Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
0 ratings
Loading
AA![]()
author
Ali Rashid Abdullah
Author Ali Rashid Abdullah’s latest work takes us to a crossroad in the evolution of modern society. He suggests we return to the legend of John Henry for direction in a world that...view moreAuthor Ali Rashid Abdullah’s latest work takes us to a crossroad in the evolution of modern society. He suggests we return to the legend of John Henry for direction in a world that has become dominated by the theories of science and the gadgetry of technology.
In his work Challenging Technopoly: The Vision of John Henry, Abdullah combines a number of literary elements reminiscent of the manner employed in Harlem Renaissance writer Jean Toomer’s classic novel Cane. He tells two stories. The first is a re-telling of the original Legend of John Henry. The second is an original piece entitled John Henry’s Vision that seeks to reveal the vision latent in the classic legend. Abdullah also presents an essay that examines the basis for John Henry’s oppositional stance against the technological wizardry of his era. Another literary element included is a poignant poem that re-creates the Harlem setting of Abdullah’s childhood where he first encountered the figure of John Henry.
As in the original “Legend,” there is a challenge being put forth here in Abdullah’s work -- a challenge that questions the notion of science and technology being our primary source of wisdom and our irrefutable voice of authority. Indeed, rather than discarding John Henry’s ideas as “old-fashioned,” Abdullah perceives them to be right on time.view less