Something terrified me during the Tony Awards and I'm not talking about Candace Bergen's outfit.
I'm also not talking about this Tony Award show's idiocy in musically cutting off Mike Nichols' genius onstage; or anyone ever, for any reason, cutting into Mike's rare appearances when he gifts us with a live line of dialogue.
I could go on and on, but I'm forcing myself to imagine a stoned stagehand pressing the wrong button and I'll leave it there.
Today my focus is Apple iphone's commercials during these Awards. I'm talking about the repeated multi-million dollar vignettes starring John Malkovich and introducing iphone's latest robot girl voice, Siri, who hopes to pose as a human being with whom to carry on relationships and phone conversations.
Siri is not just a voice. She is a virtual woman and a virtual woman with a mission.
So, what's the problem? you might ask.
Technology and commercials go hand in hand, and it's all about the smartest, quickest ways to erase ancient nuisances, like real communication, human phone calls, and having to spend actual time with people.
Here's why I'm bothered.
I believe this is the first commercial to enforce the idea that you can have a relationship with a mechanized voice.
Color me annoyed, bothered, and bewildered.
I am well aware of the disconnection between people today that produces unparalleled depths of rage and depression in our society.
Apple is leaping onto this zeitgeist of human emptiness, shoving it forward, and cashing in.
Siri is Apple's relationship answer for the lonely American.
In case you missed it, John Malkovich repeatedly appeared in two versions of Siri commercials during the Tonys, seductively hawking the latest iphone innovation.
These languid commercials feature an uber- relaxed Malcovich
lounging alone while having an intimate iphone tete a
tete with robot girl Siri's
warm, seductive voice.
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