Unit 4: How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives

4.1 Science and Technology

Internet

• Cuba

  • Has one of the lowest internet penetration rates in the world, with only around 5% of the population having access to the internet.
  • The Cuban government heavily controls and restricts internet access, with only a few government-approved internet service providers (ISPs) operating in the country.
  • Internet access is also expensive and slow, with many Cubans relying on public Wi-Fi hotspots or internet cafes to access the internet.
  • In 2018, the Cuban government launched a mobile internet service, which has increased internet access in the country, but it is still limited and expensive for many Cubans.
  • The government also censors and monitors online content, blocking websites and social media platforms that are critical of the government or promote dissent.

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• USA

  • The United States has one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world, with over 90% of the population having access to the internet.
  • The internet was first introduced in the United States in the 1960s as a government-funded project called ARPANET.
  • The first commercial internet service provider (ISP) in the United States was called The World, and it was launched in 1989.
  • Today, there are hundreds of ISPs in the United States, including major companies like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon.
  • The most popular internet activities in the United States include social media, online shopping, and streaming video and music.
  • The United States is also home to many of the world's largest internet companies, including Google, Facebook, and Amazon.

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Public Transportation

• Cuba

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  • Cuba has a well-developed public transportation system that is affordable and reliable.
  • The most common mode of transportation in Cuba is the bus. The buses are operated by the state-owned company, Viazul, and connect major cities and tourist destinations.
  • The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, with reclining seats and onboard toilets. The fares are reasonable, and tickets can be purchased at the bus stations or online.
  • Apart from Viazul, there are also local buses that operate within cities and towns. These buses are often crowded and may not be as comfortable as Viazul buses.
  • Taxis are also available in Cuba, but they are more expensive than buses. There are two types of taxis: official state-run taxis and private taxis. Private taxis are often cheaper than state-run taxis but may not be as reliable.
  • Another popular mode of transportation in Cuba is the collective taxi, also known as a "colectivo." These are shared taxis that operate on fixed routes and are often cheaper than private taxis.
  • In addition to these modes of transportation, there are also horse-drawn carriages, bicycle taxis, and motorcycle taxis available in some areas.

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• USA

  • The most common types of public transportation in the USA are buses, trains, and subways.
  • The largest public transportation systems in the USA are in New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
  • Public transportation is often cheaper than driving a car, especially in urban areas where parking can be expensive.
  • Public transportation is also more environmentally friendly than driving a car, as it reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.
  • However, public transportation in the USA is not always reliable or convenient, especially in rural areas where there may be limited service.
  • Many cities are investing in improving their public transportation systems, such as building new subway lines or adding more buses to their fleets.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on public transportation in the USA, with many systems reducing service or implementing new safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

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Cars

• Cuba

  • Has a unique collection of vintage cars due to the US embargo in 1960s which prevented new car imports.
  • These cars are mostly from the 1950s and earlier, and are still in use today due to the lack of newer models.
  • The cars are maintained by their owners, who have become experts in repairing and restoring them.
  • The vintage cars have become a symbol of Cuba's culture and history, and are a popular attraction for tourists.
  • However, the cars are also a source of pollution due to their outdated engines and lack of emission controls.
  • The Cuban government has recently allowed the import of newer cars, but they are still expensive and out of reach for most Cubans.
  • The vintage cars remain an important part of Cuba's transportation system, and are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Cuban people.

• USA

  • The United States is one of the largest markets for cars in the world.
  • The automobile industry is a significant contributor to the US economy, providing jobs and generating revenue.
  • The most popular car brands in the US include Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
  • The US is known for its love of large vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, which are often used for work and recreation.
  • However, there is also a growing demand for electric and hybrid cars in the US, as consumers become more environmentally conscious.

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4.2 Global Challenges

Social Media and Global Challenges

• El Positivo
  • Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness about global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and human rights abuses.
  • Social media can facilitate communication and collaboration between individuals and organizations working towards solutions to global challenges.
  • Social media can provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and for underrepresented issues to gain attention.
  • Social media can be used to mobilize people to take action and make a difference in their communities and beyond.
• El Negativo
  • Social media can also be a source of misinformation and fake news, which can exacerbate global challenges by spreading false information and creating confusion.
  • Social media can be a breeding ground for hate speech and online harassment, which can further marginalize already vulnerable populations.
  • Social media can create echo chambers where people only interact with those who share their views, which can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and hinder progress towards solutions.
  • Social media can be addictive and time-consuming, which can distract from real-world action and engagement with global challenges.

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Political Implications

• USA

  • Black Lives Matter Movement

  • Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have allowed activists to share their stories and experiences with a global audience.

  • The use of hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter has helped to raise awareness about police brutality and systemic racism.

  • Social media has helped to organize protests and rallies, allowing activists to connect with each other and coordinate their efforts.

  • The use of live streaming has allowed people to witness police brutality in real-time, increasing public outrage and putting pressure on authorities to take action.

  • Social media has helped to amplify the voices of Black activists and provide a platform for them to speak out against injustice.

  • #MeToo Movement

  • Social media has allowed survivors of sexual assault and harassment to share their stories and experiences with a global audience.

  • The use of hashtags like #MeToo has helped to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and the need for change.

  • Social media has helped to hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions, with many high-profile abusers being exposed and facing consequences as a result.

  • The use of social media has helped to create a sense of community among survivors, providing a platform for them to support each other and advocate for change.

  • Social media has helped to shift the conversation around sexual violence, with more people now recognizing the importance of consent and the need to challenge toxic masculinity.

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• España

  • Catalan Independence Movement
  • Social media played a crucial role in the Catalan Independence Movement by providing a platform for activists to organize and mobilize support for their cause.
  • Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram were the most widely used social media platforms by the movement, with hashtags such as #Catalonia, #1Oct, and #LlibertatPresosPolitics trending globally.
  • Social media allowed activists to share news, videos, and images of police brutality during the 2017 independence referendum, which helped to garner international attention and support for the movement.
  • The use of social media also allowed for the creation of virtual communities, where supporters of the movement could connect and share their experiences and opinions.

4.3 Contemporary Life

Social Values / Volunteer work

• Latin American societies are known for their strong social values and community-oriented culture.

• Social inequality and poverty are major issues in Latin America, and many people believe in the importance of helping those in need.

• Volunteer work is a common way for people to give back to their communities in Latin America.

• Many organizations and NGOs offer volunteer opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, and community development.

• Volunteer work can provide valuable experience and cultural immersion for those interested in learning more about Latin American societies.

• Examples of Volunteer Works:

  • Building schools and community centers in rural areas
  • Teaching English or other skills to children and adults
  • Providing healthcare services in underserved communities
  • Working with environmental organizations to protect natural resources
  • Supporting local businesses and artisans through fair trade initiatives

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Vaccine Development

• Cuba: Cuba has developed its own COVID-19 vaccine, Soberana 02, which has shown promising results in clinical trials. The country has also developed other vaccines, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, which is used globally.
• Mexico: Mexico has partnered with pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca to develop and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. The country has also developed its own vaccine, Patria, which is currently in clinical trials.
• Argentina: Argentina has developed its own COVID-19 vaccine, called Sputnik V, in partnership with Russia. The vaccine has been approved for emergency use in several countries, including Argentina.
• Spain: Spain has been involved in vaccine development through its pharmaceutical companies, such as BioNTech and Pfizer. The country has also participated in clinical trials for vaccines developed by other countries.
• Chile: Chile has been actively involved in vaccine development and has secured doses from various pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Sinovac. The country has also developed its own vaccine, called the CoronaVac, which is currently in clinical trials.

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Latin American Inventions

1. Ballpoint Pen: The first practical ballpoint pen was invented by Argentine journalist Laszlo Biro in 1938.
2. Pacemaker: The pacemaker, a device that helps regulate the heartbeat, was invented by Argentine surgeon Dr. Rene Favaloro in 1958.
3. Color Television: Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena, a Mexican engineer, invented the first color television system in 1940.
4. Cobalt-60 Cancer Treatment: In 1951, Canadian physicist Harold Johns and Mexican physicist Dr. Andrés Gómez Montoya developed the cobalt-60 cancer treatment, which is still used today.
5. Mechanical Seed Drill: The mechanical seed drill, which revolutionized agriculture by allowing farmers to plant crops more efficiently, was invented by Brazilian inventor João Batista de Oliveira in 1884.
6. Mamografía: The mammography machine, used for breast cancer screening, was invented by Uruguayan radiologist Raul Leborgne in 1961.
7. Portable Electronic Calculator: The first portable electronic calculator was invented by Mexican engineer Armando Olivares in 1968.

\n 4.4 Personal and Public Identities

Globalization and Identity

• Globalization has had a significant impact on cultural identities in Spanish-speaking worlds, leading to both the homogenization and hybridization of traditional cultural identities.
• While globalization has brought many benefits, it is important to recognize and preserve the unique cultural identities of Spanish-speaking communities.
• Globalization has led to the spread of Western culture
• In Mexico, the popularity of American fast food chains like McDonald's and KFC has led to the decline of traditional Mexican cuisine.
• In Spain, the influx of immigrants from Latin America and North Africa has led to the emergence of new hybrid identities that combine elements of Spanish and non-Spanish cultures.
• In Argentina, the popularity of tango music and dance has spread around the world, leading to the emergence of a global tango community that transcends national and cultural boundaries.

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Social Media and Personal Identity

• Social media has become an integral part of Spanish culture, with over 80% of the population using social media platforms.

• Spanish social media users tend to be highly engaged, spending an average of 1.5 hours per day on social media.

• Social media has had a significant impact on personal identity in Spain, with many users using social media to express their cultural and national identity.

• Spanish social media users often use social media to connect with others who share their interests and values, creating online communities that reflect their personal identity.

• Social media has also played a role in shaping Spanish political identity, with many users using social media to express their political views and engage in political discussions.

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