 |
Hailed, at times, as an apocalyptic radical, Neil Postman takes an unconventional, yet, truthful, mindset regarding technology, entertainment, and human communication. If you've ever wondered why people love modern entertainment, but can't explain why, this is for you. If you wonder what those pesky book-lovers see in the publications of years gone by, this is for you. If you wonder how propping up and relaxing to television affects who you are and how you think, then read this. This is an even-handed and fact-based examination of how human communication, specifically in the realms of entertainment, has changed over the years. Fantastic resource and read! It may hint and the flavor of a conspiracy theorist, were it not for every word being true, well thought out, and supported by facts, studies, and testimonies. Even if you don't agree with the premise of the book, it would be a profitable read. It helps you further understand yourself, and how you think. Highly recommended!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I got this book a couple weeks ago for a class. I was told this book was boring and dry so i wasn't too happy about it. When i read it..i realized that it was sooo interesting!! It was a bit hard to swallow sometimes because Postman is so harsh about some ideas and i didn't agree..but that's good to be able to read someone else's point of view and compare them with your own. So yea if your interested political culture and how it's "killing you" you gotta read....and if you have to get this for a class...don't be sad..it's pretty intresting...you can argure with it the whole time! :)
Very well written and well argued, Postman's thesis is that our culture has shifted from being one of printed media to one of television and this shift changes not only the media through which we are informed, it actually changes the very content of what we are learning. Sustained reasoning requires the written word. To comprehend deep or subtle ideas, we have to be able to read a bit, stop and think about it, re-read it. But most of our information these days are sound bites - brief bursts of TV friendly, consumer oriented media flashes. It is not possible to sustain deep thought in this media. As a result, for instance, candidates get elected on face quotient, smooth public speaking and good looks. Fat or ugly politicians, no matter how good their ideas or how valuable their leadership, simply will not get elected. Our culture is no longer one of thought but one of impressions, impressions we gather from 30 second bits of TV. Our news programs must now be entertaining, not informative. I think about the decline of CNN until "Robyn in the Morning" has devolved into shallow pap. How often does even the "serious" news reportage endlessly cover such inane events like Michael Jackson's lurid life and death? Sometimes I can get more information about events in the USA by watching the BBC World Report! I have not finished this book but already I can see it's going to be one I recommend to others and re-read many times - unless, of course, they make a movie out of it.Read full review
Neil Postman was one of our great cultural critics and commentators. This is his manifesto on the decline of literacy and the reasons for it, eloquently told in detail. This short book is on many '100 books to read in your lifetime' lists for good reason, it's brilliant. The precept that pits Orwell against Huxley, itself describes and answers more questions about our culture than you can imagine. Highly recommended.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Insightful, important and timely. A great book. Highest praise. Buy it, but be careful from whom. My copy described as good quality is in fact poor ragged and yellowed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
