On Thursday, October 2, at 7 p.m. US Central Time, David and Laurie will be back to discuss Chapters 3-5 (finishing Part 1) of Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death. This is a classic originally published in 1985 which is all too relevant today. We are now living in the full-blast of what Postman was trying to describe and warn about back in the ’80’s. It’s a good time to reflect on what he said, in the context of what we know now. Chapters 3-5 are:
- Typographic America
- The Typographic Mind
- The Peek-a-Boo Mind
In chapters 3 and 4, Postman’s description of early American literacy and learning may actual shock you with the contrast to today. He describes early America as a culture deeply shaped by print, especially newspapers, pamphlets, and books. Literacy was widespread, and the public engaged in complex political and philosophical debates. He highlights figures like Lincoln and Douglas, whose debates demanded close listening and careful reasoning. Audiences, accustomed to reading and processing arguments, had patience for sustained logical argumentation.
In chapter 5 we start to get a notion of how things began to change. He argues that the shift began to happen with the photograph and telegram. News became more fragmented, random, and entertaining—facts presented without coherence.
Come discuss this with us! If you are not already a member on the Maurin Academy’s Patreon site,now is the time to join. No matter what level you join, from $1 to $25 a month, you gain access to this monthly reading group, both live and recorded. Your support helps us in more ways than you know! We hope to see you Thursday, and we will send out a zoom link on Patreon on September 4 so you can join us!