| The areas of composite art you mention hardly have a fraction of the sweeping brushstroke of influence and the ability to impress upon society, certain mores and affectations that the more established forms of art (that you refer to in the last line) have. It is by no means an exaggeration to say that most people who patronize art in cities and wealthy donors who lavish large sums on money on museums, opera venues, orchestras and various other ventures that promote art, probably have never heard of the crossover types you mention. Hence it is fair to say that these newer art forms barely register in terms of their influence on the popular mood of the culture of a city much less a nation. It is no secret that berating the ills of technology is Hollywood's favorite past time. From Fritz Lang's Metropolis to Terminator to the recent Prometheus and a million flicks between them portray in no ambiguous terms the banes of unchecked technological advancements. Ignore that for a moment. The scuttling of technology, even when it could greatly aid and enable a better experience, can be seen in sports as well. FIFA is a notorious luddite. They act as if the soccer gods will strike with lightning if they so much use an instant-replay. The overlords at the French Open won't even touch Hawkeye with a ten foot pole. Players have to resort to pointing to where the ball left an impression on the clay to argue for a point that could decide their fate. I only know of the NHL that embraces an uncommonly high amount of technology to make better ruling decisions. Every goal of every game is reviewed remotely in Toronto just to be sure. Offside calls and a host of other decisions are still handled by a couple of on-ice referees. All said this technology-hating nonsense and the morons who advocate such superstitious dogma are everywhere. I pray for the day when this bullshit will be called for what it really is - a form of a hate crime, an intolerance of reason and utility. |