Firstly, I recommend everyone start by reading the online articles instead of the PDFs. The former are more engaging and can pave the way for a deeper understanding upon subsequent readings. 

Ned Rossiter’s introductory chapter in “Software, Infrastructure, Labor: A Media Theory of Logistical Nightmares” presents his definition of infrastructure. Rossiter describes infrastructure as an underlying system comprised of elements, categories, standards, protocols, and operations, which many note becomes evident only during moments of failure and breakdown. This highlights to the class that infrastructure acts as a significant but silent engine in the background, emerging to prominence mainly when it malfunctions or requires an evaluation. Rossiter suggests that logistical media play a pivotal role in contemporary capitalism. It manages the movement of goods, people, and information across global networks and has been integral since the inception of capitalism. 

Rossiter introduces the concept of “soft infrastructure,” which he breaks down into four components: 

• Algorithmic architectures, such as the software used by Apple, Amazon, and SAP, designed to create “supple chains.” 
• Communication and transport infrastructure, which involves traditional means like ships and planes as well as interpersonal communication for the physical movement of items. 
• Formal and informal labor sectors, which encompass parts of the supply chain responsible for innovation and troubleshooting. 
• Protocol control, which is a set of rules devised by individuals to oversee the usage of the supply chain. These guidelines can influence our perceptions, actions, and interactions. 

Question: How does the concept of logistical media shed light on the relationship between infrastructure, labor, and imperialism? 

In “See No Evil” by Miriam Posner, she delves into the intricacies of production processes, inspired by her curiosity about the journey of a chocolate bar to her minibar. Posner highlights that the logistics involved in a product’s journey can substantially augment its value. For instance, gold becomes pricier due to its logistical journey rather than its intrinsic weight. Posner also mentions the term “black boxing,” which refers to the phenomenon where the complexities of scientific and technical endeavors are concealed by their very success. As an illustration, with shipping containers, the content matters less rather than its intended destination. 

Posner’s perspective on corporate evasion of accountability is compelling: “When a company like Santa Monica Seafood claims ignorance of the labor and environmental issues within its supply chains, it’s plausible. A company can possess an extraordinarily efficient supply chain without fully understanding its intricacies. This limited knowledge might not only be feasible but could also be an essential characteristic of global capitalism.” 

Question: Should we allow companies to claim ignorance about labor and environmental malpractices on account of the black boxing phenomenon, all for the sake of capitalism and consumer satisfaction? 

In another article titled “The Software That Shapes Workers’ Lives,” Posner discusses SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing), a widely-used enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, or as termed earlier, an “algorithmic architecture.” 

Posner reiterates that companies might not always be aware of the origins of their components. This lack of knowledge is a built-in feature of how supply chains operate. The software used for managing these chains typically lacks ethical considerations; its primary function is to optimize speed and minimize cost. 

Highlighting labor injustices, Posner cites an example: “For instance, China Labor Watch discovered that workers in Heyuan City, China, tasked with producing Disney’s Princess Sing & Sparkle Ariel Bath Doll—sold at a retail price of $26.40—work twenty-six days a month. They assemble between eighteen hundred and twenty-five hundred dolls daily, earning a mere cent for each doll.” 

Question: How does the emphasis on scalability in a globalized economy contribute to a widespread disregard for accountability and responsibility across industries? 

Should SAP shift its focus to prioritize ethics over profit?