Sunday, November 20, 2011
Travelling with Big Brother
I’m taking a trip across the pond and am flying on Lufthansa. In preparation for my trip, they sent me an e-mail with information on my flight, check-in, etc. as well as weather reports and links to other information. That’s fine. But at the end of the introduction they get a little creepy…
Maybe it’s the translation or maybe it’s a German thing but that last sentence edges towards disturbing. It reminds me of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey – “The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error.”
I feel like they are saying, “Lufthansa’s knowledge of all elements of travel makes it omniscient in these matters and therefore knows everything you could possibly ask about travel and provides everything you would need. Relax. We are in control.” It’s fairly big brother-ish – “You did not ask for information beyond the transport we provide but we know what you need and have taken care of it. I’m also watching you.”
Leave it to the Germans to take something like a courtesy e-mail and turn it into something vaguely disturbing and threatening.
Dear Quinch,
We are pleased that you have chosen Lufthansa for your next trip. To assist you with your travel preparations, we have put together some valuable information on your flight and destination. We have thought of everything for you!
Maybe it’s the translation or maybe it’s a German thing but that last sentence edges towards disturbing. It reminds me of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey – “The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error.”
I feel like they are saying, “Lufthansa’s knowledge of all elements of travel makes it omniscient in these matters and therefore knows everything you could possibly ask about travel and provides everything you would need. Relax. We are in control.” It’s fairly big brother-ish – “You did not ask for information beyond the transport we provide but we know what you need and have taken care of it. I’m also watching you.”
Leave it to the Germans to take something like a courtesy e-mail and turn it into something vaguely disturbing and threatening.
