The Best of Creative Computing Volume 1 (published 1976)
Computer Cartoons (computer as beneficial tool, tool evolves into threatening master, dependent computer, computer people and insider jokes)
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Don’t Bother To Think
4. Computer as beneficial tool. This theme is, of course, the primary
justification for the existence of the computer. Cartoons decorate this point by
showing many idiosyncratic ways of putting the computer to work: as prophet, as
fortune teller, as Santa's helper, as fishing expert, and so forth. One could
surmise that man is coming to rely too heavily upon the computer.
5. The Tool Evolves into Threatening Master. Extreme reliance on any technology
has its disadvantages. An appropriate metaphor for the theme in this area is the
servant turned master. Heavy dependence on computers as pervasive tools may lead
to obedience to the computer as an authority. This dilemma is depicted in a 1964
(June 3) Punch cartoon where an onlooking scientist observes another scientist
bowing down in front of the computer saying, "I think Smith’s on to something
pretty big!"
6. The dependent computer. In a crucial way computers depend on human
intervention for data and programs. Perhaps the most interesting idea which the
cartoons elaborate on is that no matter how complex a computer may be, its
operation is still subject to the whims and sporatic moods of people. The act of
"pulling the plug" so that the computer goes down is reinterpreted as an act of
self-actualization.
7. Computer people and insider jokes. The technical magazines tend to emphasize
this area. Some humor resides with the computer itself and such problems as high
cost, miniaturization, and hardware change. The more interesting cartoons focus
upon computer people and popular images of this unique breed of specialist.
Often the computerman is a superman, but more often he (she) is struggling to
solve huge problems while on the brink of personal disaster.
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AH HA! A POCKET MINI-COMPUTER FOR ONLY 500! GOOD DEAL.
I GUESS I’D BETTER GET A READER,PRINTER AND BASIC COMPILER.
IF I DON’T GET A SERVICE CONTRACT, IT’LL PROBABLY BREAK DOWN AT TAX TIME.
I’VE GOT AN IDEA! I’LL ASK IT HOW I CAN BUDGET FOR ALL THE EXTRAS.
WHAT’S THIS?!”…TRADE GIRLFRIEND IN ON FLOPPY DISK.”
Conclusion
Skimming through these cartoons and associated themes uncovers humor which quite
blatantly raises social issues, e.g., impersonalization and unemployment. Other
cartoons are more subtle in their message but nonetheless function as
consciousness raising devices. They serve to sensitize the reader to the role of
the computer in society.
Computer cartoons also offer us a creative, human way of coping with a
technology that is sometimes frightening, sometimes boring, and sometimes
incomprehensible. Cartoons provide us with a delightful route to think and feel
about the most fantastic of man's machines.
