Neil Postman, who passed away in 2003, was an author and pioneering media ecologist, studying the effects of technology on society. He wrote Amusing Ourselves to Death, The Death of Childhood and Technopoly, among others.
Postman's son is likewise a writer and student of media (not just communications media but all technologies). He posted a link yesterday to a video he created about John McCain. All I can say is, ouch! Every Republican needs to see this video. Follow me below the fold...
I'm on the listserv for the Media Ecology Association, a group of folks that send each other links and articles about how technology is shaping our environments, and how that affects other technologies, and so on. We often cite the works and legacies of Marshall McLuhan, Walter Ong and of course Neil Postman. Andy is a regular contributor, and yesterday this showed up on the list:
All,
For the several years I've enjoyed reading the posts on the MEA list, including many about my father, I'm not sure if I've posted one myself, but I'm doing so (obviously) now.
While I honestly respect opinions on both sides of the political divide, certain behavior in the last couple of weeks finally moved me to action. Over the weekend, I taught myself iMovie and made this movie, which is now on YouTube (link below). It will take under four minutes to watch. If you think the video is of use to pass along to others or post somewhere, please do. If not, not. I realize there are people out there who will disagree with my conclusion. I respect that.
Either way, thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
http://www.youtube.com/...
-Andy Postman
And here's the video:
I won't add any commentary except to say that I think every Republican should see this. I don't know anything about Postman's political leanings, though he seems more sympathetic to McCain than I am. Which isn't saying much, admittedly. Spread this around!