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Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death", 2002.
Reviews and explores how Neil Postman discusses the concept of "the medium is the message" in his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death".
1,571 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Neil Postman's observations, in his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" about the way television makes us perceive issues, commodities, people and countries. It explores Postman's concept that medium has actually become more important than the message itself,and that the way American television presents information actually breeds ignorance because it turns important issues into nothing but entertainment.
From the Paper
"Media has a very powerful impact on people, which is the reason its advantages and disadvantages are discussed so very often. With every new technology entering our world, we start wondering just how this would later impact our society, culture, consumer market etc. This is because every medium brings along a message and while we believe that message is more important, some social critics maintain it is the medium, which was more powerful than the message itself. Neil Postman admittedly based his book, Amusing ourselves to Death? on the aphorism. ?Medium is the message? which was coined by media expert Marshall McLuhan in 1959."
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"Amusing Ourselves to Death", 2008.
An in-depth review of Neil Postman's book "Amusing Ourselves to Death".
2,040 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Neil Postman, in his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" uses examples from the 1980s to illustrate how we are dependent on highly glamorized and frequently over entertaining renditions of the occurrences in our lives and culture. The paper explains his argument that because information has become so plentiful, the individual has much less ability to realistically act to change it and so the message is only of value if it is entertaining. The paper analyzes how important the subject matter is to the study of culture and society and why. The paper also determines the contribution this book makes to sociology and which audience will enjoy or benefit from this book. Finally, the paper questions whether the subject matter would benefit from a more modern rendition of the work.
From the Paper
"War, murder, terrorism, random and premeditated violence, religion and in the more modern, as one small example of the evolution, even dangerous high speed police chases have become the stuff of entertainment. Our culture has effectively desensitized ourselves to the element of humanity in all these issues and more frequently see them as a way to sell the modern human condition to itself. Seeking a way to engage viewers the media as well as the entertainers themselves have marketed the world condition, with all its poignant dramatic moments and made it more closely resemble fiction."
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"Amusing Ourselves to Death", 2008.
A book review of Neil Postman's, "Amusing Ourselves to Death".
1,484 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper critically examines Postman's argument in "Amusing Ourselves to Death" that television is very bad for the cultivation of a thoughtful, rational public that can actually think on its own. The paper posits that, while a well-written text with many good ideas, it is also marred by over-zealousness and by a longing for the past that too often ignores how modern-day technology can actually benefit children whose style of learning may not be well-suited for the "traditional" pedagogical approach.
Outline:
Introduction
Synopsis of the book
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Postman begins his book by arguing that, in an increasingly commercialized and visual society, people are now shaped by the strength of their artifice (their appearance) and not by the strength of their ideas (7). The medium that was dominating America in the 1980s - and is even more dominant today, more than 20 years after Postman penned his work - is now a visual, visceral one involving images and iconography instead of words (9). Simply put, our culture no longer privileges the written word but privileges fleeting, evanescent images that come to us through (in most instances) the medium of television."
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Neil Postman?s ?Improbable World?, 2004.
Analysis of Neil Postman's book, "Improbable World", which is about the information revolution.
2,080 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the concept of Postman's book on the information revolution. It discusses the three types of tool-using cultures that Postman refers to and the five stages of revolution that the process of receiving and sending information has undergone.
From the Paper
"Neil Postman outlines the stages of the information revolution that have led us to our current place in history. He describes the three types of cultures, which are ones which use tools, Technocracies, and Technopolies. All of these cultures exist on the planet at this time; however, the tool-using culture is on the decline. Tool-using cultures can be technologically advanced or not, but either way, the tools that each culture uses does not pose a significant contradiction to the culture?s tradition or heritage. In other words, Postman maintains a culture maintains order and meaning when it does not allow its tools to alter itself, regardless of technology. (Postman 3)"
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'Amusing Ourselves to Death', 2005.
This paper offers a book review of Neil Postman's 'Amusing Ourselves to Death'.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, £ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer analyzes the book 'Amusing Ourselves to Death' by Neil Postman. Further, the writer looks at this book in comparison to Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore's scope of electric technology in 'The Medium is the Massage'.
From the Paper
"Neil Postman's 'Amusing Ourselves to Death' could be said to take up where Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore's 'The Medium is the Massage' left off. In one sense Postman's book narrows the focus from McLuhan and Fiore's broader scope of electric technology, down to one specific aspect of electric technology - the television. In another sense Postman may be said to broaden the ambit of his predecessors, as he substitutes "metaphor" for "message", maintaining that the term "message" is too narrow."
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Amusing Ourselves To Survive, 2002.
Discusses the book "Amusing Ourselves to Death", in relation to the television series, "Survivor".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper uses Neil Postman's book, "Amusing Ourselves to Death", to analyze and critique the first season of "Survivor," the most popular network "Reality-TV" venture so far.
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"Amusing Ourselves to Death", 2002.
Reviews the book "Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Showbusiness" by N. Postman (1985).
1,775 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 1 source, £ 46.95
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Abstract
In the following review, this paper will summarize Postman's main arguments and share some of his examples of how television is the dominant mode of conversation and thought in 20th century North America. This paper will also address some of Postman's own unexamined assumptions and consider how these function to prevent Postman from developing a more critical perspective about social agency and intellectual participation, invention and interpretation.
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"The Postman Always Rings Twice", 2002.
A review of the book "The Postman Always Rings Twice" by James M. Cain.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This is a literature analysis of the book "The Postman Always Rings Twice" written by James.M.Cain. It includes a synopsis of the book and how the author illustrates his ideas. The paper also discusses the main points and the theory used in the book as well as the writing style of the book.
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"The Postman Always Rings Twice", 2002.
Explores the concept of fated love in the movie "The Postman Always Rings Twice".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, £ 30.95
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Abstract
The Postman Always Rings Twice, directed by Bob Rafelson (Paramount Pictures, 1946) is an excellent example of a film that creates this type of intentional conflict within the viewer.
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"The Postman Always Rings Twice", 2002.
The theme of betrayal is explored in this novel by James Cain.
653 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 0 sources, £ 16.95
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Abstract
This paper claims that while the theme of betrayal is common to literature, it is especially poignant in the novel "The Postman Always Rings Twice", leading not only to the death of one lover, but the demise of another. The main character is examined in an attempt to determine if she is indeed the true villain of the story.
From the Paper
"William Congreve, in the play, ?The Mourning Bride? wrote, ?Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.? Betrayal is a theme common to literature, yet in the novel, "The Postman Always Rings Twice", the theme of betrayal is especially poignant, leading not only to the death of one lover, but the demise of another.
"The character of Cora has often been linked to the ?femme fatal? character type. Cora is the seductive mistress, her beauty leading men to lose control of their rational thinking. She is often criticized and blamed for the events that take place in the novel. Is she really the villain in the novel, or is Frank the true villain, not only killing Nick, but betraying his love, Cora?"
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"The Postman Always Rings Twice"( Tay Garnett ), 1999.
Examines absence of ethnic characters, plot and world view of 1946 film based on James M. Cain's novel.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, £ 32.95
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From the Paper
" James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice was filmed in 1946 and directed by Tay Garnett for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer after a long struggle to produce a script that could be filmed. The novel was considered controversial and erotic in its time. The film has toned down much of the erotic element. Both the novel and the film are set in a California, a California with a diverse but segregated and separated population. The state then was more rural than it is today, with large urban centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and to a lesser degree, San Diego. The setting for this film is not far from Los Angeles--the diner gets its produce from the market in Los Angeles, so the diner would be in the mountains outside the city, along the coast, somewhere in the Santa Monica mountains.
Ethnicity was certainly an important issue in California at.."
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James M Cain's " The Postman Always Rings Twice", 1999.
Critical analysis of plot, characters & pessimistic world view of crime novel.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, £ 27.95
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Abstract
The novels of James M. Cain, and the mood that Cain maintains throughout these works is one that suggests that plans always go awry and that there is indeed a certain justice in that when referring to the criminal element.
From the Paper
"Underlying the "reverse-pattern" or "crime-suspense" novel is the idea of "intentions gone haywire," as Joan Didion calls it, or a reiteration of the Robert Burns view that the best laid plans of mice and men do not work out as intended. This can be seen in the novels of James M. Cain, and the mood that Cain maintains throughout these works is one that suggests that plans always go awry and that there is indeed a certain justice in that when referring to the criminal element. Cain's stories are naturalistic, with characters encountering the accidental and failing in the face of arbitrary but not divine justice. The universe does not appear to care about these characters or their victims, but there is still a sense of doom that pervades this world and that leads nearly everyone to a sorry end.
The arbitrary nature of this world is evident in the title.."
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Got Television?, 2003.
A compare-and-contrast paper on two books by Neil Postman that deal with the evolution and penetration of television into the American market and American home.
2,512 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, £ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the far-reaching effects that television has had on the American family and American mindset. Since its introduction, television has become more and more of a staple in the American home. People spend about 1/4 of their day watching television, which is coming to have a greater impact on all facets of American life. The paper uses "Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business" and "Conscientious Objections: Stirring Up Trouble About Language, Technology, and Education" by Neil Postman as references.
From the Paper
"I will never forget the day that I lost all trust in and respect for the television news media. Amidst the endless broadcasts covering the attacks of September 11, one of the many scenes that seemed to be stuck on repeat was that of children in Afghanistan celebrating joyfully in the streets. The video footage depicted young children running rampant in the streets with expressions of glee pasted on their faces and waving noisemakers in the air. According to the various television news stations, these children were celebrating the successful terrorist attacks which had just taken place in America. By constantly playing this recording, the onus of blame was attributed to Afghanistan as a nation as opposed to those who were actually responsible- the Al-Qaida network."
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"The Emergence of the Global Mind", 2008.
A critique of Dr. James Canton's "When The Network Wakes Up: The Emergence of the Global Mind" using the works of James Mander and Neil Postman.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper examines "When The Network Wakes Up: The Emergence of the Global Mind" by Dr. James Canton which offers an optimistic, utopian view of the future for humans and computer technology. The paper presents a justification of his argument and then critiques the work using aphorisms by James Mander and Neil Postman. The paper includes Canton's source article at the end.
Table of Contents:
Summary of Strong Example of Utopian Writing
Justification/Qualification
Critique Using Required Mander Aphorism
Critique Using Chosen Mander Aphorism
Critique Using Required Postman Aphorism
Critique Using Chosen Postman Aphorism
Significance of Assessment
From the Paper
"Postman's fifth idea, that "media tend to become mythic" is demonstrated by Canton's missive. Canton reveres technology so much that he elevates it to a God-like status. This is a dangerous assumption, as it allows for the ruling of technology over man and society. The very point of society, some may argue, is that it is human in nature - not computerized! One must remember that "technology is as a stranger intruder, to remember that technology is not part of God's plan but a product of human creativity and hubris, and that its capacity for good or evil rests entirely on human awareness of what it does for us and to us" (Postman). Canton ironically even chooses his words in an unconscious manner demonstrating his God-like reverence of the Global Mind, amusingly referring to it as "he or she". He speaks too of "the next generation of intelligent life forms" which will be immature if they are "based on the current evolution of humanity." Canton makes technology of the future so grossly God-like that he assumes it will be building our successors!"
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