A look inside Cisco's Human Network reveals some unfortunate tales

Cable Digital News has a lively analysis of Cisco's The Human Network campaign, noting that the program has a few elements that don't sit well together, or have unfortunate associations.

While the writer, Michael Harris applauds the way broadband technology allows individuals to work and to connect, even though they're thousands of miles away from home, "Cisco's pollyannic Human Network Anthem makes it sound as if people were never connected before the advent of TCP/IP ..."

He also notes that the anthem, which features The Who's Baba O'Riley, "Could make one think of today's gaggle of digitally induced ADD kids compulsively SMSing each other while simultaneously surfing the Web, listening to their iPods, and watching HDTV."

Harris also reminds readers that Baba O'Riley is written by Pete Townshend, who was arrested and subsequently cleared of child porn. Townshend said the incident was a result of his research work as an anti online-kiddie porn crusader, writes Harris.

Harris moves on to Cisco's Human Network campaign in China, where citizens' online adventures are closely monitored.

Harris adds:

Ironically, several of Cisco's Human Network ads feature a group of Tibetan monks (likely living in exile following China's annexation of their country in 1959) gathered around a laptop, enjoying the connected lifestyle. It is surprising that China hasn't managed to censor that clip yet. Those monks could be looking at a picture of their beloved Dalai Lama, a move that would land them in a re-education cell.

Harris says his intention is not to bash Cisco.

All things considered, you'd be hard pressed to find a better mega-corporate citizen. However, according to the Surgeon General, chugging one's own Kool-Aid may pose health hazards.

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