An Even Playing Field

     In the past decade, the boundaries of the world that once separated different areas of society has drawn together, and the result is a flat world or what I like to call; “an even playing field”. The harmony between the aspects (flatteners) which have made the world flat is what has made our world a now more successful and productive society. Specifically, the conversion of a user friendly web browser-more commonly known as Netscape, has eased the way we operate every single day. I use the word ‘operate’, because in 2011 it is a safe assumption to make that most people in industrialized nations use a computer in one way or another at least once a day. Many jobs or lifestyles are centered on the use of a computer. More households have advanced (high-speed) access to the internet, and this is in part thanks to the flattener of Netscape. This being said, Netscape is by far the most significant flattener Tom Friedman mentioned in his lecture to Yale students. Netscape is presumably the leader of where technology in our world has come to in the last ten years.

                Because of Netscape, our world was introduced to a universal browser that eases and organizes the entire World Wide Web. This even playing field has allowed faster communication, quicker access to data and information, and a higher production rate of input and output goods. Without this fundamental tool, the internet would be filled with loopholes, incompatible websites, a break of communication, and a lower rate of productivity. Users would be confused, or even deterred from using the internet entirely.  Additionally, other world flatteners such as uploading, or supply chains would either be ineffective or worse: non-existent.

                In short, though society has begun to lack character or a sense of uniqueness, it is important to understand that fundamental flatteners exist because they better and enhance society. They create a new culture-one with opportunity and greater advancements. The public opening of Netscape has only opened new doors of opportunity. Sadly, our generation cannot really highlight these changes as they are the only thing we know. It is then left up to our elders to break down, explain, and show the improvements of life since the introduction of the internet. It will be exciting to see the continuous change and improvement that results from living in a flat, but versatile world.

-Katelynn Havener