THE IDEA OF PROGRESS

1. Read the definitions and fill in the gaps with suitable words.

PROGRESS

1. Forward movement, as toward a goal . Advance .  Development . Increase =

                                    =======>> ____________Quantity ________________

2. Gradual betterment . Steady / Progressive  improvement  of society / civilization / humankind.

                                    =======>> _____________Quality_______________

2. Brainstorming: Here is a list of questions you must ask yourself about the notion. Complete the blanks.

What type of progress?

technological / scientific / social / cultural /educational / medical / ecological / environmental  pharmaceutical /political/ nutritional

Who are the people concerned?

individuals / companies / governments / _politicians/ students/ scientists/ artists / associations / NGO’s charities/ trade unions- labour unions/ religious institutions / teachers

Which period of time is concerned?

the past / the present / the future/ utopia/ uchronia / dystopia

What is at stake?

medical issues / physical performances / technical advances / innovations / dehumanization / domination / environmental issues / animal rights / place of women in society / race relations / social inequalities / economic opportunities / globalization / retrograde / communication loss / ethics and morals / work and income

What are the advantages and disadvantages (= drawbacks) / the pros  and cons / the upside and  downside?

There are many upsides to progress such as curing terminal illnesses and producing more for less but, society has to have limits and not transgress them or it will lose all ethics.

Is it profitable (= beneficial /lucrative)  or is it potentially dangerous  (alarming /fatal)

for human beings? Why?

The notion of progress is definitely both profitable and dangerous, but only if we surpass the imposed constraints because our society cannot lose its structure or it will crumble.

Is the impact positive or negative?  For whom?

Usually, there are always two sides to one story. Meaning one type of progress ca be negative for one side and positive for the other. Progress tries to have a positive effect on humans, but depending on where one stands the situation might change.

Can we afford to reject progress  or can’t we do without it (nowadays & in future)?

I believe we cannot afford to reject progress because otherwise, we will be going back in time and not forward. Evolution is a must for humans.

Can’t we improve on the idea of progress  commonly accepted  in  our  modern world and consumer society? If so, how?

Yes, we can improve on the idea of progress commonly accepted in our modern world and consumer society by making people more aware of their world.

3. Build up your vocabulary

Complete the grid during the school-year with words and phrases suitable for the notion

UPSIDE / THE PROS	TYPES OF PROGRESS	DOWNSIDE / THE CONS
Enable  people to work  more efficiently  / improve our living standard  / ...	Technological progress	Cut people off from the real world /  lose touch with nature  / ...
Increase the knowledge  of  the world  / discover new materials  / ...	Scientific progress	Raise  ethical issues  /  create new inequalities  /  ...
Upgrade education  /  reduce gender and racial discrimination  / ...	Social progress	Lose traditional values  /  disrupt conservative lifestyles  /  ...

A Cartoon by Patrick Chappatte - KEY ISSUE(S) in relation to the idea of progress

A Cartoon by Patrick Chappatte - KEY ISSUE(S) in relation to the idea of progress

       

    Patrick Chapatte's cartoon suggests highly debated questions in our modern and evolving society. In class, we came up with three key issues his work of art raises. Firstly, could the internet be a threat to culture and art or conversely foster it ? Indeed, the image makes us wonder how artistic creations be diffused nowadays without disrespecting the artists' copyrights. Secondly, is the younger generation really aware of their illegal practices when it comes to culture on the internet ? Us, youngsters grow up surrounded by what the internet offers us, it seems entirely normal. Unfortunately, it is not. And finally, does the internet epitomise the idea of progress or can we argue that it shows many of its limits? The internet has been a booming phenomenon for the past 20 years, but many agree that we need to define its limitations or the idea of progress with be synonym of ethical decline. To prove his point, Patrick Chapatte uses humour and irony to grab the reader's attention and secondly he places the scene during the Cannes Film Festival which portrays perfectly the global industry of cinema. 

                                          THE IDEA OF PROGRESS

                           A Fanatic Geek at the Cannes Film Festival

     

 Patrick Chapatte is a Swiss-Lebanese artist who's main profession is illustrating cartonns for international newspapers such as Le Temps, Neue Zürcher Zeitung(Sunday edition) and the International New York Times. Simply known as Chapatte, this cartonnist is a travelled man. Having been born in Pakistan and lived in Singapore and Switzerland and now between Los Angeles and Geneva, Patrick Chapatte reflects worldwide events such as the Israeli-palestinian conflict  to the Swiss People's Party. In addition, Chapatte, has other interests. He holds conferences at TED Talks and creates short animated documentaries. In 2011 and 2015, Chappatte won the Overseas Press Club of America’s Thomas Nast Award for best cartoons on international affairs. He's the only non-American to have won this prize.

       Art has always been a tool to help defend a cause or to denounce an injustice. Below, is a caricatural cartoon illustrated by Patrcick Chapatte in 2008 and released on the International Herald Tribune. It tackles the issue of illegal film pirating around the world. Indeed, this is a current issue concerning loads of people who believe their actions are normal. However, the cartoonist artwork is entirely ironic.
     Firstly, the picture is composed with three different scenes. The scene takes place during the world famous Cannes Film Festival as the eye-catching Palm d'or is visible on the front of the building. We can guess the scene is taking place in May which is when the festisavl occurs. In the background to the left, celebrities are waving at the masses of fans and to the right a policeman is trying to hold out some calm in the chaos. But, it is in fact in the centre of the image that the important message is being portrayed. The middle part presents a young geeky looking boy dressed very simply, with an "at" key on his t-shirt asking for the two film stars' autograph. Of course, the symbol on his t-shirt compliments to the image the author wants to convey to his target audience. From what we can deduct, the young boy seems to be a computer hacking wizard. On the other hand, the two celebrities are dressed to the nines with what seems like an expensive jacket and a stand out golden dress.  

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                           by Patrick Chappatte, published in The International Herald Tribune on 05/16/2008)

     Secondly, Patrick Chapatte clearly wants to make his public aware and to sensitise them to illegal film downloading, hence the speech bubble "I love your movies, I've pirated them all". He wants to denounce the paradox between someone claiming being a film fanatic and still is pirating films on the internet. Furthermore, the young boy says his line out of excitement as if it was normal. The author of course wants to ridicules this to prove his actions illegal and quite stupid. Especially, during the context of a film festival, Chapatte can has really chosen the best place to illustrate his drawing because the Cannes Film Festival fully represents the whole industry. 

    In my opinion, I believe the document is well-designed and carefully thought out because the current situation is relatable to anyone. He choses the setting to be world famous which is a great way to branch out to the public and send them his message. I find it thought provoking, as of course no one wants to be scorned in the way the young man is being mocked. I don't believe it's shocking or moving because after all it's quite a simple illustration but at least people will come away reflecting on their actions. 

    Concerning this burning issue, the UK government has issued a block to all websites leading to film pirating through national internet broadbands and carriers. In fact, when I go back their to visit my family, out of interest I search for streaming websites and I end up on a blocked page with a short message from the government restricting me from going any further.