Postman Rant or Reason Essay - 1694 Words

Postman: Rant or Reason? In his novel, Amusing Ourselves to Death, author Neil Postman describes to the reader, in detail, the immediate and future dangers of television. The arguement starts out in a logical manner, explaining first the differences between todays media-driven society, and yesterdays typographic America. Postman goes on to discuss in the second half of his book the effects of todays media, politics on television, religion on television, and finally televised educational programs. All, he says, are making a detrimental imprint on our society, its values, and its standards. Postman explains that the media consists of fragment[s] of news (100), and politics are merely a fashion show. Although Postmans arguments†¦show more content†¦Each one flings bring colors at us for 45 seconds before the subject switches to a new topic. A society raised on such a format simply cannot endure lengthy debates or speeches. They seem neither exciting nor entertaining to us. Postman also explains that i n response to this switch in desired format, politicians and presidents have adjusted their means of communication as well. It is hard to imagine the present occupant of the White House being capable of constructing such clauses in similar circumstances. (Postman addressing a very lengthy and inticrate live rebuttal made by Lincoln in response to one of Douglas statements, 46) Todays politicians know that in order to reach audiences, their statements need to be short and sweet. Unfortunately this sort of information shortening is not the only weakness which plagues televisions functionality as a means of communication. To sum up Postmans views about news media on television, one can simply call it a joke. The now this format of news media works in an identical fashion to the previously described commercials. Viewers are rarely required to carry over any thought or feeling from one parcel of time to another. (100) Here again, Postman is right on the money when he describes the shortcomings of todays television news. The news show begins with exciting music and professional-looking visuals which set the mood for the show. One cant help but feel a boost of importance. It is as though theShow MoreRelatedAnswers about The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald3327 Words   |  13 Pagesoverconfident. This thought process reveals what East Egg Society is really like; a society deluding themselves to be superior due to their sophistication in science and arts and holding contempt for those who are not alike or do not possess wealth. Another reason why he may appear to be depressed is to Daisy calling him a â€Å"hulkling†, which he is extremely sensitive to, likely because he does not want anyone to realize that his most powerful booster of his self-esteem is his physique. It is evident that his