At first glance, one would most likely argue that technology has made life for humans easier. No longer does one have to rush to the bank to make a transaction. iPods allow for entire music libraries to be placed on a single piece of external hardware. Washing clothes is done with the push of a button. We have devices to keep the quality of our food fresh. Cell phones provide a means of being in contact with the rest of the world, no matter where you are. Sure, it seems like we have "gained" many amenities, but is something now missing? Have we "lost" certain human characteristics that were once so vital to our survival? The film “Baraka” answers this question via imagery and music.
There are many things about modern society which people enjoy. For starters, life is usually on your own pace. You are the one that chooses what time you wake up and what time you go to bed. In certain countries, people have the freedom of religion. Most countries have an educational system. There is a sense of “only the strong survive.” In this type of world, everyone is out there for themselves. All of these cars, televisions, and heavy machinery may be beneficial to humans…but what about nature and the environment? Can they really be happy with all the pollutants coming from these technological advancements?
One specific scene in the film takes the viewer to the edge of a brewing volcano. Immediately I began to think about the relationship between humans and nature. With the passage of time, have humans damaged nature? Abused it? Wasted it? The scene with a chainsaw cutting down an ancient tree answers the questions. Human interactions with one another have undoubtedly suffered with the passage of time. The scene in which there are people working at a factory proves this point. It is highly individualized, non personal work. Almost like the human is the object. Environments like these produce extremely stressed individuals. What happened to the sense of community?
Before the invention of the clock, life seemed to move a little slower. There was an “all for one” mentality, which was shown through the various indigenous groups of people interacting with one another (presumably performing a ceremony). Without the help of others, it may be difficult to survive. But there is still a feeling of tranquility, because you know what to expect the next day. What we've "lost" is a simpler, healthier, and more efficient way of living.
