“Understanding of Infrastructure”
Infrastructure is simply the broad term to describe the working parts of all levels of society, from the small towns of Idaho to the United States as a whole. Any information, stories, decisions, actions, ideas, and theories, can all be looked at from an “infrastructure perspective”. Stating that infrastructure is “simply” the working parts of any level of society is a mere understatement. Defining infrastructure is far too vague to fit on paper. No, it is not simply something that can be seen; yet as a country we constantly view it as such. Infrastructure is more of the thoughts, and ideas that shape society. Infrastructure as defined by each person in a society is different. Yet far to many “important” people tend to overlook this concept. Thus, societies can never agree on anything. Take the implementation of pipelines along the rural east coast for example. One group argues that it will benefit the work force in each locality, the other group argues that it will affect the environment, another group argues that having the pipeline on their property infringes their rights, and so on and so forth. These different opinions are based on different priorities. Everyone in the world has his or her own set of priorities, and no one will “fully” agree with the other. Fortunately the United States is a democracy, and majority rules, making infrastructure decisions somewhat simple to decide. But should it be? Should a public official in Texas, put in position by the people of Texas, make a decision for the people of North Carolina? Is the “infrastructure perspective” the same for both parties? Here lies the issue with “Infrastructure” as seen in the United States. Sure infrastructure encompasses water, fuel, transportation, economics for the smallest localities, and every other moving part of society. But is our government looking at the problems and who they impact, or the problems and their impact on their own lives? Is the “infrastructure perspective” really where it needs to be in modern day society? Washington’s priority of a certain issue should be taken into consideration, but not as much as the people’s priority of the issue. Some may think that this analysis of infrastructure in the United States is far too critical. But should we take decisions that impact everyone in this great country lightly, or should we understand that fact that infrastructure not only encompasses the physical dimensions of society, but every decision that has an impact on society?