In this chapter, Postman describes the methodical death of print culture. Postman states “For telegraphy did something that Morse did not forsee” (Postman 48). In Postman’s view, the telegraph did two things. It made content and news easily accessible and cut down geographical barriers. This caused society to know a little about a lot. Essentially, information became so abundant that its deeper meaning was lost and consumption became surface level. Additionally, Postman notes the invention of photography as another assailant in the death of print culture. Photography lacked context and limited understanding. Yet, one picture began replacing paragraphs of texts and explanations in newspapers across America. Postman asserts that these factors and others gave birth to oversaturation of media existing today.
I agree with Postman in this chapter. He makes a convincing argument for the death of print culture. The phenomenon that news is a mile wide and an inch deep is an accurate description of the current media landscape. I thought it was particularly interesting how he pointed out that most news has absolutely no effect on us yet we are exposed to it. Society is exposed to so much news on a daily basis when in reality none of it is significant to the majority.
I was particularly captivated by Amishi Jah’s statement that despite wanting to be focused and attentive the mind tends to wander. Although it may be harmless, she mentions the critical mistake it would be if it happens to a military leader during a briefing or a judge during testimony. This idea is interesting because it shows that the mind has control of us and not the other way around.
How does the current media landscape complement Postman’s assertions in this chapter?
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