Page 3 - Amusing ourselves to death
P. 3
AMUSING OURSELVES TO DEATH
life; since reality may (sometimes) be the source of unpleasant experiences, entertainment
(TV) could serve as a great getaway to make life "more endurable" (side note: less miserable).
Postman, on the other hand, suggests that when television grows and extends its position
to become the mediator of all types of information, a larger problem occurs. Television, over
time, has covered every subject there is ranging from news, politics, music, religion,
economics, history, science, sports, education, to tragedy. As a result, no matter what is
depicted, any subject has inevitably been converted into entertainment and amusement (for
our pleasure). When it comes to "serious" TV news, I think it is necessary to ask ourselves:
how serious is it really? It is generally delivered in brief segments with little context and
inadequate time for careful evaluation. Additionally, boring "exquisitely crafted" commercials
frequently interrupt serious topics throughout news reports, and news anchors are always
well-dressed, follow a script, talk in a certain way. This mix of various television components,
such as visual elements, sets, costumes, special effects (both visual and audio), and so on,
makes television a "beautiful spectacle" and a "visual delight." To put it another way, a play.
Postman responds by noting that the media metaphor of tv determines its substance. In other
words, the audience is being amused rather than educated.
2
life; since reality may (sometimes) be the source of unpleasant experiences, entertainment
(TV) could serve as a great getaway to make life "more endurable" (side note: less miserable).
Postman, on the other hand, suggests that when television grows and extends its position
to become the mediator of all types of information, a larger problem occurs. Television, over
time, has covered every subject there is ranging from news, politics, music, religion,
economics, history, science, sports, education, to tragedy. As a result, no matter what is
depicted, any subject has inevitably been converted into entertainment and amusement (for
our pleasure). When it comes to "serious" TV news, I think it is necessary to ask ourselves:
how serious is it really? It is generally delivered in brief segments with little context and
inadequate time for careful evaluation. Additionally, boring "exquisitely crafted" commercials
frequently interrupt serious topics throughout news reports, and news anchors are always
well-dressed, follow a script, talk in a certain way. This mix of various television components,
such as visual elements, sets, costumes, special effects (both visual and audio), and so on,
makes television a "beautiful spectacle" and a "visual delight." To put it another way, a play.
Postman responds by noting that the media metaphor of tv determines its substance. In other
words, the audience is being amused rather than educated.
2
