Technology in There There

Technology as Modernity

It's fairly common to see technology as a symbol of modern and futuristic times. However, in There There, this technology is used not only to represent modernity but to contrast stereotypes. A common stereotype for Native American people is that they were underdeveloped or "uncivilized" before being "taught" by Europeans, and the book itself ackowledges the common perceptions of Native culture and traditions being stuck in the past. In combining technology with Native American culture (music, videos, drones, etc.), these stereotypes are challenged and it brings to light the idea of modernizing traditional Native American culture.

Modernization of Culture

In bringing up this idea of modernity, There There brings up the issue of the benefits and drawbacks of modernizing traditions. On one hand, it provides community (Edwin meeting Harvey and connecting to other Native people) and allows people to connect to their culture (Orvil researching his culture). There's also Dene's project, which is recording stories. Technology and modernization allow for the recording of important and often less-acknowledged stories, and it prevents cultures and traditions from fading away. On the other hand, technology has negative aspects. Edwin's dependence on technology represents a new form of addiction, which plagues Native communities, and the 3D printed gun represents the potential loss and negative effects that could come from modernization. However, overall there is more beneficial technology than harmful. This represents how modernizing may result in changes or loss of certain cultural aspects, but overall it allows the core ideas and values to live on.