G21 - MEMOIRS OF THE INFORMATION AGE: "The Handshake That Hides the Snake"

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The Handshake That Hides the Snake

by Rod Amis

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Part of any corporate job is dealing with the politics. I have known that most of my life. Still I find it interesting to watch the political moves around me and analyze motivations. How's the old Motown song go? "Beware, beware, of the handshake that hides the snake!" Some of you did warn me, of course. You said it would not be pretty and, Lord knows, you were certainly correct. I guess I had forgotten how Byzantine entrenched systems can become and how quickly. The mythology of how dot.com culture is different is so pervasive that I believe we often come to accept it as being close to the truth. But we all know that it isn't. Which is a pity.	Thanks for helping us build our dot.com. Good-bye. "Yes, you were All That yesterday. But what have you done for me lately?"
The World's Magazine: g21.net Event # 214: THE OTHER EVIL EMPIRE This Pull-down Menu will hyperjump you to all our great features. Try it! JOIN THE G21 MAILING LIST. Get updates on new features. Take part in our Readership polls, shape the future of The World's Magazine. It's easy! E-mail The World's Magazine with the "Subject" line: SUBSCRIBE. Want to know more about our community? The Info is here. LAST WEEK's EDITION For Deep Background visit the G21-Barnes & Noble Shop OR get great books at the G21 BARNES & NOBLE SEARCH ENGINE HOME Discover the MOIA Discussion List	Thus, not being a stupid person, I am waiting for the next shoe to drop. I read the passive-aggressive e-mails and try not to respond angrily. I acknowledge that part of the anger has to do with my politics, but part of it also has to do with my refusal to be a simple "rat" in the rat-race. I am also an optimist and want to believe that things will get better. Let's face it: when they wave stock options, paid holidays and health insurance under your nose, it is tempting. You tell yourself you can avoid the petty political silliness and just keep your head low. When your taxes are paid in advance it looks nice. Having a real retirement plan, instead of a rubber biscuit looks real good, too, in our society. Then you start receiving the passive-aggressive e-mails. Oh joy! That's the point where you silently wait for the axe to fall....
Part of the problem of having someone like me on staff is that I represent an alternative voice to the corporate-think which has become so ubiquitous in our country. Why do I insist on bringing up the prospect of the post-human era? And why the hell can't I shut up about how technology workers are among the most exploited? I'll act like I'm surprised. The challenge is maintaining one's optimism about the Information Age and the revolution that is taking place. Part of doing that is focusing on continuing to learn and grow and waiting for a change in the human spirit to take hold, as well. We all want to believe such a change is coming and that the word "cooperation" will spread through these new organizations. That is part and parcel of my dream, anyway.	TAKE THE RISK OF INVOLVEMENT. You can watch history... or make it. On my Wish List is....

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