In “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” Beverly Jones discussed her belief “that old cultural patterns do not die. They may fade or become more evident; that is, they may be deemphasized or emphasized” (21). Jones’ belief is supported by three historical examples, one being the evolution of computer graphics. The reading mentions that, “in the 1940s analogue computers were used to generate the earliest computer graphics” (22), which incorporated earlier ideas by Ben F. Lapofsky to present graphics as phase forms. This form was already a modification of the Henry drawing computer, which was “a modified analog computer designed by D.P. Henry that produced drawings by a combination of pen movements and table movements” (Jones 23). Jones continues to demonstrate the evolution of computer graphics by stating that, “it was not until the 1960s that digital imagery replaced the prevailing analog imagery” (23), which incorporated alphanumeric hardcopies that are still prevalent in computer graphics today. At around the same time these hardcopies were used to complete complex geometric calculations, which supported Jones’ claim that “the development of computer graphics clearly reflects trends diminishing the rigidity of boundaries among disciplinary applications” (22). This would mean that the evolution of computer graphics benefited the programming community as well as people in other fields.
In today’s culture Jones’ belief that cultural patterns do not die can be seen when evaluating the evolution of the music industry, specifically the distribution of music. Initially records were created by record labels that controlled their release to the public, then “the cassette arrived in the early 1970’s” (Knab 2) which incorporated the same techniques of recording songs, but used new technology to allow for more widespread distribution in society. Next came compact discs (CDs)which “became popular when it was mass manufactured by Philips in 1980” (Bellis 1), which used once again upgraded technology that replaced cassettes due to the fact that they could be easily used with computers. With the creation of Napster in 1998 “the first peer-to-peer file trading system” (Greg 1) that allowed users to share their digital music library, made CDs less popular despite the legality of the system. Now companies such as iTunes allow users to digitally download songs instead of purchasing CDs, which includes technology used by Napster, but instead of users sharing music, the users have the capability to purchase songs already owned by iTunes. Although major changes have occurred in the last few decades in the distribution of music, records, cassettes, CDs and digital downloads share the same origin and all still include similar steps such as the artists recording their songs and for the most part the process of distribution be record labels.
Jones, B.J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image-Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp.21-30.
Bellis, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://inventors.about.com/od/qrstartinventors/a/CD.htm
Knab, C. (2009, 11 19). How music repeats itself. Retrieved from http://miyb.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-music-history-repeats-itself.html
Greg. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://urbanhonking.com/ideasfordozens/2008/01/12/a_brief_history_of_the_music_i/.