Amusing Ourselves to Death, Essay Example

Technology and media – smart phones, ipods, laptops, and tablets – streaming from everywhere, it is next to impossible to imagine a world without news, business and friends right at the tips of our fingers.  According to Neil Postman, characteristics of the modern day discourse include a more impractical, frivolous, and withered media and technology.  Often times, we plop in front of the television with a bag of potato chips, our smart-phones glued to our sides, and mindlessly watch the next idol sing their way to a record deal.

Postman creates a compelling argument for a withered media based on the degradation of all media.  Television is not the only avenue of degrading media, but Postman argues that all media has started to decline including the news, religion, politics, and advertising.  The ways in which media and technology draws our attention has completely changed over the years.  What used to be considered poetic and relevant now seems obsolete and boring.  Media, technology and junk on television has somehow taken precedence over truth and the printed word.

Every facet of society seems to play into our “need” for a constantly streaming media.  Politics has even become show business.  The problem with this, and why is that politicians have become more like celebrities than public servants.  Appearing on game shows, commercials, and television shows such as Saturday Night Live, politicians are seeking fame to gain votes.  They “appeal” to people.

Technology has seeped into every area of modern American living.  Including political races, religious services, education, and relationships, the modern day discourse has become a substantial portion of our lives.  The case of technology taking over modern America is more relevant and more important today than ever.  Postman supplies the argument and the solution – control and limit how and what media you use in your life.

Works Cited

Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. New York, NY: Penguin Books, 2005. Print.