DIGITAL EFFIGY

by Case Q. Kerns & Eric D. Smith

 

[A selection from The Blowfellow Institute]

Digital Effigy - Division of Politics, Conflict Resolution, and

International Relations

 

 

The Digital Effigy is The Blowfellow Institute’s peaceful solution to quelling public dissatisfaction. Whether it be outrage towards a government official or hatred of a social fiber-rattling outsider, the passions of a public gathering can quickly turn a group of otherwise rational people into a vengeful mob, desperate to satisfy their temporarily confused sense of justice. Occasionally, these disgruntled eruptions lead to a regrettable act of violence before reason has reentered the public fray. The Digital Effigy filters this kind of public anger by offering a Technovoodoo substitute for the target of the people’s dismay. The main purpose of the Digital Effigy is to theatrically project the simulation of publicly displayed vengeance, or more technically, artificial immolation. The unit is constructed entirely of rust-proof materials so that it may be situated outdoors on centrally-located public grounds (a town square, for instance) without any concerns of weather damage. A photograph of the person who is the target of the said vengeance is inserted through the imaging port; once the photograph has been scanned, a re-imaging program digitizes a likeness of the target person to display on the effigy gyro-screen (Fig. 1). Next, propane tanks hidden behind a stack of artificial logs are tapped to ignite a perimeter of Bunsen burner style torches to create the illusion of uncontrollable fire. To onlookers, it appears that the target image is being burned at the stake, which will hopefully satisfy the vengeful impulse and prevent the need for more severe methods of public control (Fig. 2). Additionally, numerous information displays impart vital programmatic data, as well as related news clips and background information (Fig. 3). Emphasizing clean, safe illusion over consumptive passion, the Digital Effigy is yet another implement used to reinforce The Blowfellow Institute’s contention that public appeasement is often preferable to peace enforcement.

Figure 1: Input devices are available for customizing the event. A photo port accepts photographs of the individual to be treated, scans the image and then transfers the key identifying portions to the gyro-screen.

 

 

 

Figure 2: Historically, effigy burnings have been highly unorganized affairs, often leading to secondary mob violence, looting, and actual casualties. The Digital Effigy presents the event in a highly structured fashion, replacing the tools of old and ensuring a family environment in which all can safely participate.]

 

 

Figure 3: The Digital Effigy is outfitted with numerous human interface options. In addition to simple attention attracting tools such as lights and sirens, an information display figures prominently on the Effigy face, relaying instructions and information concerning various stages of a given event.