February 26, 2002

the dark side of Tomorrowland

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The proliferation of signs in Alger County illustrates the economic idea called "The fallacy of composition."  Eric Schlosser describes it well: "a logical error -- a mistaken belief that what seems good for an individual will still be good when others do the same thing.  For example, someone who stands at a crowded concert may get a better view of the stage.  But if everyone at the concert stands up, nobody's view is improved."

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Disney's passion for science found expression in "Tomorrowland," the name given to a section of his theme park and to segments of his weekly television show.  Tomorrowland encompassed everything from space travel to the household appliances of the future, depicting progress as a relentless march toward greater convenience for consumers.  And yet, from the very beginning, there was a dark side to this Tomorrowland.  It celebrated technology without moral qualms.  Some of the science it espoused later proved to be not so benign -- and some of the scientists it promoted were unusual role models for the nation's children.

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