I have started this summer by reading Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman. At first, it was very hard to get 'into' this book, but as I read more and more, I am interested in Postman's argument on how people are affected by what they are presented. In early America, there was a high literacy rate due to the settler's desire to read religious texts. This soon evolved to the desire for other forms of literature. With written word available to all classes and all kinds of people, "a thriving, classless reading culture developed".
Due to this dominant typographic society, people had an "..extraordinary capacity to comprehend lengthy and complex sentences aurally" (45). For instance, it is noted that people of this time could withstand a lengthy, complex-worded seven hour speech. I do not know about you, but I cannot hear someone simply talk or argue for seven hours. I would quickly fall asleep or get bored, especially with the complex language used. This proves that people of what is nicknamed 'Typographic America' achieved an intellectual mind from simply reading.
Postman continues to say that today, the media we are provided makes us dumber by the second. Although his argument is a bit strong at times, I agree with this. Today, we are concerned on what the presidential candidates tweet, what the new snapchat filter is, and other foolish amusements. As a result, we are left with a new generation with unfocused minds.
I agree with what you claim in your last paragraph. I think people are too concerned with other people's business and all the gossip that goes around instead of simply appreciating life around them. There are too many missed opportunities because people just aren't paying attention. It's sad to say that people in our generation would completely freak out if their phones were taken from them. I don't think they would know what to do with themselves. They've become so engrossed with social media that they wouldn't know what hit them if it disappeared completely.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement. While reading your post, I realized that the duration for present day debates for Presidential candidates has been shortened. These debates have been condensed due to the new technology that is present. Today's society has been absorbed into to the world of commercials and short programs on television where now we want a speech to be broken down into the most important lines instead of the whole speech. In the 1600's and 1700's people could listen to a three to four hour speech and we cannot. It is sad that our intellectual ability has digressed instead of improved.
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree with your last statement. I don't think the media necessarily makes us dumber by the second. Although the media may serve as a means for amusement and entertainment, social media can be used as an important tool to spread awareness. Through social media I learn a lot about what is going on in other countries through popular tags. Information on the election or any politics can also be found on official social media pages run by political organizations or people working under the candidates. In fact, President Obama has a verified twitter that posts tweets regarding political issues. Sure there are a lot of unnecessary, or "stupid" things that circulate the internet, but I think it's up to you to decide what's foolish or more important. If the media affects you that much, it says more about you and your priorities.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is made to make things more efficient and fast. As technology progresses,it may seem like our intellectual ability has digressed instead of improved; however, I don't think that is necessarily the truth. In some cases, short programs on television and commercials may sponsor the political parties of the election which fund campaigns for the presidential candidates. I believe if the message is said clearly and all the issues are addressed, there's no need for a three to four hour speech. Sometimes busy families do not have the time to sit down to listen for that long due to their capitalist lifestyle.