Interesting observation. I see them as being worlds apart, though. While the librarian is very literal, perhaps a bit of a smartass, and a man of integrity and morals, the McBurger Bell guy jumps to wild, bizarre conclusions based on little or no evidence, is a stupid idiot, and has no integrity or morals guiding his aimless behavior. I suppose they are both jerks, though.
Perhaps the librarian's integrity and morals are on display more strongly in another strip...? I'm not seeing it here. Actually, I like McBurger Bell guy better, because he has a spirited sense of life.
True. Well, the thing about the librarian's integrity and moral character was sort of just a bullshit statement. Though, I like to think that his reluctance to help Andy find the true books on tape section comes from a feeling of wanting to protect the legacy of actual books, and dissuade anyone from replacing the age old tradition of actually reading with this newfangled technology. This may pose a moral conundrum though- is it good to protect such an age old tradition, if in order to do it you have to misuse your power? Is such a tradition even worth protecting? What is the role of a librarian in our modern society where old media is increasing being replaced by computers and futuristic gadgetry? Are there really any books about different types of tape, let alone an entire section of them???
Ah, I must say I missed the underlying stance taken by the librarian.
It's an ironic aspect of social evolution. The change will come, and resisting it is like resisting the direction the river flows... you can affect your own small bubble, but the river flows on. That being said, there is always a loss of quality that results. The industrial revolution knocked most artisans out of business, as their goods could be mass-produced for much cheaper. But everything was crappier. mp3s make the distribution much more democratic and 100x easier, but there is a loss in sound quality. Ultimately, though, the changes win out because people choose them.
In short, libraries will remain, but in a much more limited capacity--primarily as a place for homeless dudes to jack off while watching porn--and the librarians will remain, although in far fewer numbers and with fewer responsibilities.
I am sensing that this librarian may be the father of the McBurger Bell guy.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation. I see them as being worlds apart, though. While the librarian is very literal, perhaps a bit of a smartass, and a man of integrity and morals, the McBurger Bell guy jumps to wild, bizarre conclusions based on little or no evidence, is a stupid idiot, and has no integrity or morals guiding his aimless behavior. I suppose they are both jerks, though.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the librarian's integrity and morals are on display more strongly in another strip...? I'm not seeing it here. Actually, I like McBurger Bell guy better, because he has a spirited sense of life.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Well, the thing about the librarian's integrity and moral character was sort of just a bullshit statement. Though, I like to think that his reluctance to help Andy find the true books on tape section comes from a feeling of wanting to protect the legacy of actual books, and dissuade anyone from replacing the age old tradition of actually reading with this newfangled technology. This may pose a moral conundrum though- is it good to protect such an age old tradition, if in order to do it you have to misuse your power? Is such a tradition even worth protecting? What is the role of a librarian in our modern society where old media is increasing being replaced by computers and futuristic gadgetry? Are there really any books about different types of tape, let alone an entire section of them???
ReplyDeleteAh, I must say I missed the underlying stance taken by the librarian.
ReplyDeleteIt's an ironic aspect of social evolution. The change will come, and resisting it is like resisting the direction the river flows... you can affect your own small bubble, but the river flows on. That being said, there is always a loss of quality that results. The industrial revolution knocked most artisans out of business, as their goods could be mass-produced for much cheaper. But everything was crappier. mp3s make the distribution much more democratic and 100x easier, but there is a loss in sound quality. Ultimately, though, the changes win out because people choose them.
In short, libraries will remain, but in a much more limited capacity--primarily as a place for homeless dudes to jack off while watching porn--and the librarians will remain, although in far fewer numbers and with fewer responsibilities.