We've covered quite a lot in this unit. There will be a test assessing your understanding of the content, and your ability to comprehend, grapple with, argue for/against and synthesize the ideas presented. See PCR for more information on this. Test Date: October 14, 2015.
Neil Postman - We read excerpts from his 1985 book Amusing Ourselves to Death, and once again tried to answer the questions we've been discussing in class since we brought up McLuhan:
1. What is the purpose of media (specifically, the media/mediums of the times we are studying)?
2. Does media shape thought or does thought shape media?
3. Our new medias and the constant expansion of media building or destroying a great society?
4. How do mediums affect the message (or culture/society)?
Postman argued that the medium of the television was DUMMING down our culture (he wrote during the 80's). He believed that we were becoming a society obsessed with entertainment, celebrities, quick transfer of information, visual appeal, emotional gratification, convenience and efficiency, and trivial matters... He more importantly believed that it wasn't the CONTENT/MESSAGES coming out of the TV that furthered this type of culture, but rather, the MEDIUM itself. He believed that the TV was limited to being a medium that was primarily concerned with entertainment and amusement. And when this dominant medium was the main form of mass communication, it was dangerous for our society and culture, as it eventually effected the way we thought and behaved... a society consumed with being entertaining, efficient, visually stimulating, etc. If we aren't entertaining, then we aren't valuable. See the PPT and readings we read for more details on this.
Students seemed to really debate (agreeing and disagreeing) with many of his points. They saw how he was right on some areas, but mentioned how he was writing during a time when television was still a "baby" and had yet to develop into the advanced form of communication they claim it to be today...as well as the other forms that have sprung from it (computer, internet, etc.)
Sherry Turkle - An MIT prof, and modern theorist and culture critic, Turkle focuses on how humans and technology interact. Building on McLuhan and Postman's ideas, Turkle shares her concerns about the way in which our society is going. She is excited about technology and loves its potential, but also sees the dangerous implications of too much technology. I will write more on this next week, as we are still currently discussing her ideas... See PCR for the PPT on Turkle viewed in class.
Neil Postman - We read excerpts from his 1985 book Amusing Ourselves to Death, and once again tried to answer the questions we've been discussing in class since we brought up McLuhan:
1. What is the purpose of media (specifically, the media/mediums of the times we are studying)?
2. Does media shape thought or does thought shape media?
3. Our new medias and the constant expansion of media building or destroying a great society?
4. How do mediums affect the message (or culture/society)?
Postman argued that the medium of the television was DUMMING down our culture (he wrote during the 80's). He believed that we were becoming a society obsessed with entertainment, celebrities, quick transfer of information, visual appeal, emotional gratification, convenience and efficiency, and trivial matters... He more importantly believed that it wasn't the CONTENT/MESSAGES coming out of the TV that furthered this type of culture, but rather, the MEDIUM itself. He believed that the TV was limited to being a medium that was primarily concerned with entertainment and amusement. And when this dominant medium was the main form of mass communication, it was dangerous for our society and culture, as it eventually effected the way we thought and behaved... a society consumed with being entertaining, efficient, visually stimulating, etc. If we aren't entertaining, then we aren't valuable. See the PPT and readings we read for more details on this.
Students seemed to really debate (agreeing and disagreeing) with many of his points. They saw how he was right on some areas, but mentioned how he was writing during a time when television was still a "baby" and had yet to develop into the advanced form of communication they claim it to be today...as well as the other forms that have sprung from it (computer, internet, etc.)
Sherry Turkle - An MIT prof, and modern theorist and culture critic, Turkle focuses on how humans and technology interact. Building on McLuhan and Postman's ideas, Turkle shares her concerns about the way in which our society is going. She is excited about technology and loves its potential, but also sees the dangerous implications of too much technology. I will write more on this next week, as we are still currently discussing her ideas... See PCR for the PPT on Turkle viewed in class.