Meaning: This quote by John McGahern, the renowned Irish writer, reflects on the slow pace of modernization and technological advancement in certain communities. McGahern's words highlight the fact that progress and access to modern amenities have been unevenly distributed across the world, with some areas experiencing significant delays in the arrival of basic infrastructure and services.

The quote suggests that as recently as 20 years ago, the community referenced would have only recently gained access to telephone lines. This indicates that even basic means of communication were not readily available to the people living in this particular area until relatively recently. The introduction of telephone lines is often considered a pivotal moment in the modernization of rural and remote communities, as it allows for easier communication and connection to the outside world.

Furthermore, the mention of electricity only arriving in the 1950s emphasizes the delayed access to fundamental utilities. The advent of electricity is a crucial marker of progress and development, as it brings light, power, and new possibilities to a community. The fact that it took until the mid-20th century for this community to receive electricity underscores the prolonged period of isolation and lack of infrastructure they endured.

Television, a symbol of mass media and global connectivity, is noted as not making an appearance in this community until 1970. This delay in the arrival of television further emphasizes the slow pace of technological diffusion and the limited exposure to external influences experienced by the inhabitants of this area. The arrival of television can have a profound impact on a community, shaping its cultural landscape and providing access to information and entertainment from beyond its immediate surroundings.

Overall, McGahern's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the disparities in technological advancement and modernization that exist between different regions and communities. While urban centers and more developed areas may take access to these amenities for granted, there are still pockets of the world where such advancements have only recently become a reality. This quote prompts reflection on the unequal distribution of progress and the impact it has on the lives of those who have been left behind in the march towards modernity.

In a broader context, the quote also speaks to the broader themes of change, progress, and the passage of time. It underscores the transformative power of technology and the profound impact it can have on communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized or overlooked. By highlighting the staggered timeline of technological adoption, McGahern draws attention to the complex interplay between modernity and tradition, and the ways in which these forces shape the lived experiences of people in different parts of the world.

McGahern's quote is a powerful commentary on the enduring legacy of technological inequality and the enduring impact of delayed modernization on communities. It encourages us to consider the implications of uneven progress and to recognize the importance of ensuring that all communities have equitable access to the benefits of technological advancement. Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of those who have had to wait for these advancements, and the ways in which they have navigated and shaped their own paths in the face of such challenges.

In conclusion, John McGahern’s quote poignantly captures the slow pace of technological advancement in certain communities and invites us to reflect on the enduring impact of delayed modernization. It prompts us to consider the implications of technological inequality and the importance of working towards a more equitable distribution of progress and opportunity. McGahern's words serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and agency of communities that have had to wait for these advancements, and the need to ensure that no one is left behind in the march towards modernity.

Sources:
1. John McGahern, "That They May Face the Rising Sun" (2002)
2. "The Leavetaking" by John McGahern (1975)