William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-09-01 / 9. szám
Tibor's Take MAGYAR Weßsite’Sf thS'MontR www.endrecsehcimbalom.webs.com I have been trying to get my brother Endre to start a website. This is his birthday present from me to him: a site with photos, a calendar of events where he will be playing, and contact information if you want to see what he has to play! Check it out, because at this time of year, Endre is playing at a different event every weekend!-Tibor utilized by our community to create a sense of geographic proximity, even though there are few Hungarian enclaves left. In a historical sense, the Internet is unique. Natural disasters, the passage of time and human acts have destroyed thousands of years of knowledge. When the Mongols sacked Baghdad on their westward conquests, it is rumored that the Tigris ran black because of the countless books that were thrown into the river by the conquering army. The Mongols knew then what we must all realize now: destroying a culture's means of preserving memory is a way to destroy that culture. In this sense, the Internet is a way to preserve culture and history beyond the physical limitations of paper and ink. For example, the website of the Hungarian Cultural Center of Northeastern Ohio is a great example of how this concept works. On the website there are many photo albums. By clicking on one album, a person can view hundreds of photos from that album. Unless the administrators of that website decide to take that album down, it will remain on that website as long as the website exists. And the website itself will exist as long as people maintain it. In fact, if the website address does not cost money to maintain (and there are a great many free website hosting companies that allow individuals and companies to maintain web pages without charge), it can remain online even if the site is infrequently (or never) updated. If someone was computer savvy, he or she could upload recordings, photos, videos and documents detailing a person's life. The memories of that person could be maintained forever by using the Internet as a digital archive. Of course, there are issues with privacy and security, but those can be circumvented by adequate knowhow. It is our collective reality that the Internet enables us all to access an unfathomable amount of information within a few seconds, and that information~if the owners of that information so wish—is available forever* Right now, as we speak, the Internet has millions of photos of Hungarian culture. One internet site, YouTube, has videos of Sándor Lakatos, Kalman Balogh, Oskar Okros and many other Hungarian musicians. There are dozens of websites that have unique Hungarian recipes. There are businesses that deal in the importation and sale of Hungarian items. The "old" Hungarian neighborhood that many people reminisce about is alive and well-it's just online! So, whether you're a techie or someone who does not know how to turn on a computer, there is something of vital importance to you on the Internet, and it can only grow more important. If you are only beginning to understand the world of cyberspace, there is no reason to worry. Go to your local library; there are computers there available for public use. Librarians and volunteers will almost always help get you started. If you need special guidance, local civic centers, colleges and universities often sponsor tutorial classes for computer neophytes for free or a small fee. No matter who you are, the Internet is undoubtedly a place where the Hungarian culture is alive and thriving. Yet, unless we grow accustomed to the fact that cyberspace is where the future of our heritage lies, we may continue to experience difficulties. / Éljen a Magyar! Tibor II * Unless there comes a time when there is no more Internet, and if there is no more Internet, then we all have bigger problems on our hands. Tibor Check Jr. is a member of Branch 28 Youngstown, Ohio, and a student at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He serves as a host of the “Souvenirs of Hungary” weekly radio show broadcast on WK.TL-90.7 FM in Struthers, Ohio. Let's hear your take Let me know how you enjoy my thoughts and views on growing up Hungarian Style. If you have any questions or comments about me or my column, please email me at: silverkingl937@yahoo.com, or drop me a letter in care of the William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. William Penn Life 0 September 2012 0 7
