Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death" was written in 1985, a quarter of a century ago. Some of the statements and views written in the novel may be too old to apply to the modern age.
Being thin and having charm makes you good looking.
This statement is usually the underlying criteria in which people base their opinions, as stated by Postman. "Although the Constitution makes no mention of it, it would appear that fat people are now effectively excluded from running for high political office. Probably bald people as well. Almost certainly those whose looks are not significantly enhanced by the cosmetician's art." (4) (chapter 1, beginning)
I believe Postman is incorrect about his assumption that beauty or visual presentation is a deciding factor, especially in this modern day. Now, it is the artificially enhanced that are looked down upon, provided they are caught of course. How many people are actually famous for what they do, despite not wearing the smallest sizes of clothing, or having the best looks? Jack Black, Nikki Blonsky (for those who have seen the latest remake of the movie Hairspray), or Steven Hawking and his illness are famous. Should they be any less famous or successful because of the way they look?
Postman may have over-generalized his thinking on his criteria of the media. He also did not, and could not, account for the change in opinion of time. In my opinion, Postman is incorrect about many of his ideas. What do you think?
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You make an excellent point, Andrew, on your conclusion that Postman may have over-generalized about media throughout time a bit, but many of his other concepts are intended to demonstrate generalization. For instance, the fact that the media has such an immense impact on those that have lived or grown up with it. This is a general statement, but will always be a relevant statement with the media around.
ReplyDeleteAs for your other deliberation, I feel that when our nation votes for a president it becomes more of a popularity contest rather than a decision of who will run the country the best. Popularity may have to do with looks, which in most cases it does. Postman used the example that a younger, more handsome candidate for presidency would be chosen over an older, less attractive one, which has some truth to and has occured before.
I argree with you on the fact that more and more people are discovering that looks aren't everything. In today's famous people we have begun to see less "perfect individuals" on our televisions, movies, and magazines.
It is not that they should be less famous or successful because of the way they look, but it is a disadvantage. It is plain that the majority of celebrities are thin and good looking. The few you mentioned just used their "imperfections" to their advantage. I use the term imperfections as relayed to the "look" the media is looking for.
ReplyDeleteI doubt that as time passes people will stop judging by looks first.
This is a great point. I agree with you, Andrew. After reading this, it makes me look at the book from your point of view and I can understand your point in some ways. The media is always looking for a "perfect" somebody, especially celebrities. The thing is, no one is perfect and that needs to be realized. Also, as cgonzalez said, hopefully people will stop being so judgemental about looks.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I agree that Postman is incorrect about some of his ideas but not when he is talking about his assumption that beauty or visual presentation is a deciding factor. It is and sadly always will be. People will never stop judging by looks. I think as humans it is in our nature. Some more severely than others but overall it wont stop. The thing with Jack Black and Nikki Blonsky is that they know how to work the person they are and how to generally be liked by today’s society.
ReplyDeleteI think that if you find an exception, you are actually acknowledging the rule.
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