the media has to offer. We always want to newest coolest cell phone, computer, I-pod exc. We always want to keep up with the newest trends, no matter how crazy they seem. In away corporations already control a small aspect of our lives. They know what we, want make it and then we buy it. We have to be careful not to let them have too much power, or we might just end up with something as similar and as scary as the Feed. Not only does M.T. Anderson touch on the power the media has over us but he also shows what our environment could end up as if we are not careful. Not only were there no real forests, but the oceans were in bad conditions as well. If we want the environment to be healthy in the future we need to start trying to fix it now. I hope that in the future the world will never be as bad as it was described in this book.
ReplyDeleteAnderson’s connection between modern day issues and his futuristic dilemmas is remarkable. He uses his characters to establish a relationship with modern day teenagers, and, most importantly, he utilizes Violet to represent morality, what he believes America should truly stand for. In the novel, Anderson creates a futuristic persona of the modern day teenager’s life by involving drug use, relationships, fads, and parties. He establishes a foundation for his characters by describing their personalities and, then, involves them in contemporary situations. His use of slang to represent the age of his characters is very thorough as well; I cold even see a difference between the slang Titus used and the slang his parents used. As Glu has already stated, Irony does play a major factor in this novel, It leads to the entire downfall of, one of the most influential characters, Violet—the only character standing up for her beliefs and trying to fight the Feed. The Feed, on the other hand, represents what is wrong with the world, what corporations use to control people and advertise there products. These corporations could care less about a person’s welfare as long as that person buys there products. Anderson’s use of symbolism is very well thought out as well. The last paragraph of many chapters left me a bit confused because it would go off topic and discus something, seemingly, unrelated, but after pondering the reason for this I realized that, more often than not, it was meant to form a relationship with the topic at hand. An example of symbolism found in the book was after Titus was hacked and was lying in the hospital staring at a picture of a boat at sea without a captain. The boat was meant to symbolize Titus and the missing captain was meant to symbolize his Feed. It was meant to show that Titus was no longer being controlled by his Feed just as the boat wasn’t being controlled by its captain. Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and especially the hidden messages the author conveyed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michael's comment about Feed. The way Anderson uses every word to get his point out is magnificant. Violet is true morals and is someone Titus needs to learn from. Everyone with the feeds are just your typical people that live off of the media and advertisements and don't realize the difference between work and play. Also, the feed is the media's way of reaching out to the characters to overtake their minds so they spend their money on something that seems to be wonderful. However, Violet notices that what the feeds advertise is not anything special, just material goods with no meaning. That is the difference between her and Titus. Titus, when he gets his new car, yes he acts selfish, but he doesn't realize the real part of any of it. He accepts the gift and takes advantage of it. He reads the "banners" that the feed shows him of which car is "better". Titus cannot make a decision for himself, he dwells off of what his feed tells him.
ReplyDeleteI recently finished reading this book and I must say that it goes in my top selection of books. I say this because this book isn't really action packed to the extreme but it still gives you a trill.
ReplyDeleteAt first it was hard to stick with because there are words in the book that aren't used in the same context that we use them in, such as pg. 35 "She was like,'Da da da? Da da!'" I found this really interesting because I connected it to the way that we use 'Blah' when we aren't really paying attention or don't want to pay attention.
Also, I like how to the readers, the Feed is the ultimate device of domination that the media has come up with while to all characters, minus Violet, the Feed is totally normal 'and like meg awesome'.
Overall, I found this book fun to read and I would definately reccomend it to others.