Bubonic plague Quote by Sherman Alexie
““Gordy,” I said. “I need to talk to you." "I don't have time," he said. "Mr. Orcutt and I have to debug some PCs. Don't you hate PCs? They are sickly and fragile and vulnerable to viruses. PCs are like French people living during the bubonic plague." Wow, and people thought I was a freak. "I much prefer Macs, don't you?" he asked. "They're so poetic.””
About This Quote
A speaker contrasts the fragility and vulnerability of PCs with the perceived elegance of Macs, using a vivid analogy to critique technology’s susceptibility to failure.
In simple terms: Tech preference expressed through metaphor.
Key Takeaway
Macs are portrayed as superior in resilience and artistry.
Themes
technology criticism
metaphor
cultural analogy
preference
vulnerability
Mood
ironic
defiant
playful
Type
anecdotal
comparative
humorous
When to use this quote
- choosing a computer for work
- discussing tech reliability with peers
- debating Apple vs. PC
- explaining tech issues to non‑technical people
Key Concepts
computer reliability
software viruses
hardware aesthetics
user experience
Practical Applications
- marketing for Mac products
- educational material on computer security
Questions to Reflect On
- How does metaphor shape our view of technology?
- What assumptions underlie the comparison of PCs to a plague?
