Amusing Ourselves to Death

Growing up watching T.V. as influenced me more than I may have supposed. Starting in kindergarten I remember watching Bill Nye the Science Guy before I went to school while eating breakfast. Naturally I eat really slow, so slow in fact that I would go to the afternoon session because I would be late if I went to the morning session. Watching Bill Nye probably didn’t help me eat any faster either. Now about 15 years later my family at home just has Net Flicks instead Dish or Cable. Which I think may have lessened just a bit how much T.V. we watch every time a good show comes on we watch the entire season in a few weeks. For the most part though I think we get caught up more in digital media on the Laptop, I-pads, and smartphones.

In “Amusing Ourselves to Death” by Neil Postman, he described how Television has changed our culture and the way we view things. He cites books and authors who talk about how extreme is could be but takes a more realistic view. Television has shifted the value of imagery and visual art. We pay money now so that we can be entertained with flashes and lighting effects and everything else the Television comes with. It takes strong entertainment to get our attention. This impacts everything from politics to school and to the news. Postman described that television has made is possible for Hollywood stars to get elected to political offices. In order to get elected you need to look good on T.V. and be able to present yourself well. I would think that someone who is humorous and has great would win over someone who is serious and balding. I thought that prediction about a movie star becoming president was funny seeing that it actually happened.

So even though television makes imagery important, I still don’t want to go through the trouble of getting my teeth straightened. If I’m not mistaken Tom Cruise has crooked teeth so why can’t I!

Purpose- Why is Neil Postman Writing?

He wants to educate his audience how Television is shaping our culture and the way we perceive things.

Topic- What is he writing about?

How television is changing us and can continue to change us.

Issue- What is Neil Postman trying to address?

How television is making imagery and entertainment have the same value next to speaking skills, education and just about everything else.

Conclusion- How does he answer and address the issue?

Neil Postman takes about politics, media and specific T.V. shows to show how T.V. has impacted us.