Modern Mythology: Where Did All the Dragons Go?

[staylor]

If you somehow traveled back in time to ask a roman what their myths were, they'd laugh at you and proclaim that all their beliefs were true. Yet today we all call those beliefs myths. Considering this, what would you say if a traveller from the future asked you about your myths? You'd laugh at them too wouldn't you?

Currently I am working on my junior project to try to find modern myths and to determine what purposes they serve. The human mind has not changed since the time of Rome, why would our need for myths change? To catalogue the mythology of an entire society would be an impossible task, so I'm going to have to narrow it down to a particular object and discover the myths based on that.

In this case, the subject I have chosen is the jet airplane. This is just personal preference, any other subject would do just as well. To find the subconcious myths and feelings we have about the jet airplane I am gathering pictures drawn by people from all walks of life. Here, I hope to get some perspective from artists.

To participate sketch "what you think of when you think of a jet airplane." A 1 to 2 minute sketch in any medium you wish is perfectly fine. Just draw the first thing that pops into your head. Don't worry about how good it turns out, I'll be glad to recieve any contributions. Stick figures are fine for the intent of this project.

You can email the picture to me, or post it in this thread. If you wish to remain anonymous say so. All art will be credited otherwise. The art will appear nowhere else and the quality of the pictures in the final report will not be of good quality (no one would want to steal blurry printed pictures).

The rights are yours, I will simply analyze the pictures for emergent themes and then create a painting that will hopefully portray how the jet serves in society's myths.

I know this may seem like a "do my homework" thread (and it sorta is), but I hope at least that this is somewhat interesting. I will be very grateful for any help. Also, before April I will post the results of the project online and create a thread here that links to it. If anyone is interested in the outcome you may also send me your email address and I will notify you of the project's completion. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[madster]

I don't get the connotation between a jet airplane and mythology.
The ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as the Celts, Native Americans, the Aboriginies, and most other civilizations had a system of mythology to explain the world around them. The seasons, Natural Disasters, droughts, etc...
A jet plane, or any other piece of modern technology would only be part of "modern mythology" if someone who saw it was totally ignorant of the mechanics of jet propulsion...You're asking your subjects to purposely "dumb down," which is counterintuitive to the original purpose of myths and folktales.

You would do far better with your assignment by choosing a "Mythological" situation that society as a whole still cannot explain, such as the effects of Global Warming on our weather patterns, or Bird Flu transmission to humans, or Black Holes. Those are all topics that although there is a lot of talk about, there is NO truly conclusive proof behind them past a certain point. Much more "mythological" difference of opinions and beliefs than a jet plane...Just my opinion...

~M

[CaptainInsano]

I agree with Madster.

The jet airplane isn't mythological because it actually exists. A jet airplane is a transportation device used for long distance travel. A mythology is a story, that is made up, to explain the mysterious workings of the universe. I don't see the connection :nohope: No... No I don't. :dur:

But uh... we could talk about the myth of how exactly Bush got elected in 2000, and then relected in 2004.

[staylor]

Sorry, maybe I wasn't entirely clear on why I'm studying this (it is rather hard to explain).

In many ancient cultures animals are given attributes that really have little to do with the animal; eagles are spirit guides, and coyotes are tricksters. We have these archetypes that we place on pre-existing creatures. There is nothing all that spectacular about snakes, but they have become symbols of evil and trickery in many places. Part of the project is to determine whether we still place these notions on vehicles too, that they become symbols and not mere objects.

I'm also ascribing to Hans Blumenberg's theory that myths are generated as ways to describe dangerous things that we do not understand. Most people believe that there is a logical explanation as to why a jet flies, but do they really know how? Few people have even the slightest notion of how wings generate lift and how the jet engine compresses air. Also, considering that they are rather dangerous to be around it would seem (according to Blumenberg's theory anyways) that jet airplanes would be a breeding ground for myth.

Perhaps, a better word to use would be symbol or archetype. In the days where we no longer see eagles as spiritual messengers what would take their place? It's fairly well documented that early airplanes were exhalted to an almost heavenly status (The Winged Gospel book provides a rather fascinating look at this). Similarly, what would take the place of dragons in our modern minds? Perhaps something that flies, breathes fire, and occaisionally chews up people who stray too close? Sounds like a jet to me.

Hope that helps. I probably will try to use archetype from now on, it's a better fit but some people don't know what the word means.

[Snarfevs]

Snopes.com Urban Legends Reference Pages (http://www.snopes.com/)

This is our mythology

[staylor]

Snopes.com Urban Legends Reference Pages (http://www.snopes.com/)

This is our mythology

Hehe, I'm already quoting this in my paper. It does have some interesting stuff, but not too much I can use. Unfortunately the requirements for the project are "to study a problem at the intersection of society and technology." So as much as I'd love to study hurricanes and politicians I'm stuck with something technological.

[madster]

Thank you. Archetype explains everything quite a bit better. Those who don't know the word can go to Dictionary.com and look it up...

This is a fascinating challenge, and now that you've clarified it a bit, even more interesting. I understand a bit better now, although I am too much of a programming logic geek to feel superstitious about a jet...
I too, would be interested in seeing what visions and myths others may be able to conjure for such a beastie. With the advent of technology, it seems more to me that our mythology has expanded to what we now term "fantasy" and "science fiction." Our myths still have more to do with what is beyond our present understanding, as well as some "wishful thinking," such as the Loch Ness Monster, Alien Abductions, Out of Body Experiences, and Bigfoot...Those are today's myths and legends...again, just my two cents as a geek...

~M

[S.C. Watson]

Our Mythology? Aliens and alien abduction. Anything paranormal. This, alongside snopes would server you better.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[staylor]

Madster: I'm glad it makes more sense now. It usually takes a couple of tries before I figure out the best way to explain it.
Oregano: I'd love to do a project on that stuff, but the project requirements say that this project must involve society and technology. So I'm stuck with jets (because I really don't want to do a project on toasters :D).