An exploration of early artificial intelligence themes in science fiction through works by Samuel Butler and E.M. Forster, alongside a look at the symbolism of ‘Mrs. Partington’s Mop’ in 19th-century British politics.
Early Science Fiction Explorations of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) first appeared in science fiction literature in Samuel Butler’s novel “Erewhon” published in 1872 and E.M. Forster’s short story “The Machine Stops” in 1909. “Erewhon,” an anagram of the word “nowhere,” depicts a hidden society that waged a civil war over the evolution of machines. The ‘anti-machinists’ faction feared that AI was advancing too quickly and would eventually surpass humanity, leading to a ban on advanced technologies. Butler had previously explored similar themes in his 1863 non-fiction article “Darwin Among The Machines.”
E.M. Forster’s “The Machine Stops” is a significant work that delves deeply into the concept of AI. Set in a world where humans live underground due to an environmental disaster, the story portrays an all-controlling AI system known as the Machine, which meets all human needs and mediates all interactions through video screens. The narrative, highlighting themes of dependence and rebellion, was later adapted into an episode of the 1960s sci-fi anthology series “Out Of The Unknown.”
The Legacy of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, Known as Black Wall Street
The Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was famously known as “Black Wall Street,” one of the most prosperous African American communities in the early 20th century. The area’s growth was catalyzed by the Oklahoma oil boom, leading to successful entrepreneurship among African American residents, establishing various businesses including banks and hotels. Ottawa W. Gurley, a real estate developer, and J.B. Stradford, owner of the Stradford Hotel, were notable figures in this community.
In 1921, the district faced devastation during the Tulsa Race Massacre, when mobs of white residents attacked Black residents and destroyed businesses. This massacre resulted in significant loss of life and property, including the complete decimation of the Stradford Hotel. The attack left a lasting impact on the community, significantly altering the course of its development.
Mrs. Partington’s Mop: A 19th-Century Metaphor
In 19th-century Britain, the phrase “Mrs. Partington’s Mop” symbolized a futile attempt to resist inevitable change. Coined by Sydney Smith, an Anglican cleric and reformer, in a speech during the Reform Bill debates in 1831, the character Mrs. Partington was depicted trying to mop out the Atlantic Ocean during the Sidmouth floods of 1824. Smith used this image to critique the House of Lords’ resistance to political reform, highlighting the absurdity of their efforts. Smith was also known for co-founding the Edinburgh Review and advocating for the poor, including highlighting child labor issues and proposing allotment gardens for working-class families.