When the novel coronavirus arrived, I was unable to read. As it happens it hit me — really hit — when I was on assignment in Brazil for the New York Review of Books. I found that the shock of the pandemic made me unable to concentrate on anything. I could barely get through an episode of shit television on Netflix without clicking away to some social feed, or texting someone desperately. But slowly, finally, I found the mental stability to pick up a book,
Recently read “Amusing Ourselves to Death”, another 80s media criticism which holds up well yet could use an update. Postman was less interested in the economic model of media and more in the form itself (the medium shapes what ideas are convenient and likely to be expressed).
If we are witnessing the “imminent extinction of journalism and democracy itself”, is it primarily caused by the changing ownership model or is the change a reflection of TV and the internet’s prioritization of information-as-entertainment? Doesn’t have to be exclusive, but I lean towards Postman’s explanation. Your inability to focus and finish a book seems to reflect that internet-driven totalization of the mind which steers us away from boredom, concentration, and discomfort.
Excited for the new book and happy to see you post here.
I haven't read Manufacturing Consent (i just put a reservation in at my library), but I am working through Michael Parenti's "Politics of News Media" which some argue precede Chomsky's ideas in Manufacturing Consent. I suggest you take a look at some Parenti too! Looking forward to your new book, Vincent!
Recently read “Amusing Ourselves to Death”, another 80s media criticism which holds up well yet could use an update. Postman was less interested in the economic model of media and more in the form itself (the medium shapes what ideas are convenient and likely to be expressed).
If we are witnessing the “imminent extinction of journalism and democracy itself”, is it primarily caused by the changing ownership model or is the change a reflection of TV and the internet’s prioritization of information-as-entertainment? Doesn’t have to be exclusive, but I lean towards Postman’s explanation. Your inability to focus and finish a book seems to reflect that internet-driven totalization of the mind which steers us away from boredom, concentration, and discomfort.
Excited for the new book and happy to see you post here.
De nada. :)
Artigo perceptivo, Vincent.
I haven't read Manufacturing Consent (i just put a reservation in at my library), but I am working through Michael Parenti's "Politics of News Media" which some argue precede Chomsky's ideas in Manufacturing Consent. I suggest you take a look at some Parenti too! Looking forward to your new book, Vincent!