As I read Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman, I have to admit that I sometimes got stuck on the vocabulary, and had to reread a few paragraphs. Though this is not a book that I would usually read, it still had topics that I was able to find interest in. I enjoyed the way that the author expressed his views on the world's transition from printing to the television. I agree that with printing, many people were able to understand different forms of communication with a more extensive vocabulary. What interested me the most was the support he had for his claims against the television. The television shows its programs based on the hope that it will keep the viewers entertained enough to continue watching. Even when showing serious matters or educational programs, the television still tries to find ways to keep the viewer's interest. They incorporate commercials in between the shows you enjoy as another way to get you to remain seated watching. These forms of entertainment are leaving people with the want to stay entertained. In the end, this book has given me more insight on why the television shows the things that they show, and how it has affected people overtime.
- Jasmine Gonzalez
I never noticed how much of a conspicuous role television has in public discourse and entertainment, as your point is only validated by the novel's content. While sometimes convoluted, Amusing Ourselves to Death does an excellent job when articulating the effect that media has keeping audience's interest and comprehension of information. The evolution of the public opinion has changed with the progression of media as well! I liked how you took note of how small things, such as commercials, keep viewers entertained in a world dominated by visual stimulating media and "show biz" entertainment!
ReplyDeleteThe television does play a major role in public discourse, and I would have never realized how commercials are another tool to keep audiences hooked. Since television is the dominant form of public entertainment in our society, we can readily see how it keeps us entertained and watching. However, in a society dominated by print, would newspapers and novels not do the same thing? I believe that these forms of keeping the audience entertained have existed throughout human history, but merely change as the form of communication changes.
ReplyDeleteOur society today is so electronically oriented that we easily lose focus. While I agree with you that television writers attempt to use different methods to keep viewers interested, I have to disagree with your take on commercials. Since our generation is drawn to many new devices, we become bored when our main focus is disrupted. I watch Netflix so I do not run into the problem of having to stop my show to watch an ad about fast food. Many others do the same because of the effect television has put on us. Another example is at baseball games or other sporting events. Although I love watching them both when I am there in person or on television, I find myself on my phone during the breaks. Even when I am watching with my family, I use my phone to waste time. We are trained to using electronics to avoid boredom and we do so even during a small two minute break from a program.
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