“Amusing Ourselves To Death” by Neil Postman presents several humorous yet truthful issues with media two decades ago. Although if you were not aware of this work’s publishing date, you would likely assume that Postman is writing about media in the 21st century.
A high percentage of the issues Postman addresses are similar to the dilemmas we face in today’s media saturated society. Postman stresses the fact that a large portion of our society no longer views television for factual information but rather they use it as an escape from everyday life. Sadly, he compares our nation’s “character and aspiration” to that of Las Vegas, Nevada. Most aspects of everyday life, such as education and politics, are seen through Postman’s eyes as a form of “show business.”
I can personally say that I largely watch television for entertaining and interesting educational purposes more so than for learning about significant everyday happenings. However, I feel that our deteriorating economy and political issues are mostly to blame for our society’s viewing of entertaining shows over news channels.
I agree with Postman when he says, “Moreover, television offers viewers a variety of subject matter.” There are indeed a multitude of shows each with different plots. He explains that the difficulty of understanding television is rather minimal and the subject matter is directed so as to gain emotional appeal. This is why it seems that today so many people watch comedies and dramas over news reports.
The idea of watching television for entertainment is implanted in our minds when we are children. This comes from parents using their television as a baby –sitter and allowing their children to watch educationally entertaining programs such as “Arthur” and “Baby Einstein” . While they may be gaining useful knowledge from these shows, children are unable to directly interact with a television which may hinder their ability to gain the best learning experience both in and outside of the classroom.
In conclusion, even if Postman feels that our society is excessively relying on television for entertainment, I have a question for him. Wasn’t television invented to be entertaining? How many old shows have we seen where we see the actors watching amusing programs on their tiny television screens? I believe that television always has been and will remain a key form of entertainment well into the future.
1 comment:
I've finally stumbled upon a blog worth commenting on. It's amazing how many times you have to click "next blog" before you can find either an english blog or an interesting one.
I agree that TV might be an important part of society for many years to come FOR MOST PEOPLE. ;) I watch two shows a week, not including Denver Bronco games. I spend the rest of my time reading or doing what I am doing now.
Although I get what you mean, my wife and daughter spend a few hours a day watching the boob tube. We've become mindless drones, just look at the joke of an election Americans are worrying about. Clone A, B, and C all wanting to be president...reminds me of that Futurama episode.
Nice post, thanks for the read!!
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