blog 24

Raymond Cajas
Dr J.Smith
Eng 101
06/01/2010
The matrix can be evaluated hundreds of times and still one would not fully understand it. Everyone who was part of the evaluation would probably have a different opinion of what it all means. The one thing we can all agree on is that deep down we all want to be in the matrix. The acquisition of kung fu and jiu jitsu skills at the press of a button, avoiding all the work that is required to obtain these skills is something I think everyone would accept without thinking. This is one of the things the directors use to make the thought of being an “enlightened one” sound pretty good. When you want something, regardless of what it is, all you have to do is ask tank to upload whatever it is you need. This idea sounds good because to get these things in real life you have to work and let’s be honest nobody likes work. The matrix makes it so that work is a thing of the past. With the press of a button you can have any object or skill you want. On the other hand sleep dealers presents work differently.
In sleep dealers the institution of work is a little strange you have to get “nodes” in order to plug in to a machine that allows you to do your work from thousands of miles away. This is different from the matrix because in the matrix the things that one works hard to obtain can be materialized instantly. In sleep dealers you work than get paid and you can use your money in any way you see fit. The thing that is similar is the acquisition of skills. We know that in the matrix to get a certain skill all you need to do is ask your technician to upload it for you. This seems to be the same in sleep dealers. It looks as if when you plug in to the machine the skills you need are given to you. When Memo connects to the machine the ability to weld is seemingly given to him. He came from being a farmer to being able to weld on a construction site with no training.
Danahay and Reider talk about the control that machines have on Human workers. We see this on a much larger scale in the Matrix. In the matrix everything you see or feel or touch or taste or hear are essentially being pumped into your head by machines. In other words they have almost complete control over. I say almost because if you desire the truth and if you search hard enough you can escape the control that the machines have over you. On the other hand in sleep dealer once you get nodes your in the system for the rest of your life. In sleep dealers you are given the choice of whether you want to be watched at all times. This choice is what makes these movies different.
The scenario that is presented in the matrix is similar to what Karl Marx wrote against. He said that the people thought that they were working voluntarily but the constant surveillance and the controlling of the hours that people work are say otherwise. This is similar to the matrix because the people think that they are simply living their lives but in reality they are being farmed for their body heat and energy. This is different from sleep dealer because the people have a choice. Although in the end they basically end up in the same situation.
The concept of revolution is presented in both movies in one more so than the other, I agree with Danahay and Reider. I don’t think that the matrix is about revolution, at least not the first one. In the first film you get a sense of revolution as if the characters are still preparing for it. The entire movie is a lesson that is being learned and the fight with the agents at that point of the movie was not really revolution but survival. In the second movie revolution is already in the works and in the third aptly named The Matrix: Revolution it is finally acted upon. On the other hand in sleep dealers revolution is presented and acted upon. The characters of sleep dealer set an example of revolution by shooting the dam down. This is a direct action upon the oppression that the government puts upon the people. Having to pay something around the amount of 60 dollars to have access to water is something that was just begging for revolution.