If you’re like me, you really really enjoy the series Silicon Valley. TJ Miller’s antics are hilarious, the duality of Gilfoyle and Dinesh is always energizing, and Jian Yang’s accent is racist in the most entertaining way and a perfect example of sensitive comedy done right. Above all, the growing premise as blockchain as the major innovation in the drama’s arc is one of the best integrations of crypto-related content in mainstream life that I have ever seen.
SPOILER ALERT
On a side note, I hate the character of Richard Hendricks the most and wouldn’t be caught dead with the man. But back to the main point, it is super important that his whole purpose in the narrative is bring about a “decentralized internet.” They haven’t used the terms “blockchain” or “cryptocurrency” in describing their work at Pied Piper, though Gilfoyle and others have poked at the idea of mining Bitcoin for example.
Instead, and what might be more effective, Hendricks uses the premise of a corporate internet that dictates our world and sees it (and the main antagonist Gavin Belson) as one of the biggest problems/hindrances in the modern age. Before any mention of a new catchphrase or buzzword, a unique and critical problem is defined. As Hendricks battles his foe and strives to establish a new company, the solution is more clearly uncovered. And all signs lead to blockchain.
Many many many of my friends ask me about “adoption” - if we’re ever going to achieve that level of daily use of crypto any time soon. I am indeed a believer, but I don’t think it will come about because we preach about it all day. For most people unfamiliar with the tech, crypto is pretty much a solution in search of a problem. Most don’t understand the inherent and growing problems of using the technologies and systems that exist today. Instead, I think it’ll be more effective to take the Silicon Valley approach - to find solutions as quickly as possible that anyone can use without a real need to know what a “ledger” is.
I always liken it to trying free-range grass-fed beef to a free-range grass-fed beef virgin. To someone who has only tried packaged and browning beef between McDonald’s patties, there is nothing better. That 5-dollar burger is the end-all be-all and no describing the ‘underlying technologies’ of a Kobe steak will get them to understand. It requires that side-by-side comparison of a floppy lukewarm patty next to a sizzling medium-rare sirloin, colored by nothing than its own freshly soaked blood, that someone will really realize the issue of processed, hormone-pumped meat bricks and enjoy something much much better.
Btw, I apologize for all the vegans reading this.
This entire Wired Magazine article is dedicated to "decentralized internet" but never mentions "blockchain" or "cryptocurrency" once, even when Storj is highlighted.
But back to the real point, it’s absolutely critical that a show, especially one on the most widely viewed channels, takes on the narrative of big, scary, and dangerous centralized systems. We need more public awareness and imagination through media like Silicon Valley and Mr. Robot. Only then will most understand the revolution of decentralization.
Let me know your thoughts below. Steem on!