Abstract
It is often said that all one needs to run is a good pair of running shoes. That is not true. The human foot in an intricate piece of machinery. This has been lost in the cushion of technology and the development of the modern running shoe. The engineering behind a shoe is often done to provide stability and support for a variety of arches. But the foot’s arch is made to support; not be supported. Technology has woven a shoe around the foot that claims to reduce injuries but is attributing to them. The Tarahumara People of Mexico’s Copper Canyons are known as the running people. To run jagged mountain sides all they wear around their feet is a thin layer of rubber and strap connecting it to their feet. What I argue is a less modern, more seemingly archaic way of running is best: barefoot running. This is not new. Running with less technology is best. Of course no on wants to slice a bare foot open on glass, or other harmful materials. . . run with caution.
I would be very interested in your focus and if it is going to be more on running and its cultural history, or the technological development of running shoes. How that technology developed over history, why it is believed that arch support is so important - the cultural impact behind this. I feel as though you should focus less on the argument for barefoot running (is a focused ethnic studies research?) and more on its cultural impact and history of development. I am very interested to hear more about this topic! It is very unique and interesting to think about. Additionally, can you trace the development of technology overall through the development of technology in a running shoe.
ReplyDeleteShoes are the base upon which we walk - how has that shaped us culturally?
Thank you for your critique Christina.
ReplyDeleteI did get lost in the barefoot running aspect opposed to thinking about how the actual technology was invented and how culture has shaped this. This really helps me focus my research more into the underlying forces that shape our world- not the THING itself.
Also- I need to develop an argument about why America has developed running shoes in the first place--why was that important, who influenced, what are the purposes, then I can position that against barefoot runners in other countries like Africa and Mexico.
Your input has REALLY helped me in the direction I need to now move- THANK YOU!
Christina - that is fantastic feedback for Mandy!
ReplyDeleteTo add to it, I am interested in a) when running or jogging gets conceptualized as a sport unto itself in modern society (in contrast to either part of professional/everyday life and/or an aspect of other modern sports) and b) when it gets conceptualized as a recreational activity for the masses (jogging as exercise - check the 1980s) and c) how both of these time periods are linked to the development of the "running shoe" as a specific technology and d) what the broader technology & consumption trends are in these moments (specifically with regards to faith in engineers, technological progress, consumption as success, etc.).
For the purposes of this paper, you may just wish to focus on "running science and technology in the U.S." but it would also be interesting to compare and contrast the U.S. not just with indigenous models of running, but also with the development of running technology in European countries, for example. My observations (and you could/should test this hypothesis) is that running shoes in the U.S. are largely committed to bells & whistles, and new products, new lines, new things you should purchase to be better, stronger, faster. Is that the selling point of shoes made in Britain or France (based on ads, for example)? And how does this relate or not relate to engineering cultures?
I also like the possibility of your making an argument about how the push-back against bells and whistles in the U.S. in running technology may signal broader technological and consumption shifts. What do you think?
Mandy, although I have nothing to add to the comments left by Christina and Dr. Lehr (I'm sorry) I think this is super cool!! Mostly because my great grandma was 100% Tarahumara!! THis is especially interesting because it relates to bio-piracy.. You know, maybe the US, as a 'developed' country wanted shoes to further themselves as a society away from 'savage' cultures?? Knowing our history and looking at it from an ES perspective it would make sense.. That it has been better all along to run barefoot wouldn't be surprising.. Very unique topic :)
ReplyDelete