As an online course, the writing that we do in English 305 is substantially different from a face to face course. As such, it is imperative that you understand the course style from the start. Nearly all of your work in this course will be posted on the course blog.
EACH WEEK YOU WILL HAVE THREE BLOG ASSIGNMENTS:
1. A BLOG ENTRY,
2. A READING, AND
3. A WRITING ABOUT THE READING. Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the Friday (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. You have all week each week to complete the reading and writing for that week, but there are no late assignments accepted, so be sure to be disciplined about the work from the start. Let me re-state that point; if you do the assigned work before or during the week it is due, you will receive full credit. If you do the work after the Friday of the week it is assigned, you will get zero credit for that week.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
WEEK SEVEN WRITING ABOUT WHAT YOU READ
In general, this week you should write your Tech essay. But here's something to think about also: are POstman's ideas still valid and relevant?
This is from the second reading: "But most of our daily news is inert, consisting of information that gives us something to talk about but cannot lead to any meaningful action." From the passage above, I believe he's right. If you think about it, telecommunication agencies are only worried about their viewers. The more viewers a television company has the more money it will receive. But, as most Americans are busy with their daily lives, many telecommunication companies are coming up with more 'dramatic' stories simply to gain more viewers. Most of these stories are not very news worthy; however, they are very entertaining.
I actually just read this book for my Public Policy and Administration course, and I think that Postman's ideas are still valid. He brings to light that we are constantly entertaining ourselves with numerous, fast fixes of information, most of which is just irrelevant to us. He believes better learning comes from picking a topic relevant to us, and examining every angle of it, rather than just skimming the important parts.
Postman's ideas are still very relevant in our world today. The public is constantly inundated with information that we can do nothing with. There is no action to take on so many news stories that we hear about economy, our government, celebrities, etc. It leaves me feeling inadequate and very distracted with the woes of society and the negativity from almost every bit of news. Huxley feared that we would become a trivial culture, and I feel that this is true. A lot of the news that comes out is celebrity gossip, meant to highlight their weaknesses and flaws, which only distracts the public from what is really important. When we hear somethings on the news, people automatically believe it, which gives them no incentive to actually think for themselves and form their own opinions.
I think that Postman's views are still valid and relevant to the world today. In the second reading, he mentioned, "the news elicits from you a variety of opinions about which you can do nothing except to offer them as more news, about which you can do nothing." Most things we watch on the news for example, may get a reaction out of viewers, but it won't actually get them to take action. We live in a world where entertainment thrives, so if there's nothing appealing about something, chances are, there will be no response for it. Today, one of our country's biggest issue is about the economy, but even though just about everyone is aware of it, there's only a handful of people fighting to make a difference. I feel people indulge in various entertainment (reality shows, etc.)as a way of escape from their reality.
Postman's views are still valid and relevant to the world today because many of us are rather entertained by news that we hear or read about instead of actually taking any action. I actually think that there would be more people taking action towards a certain technology or entertainment instead of a big issue such as poverty and the starvation of kids in other countries. There are only a few people who actually take actions in what they believe; however, the majority of the people will only listen and read just to be informed.
I also agree with you Cathy. It is not about news, it is about ratings and headlines that will sell. The media constantly projects skewed information to the public, which I believe is also very regulated by the government.
I believe that postman's views are still valid and relevant in our world today. I doubt the fact that there will be any action toward a certain thing. TV is full of many things that are somewhat related, but motley, aren't reality to our reality life. Television confound serious issues and demeaning political discourse. TV isn't an effective way to provide information to the humanity. Here we are, I watch what is really happening in the Middle East, yet, there is nothing to be done, no action. We just keep listening and we may or may not talk about it to people who are interested in the subject. Overall, sometimes people watch something to entertain them instead of listening to the news. for most of the time, we like to escape from the reality.
Postman hit the nail on the head, as well as off by a mile. He offers a nice point of view from two extremes, the extremes Huxley's and Orwell’s predications. The predications share a common lineage, and that is control. Postman is in support of Huxley’s view; with the key point of being controlled is irrelevant because its what we want, as long as we keep being supplied with what gratifies us. I must admit the world, or at least America seems like that. The problem with Huxley or Orwell’s view points is there both extremes, black or white if you will. Sadly the world isn’t that easy and is much more complicated than even shades of grey. The part where he is a mile off is in the information presented from one of his chapters. When he compares the telegraph to good old fashion ignorance is bliss scenario the end result is people feel less empowered. Let’s replace the telegraph now with the internet. Do people feel less empowered or does it seem that lately with face book and other social medias, outrage at certain events have caused a lot of back pedaling in the capital? I think what postman described was a new idea in its infancy that may have had its problems, but if you let it mature to what it is today. You will see the lack of control big brother truly has on its people, from the London Riots, to the Arab Spring to the Occupy Movement. Now the reaction of losing control, may have big brother attempt to tighten his fist and assert more control, but to do so in Huxley’s predication the people need to be offered a carrot. With the current unemployment rates, economic problems and unrest, it’s hard to see a carrot that would divert the entire population back to the path of mindless sheep.
In my perspective, Postman's ideas are still valid and relevant. It is a reality how we are becoming a passive society in which we only play the role of spectators. We are just collecting information from the news, the radio, and the television to talk about with others and not taking any action. We are being invaded with information and events around the world that affect us, and perhaps are not acting to overcome them. We are becoming an inert society that only listens to the news to be entertained or informed. Furthermore, most of us are not trying to be protagonists in the real world situations since we react with immobility. Overall, we should go beyond our comfort zone and start acting to make a positive impact not only to ourselves but also to the lives of others.
His ideas are still very relevant. In our society, we are overstimulated by technology. With constant interference from cell phones, the internet, and television, we have no time to look at the real world for what it is.
Postmans ideas are still relevant today due to the fact that we are surrounded by various types of Medias. We are influenced by everthing around us for instance, we make simple decisions based off television, and we even build up our political views from the television. We are constantly bombarded by the media and their views. Postmans ideas can be be supported by statistics alone. For example, if I was to ask someone who would they vote for in the upcoming election and ask where they got their information to make their decesion they would most likely name a type of media. Furthermore, it is fact that we are influenced by everything around us.
Postman's ideas are very valid in todays world, due to the major influence the media plays in individuals. From online sites, to radio comments individuals place their opinions and decisions based on stuff they hear directly from the media itself.
The postman's ideas are still valid and relevant. We can find in the daily news only tragedies, or something about celebrities' life. Nobody, even the news, talks about the real crisis in the world (poverty, hunger). Nobody takes a real action, some people only give their opinion, but they do not do anything. Sometimes, we only like to escape form the reality, at least for a moment, using the technology cell phones or internet. But, cell phones and internet are invaded with bad information, and we are losing control of our feelings. For sure we are being influenced in our lives.
I believe it is still very much valid up too this time. Technology had made it possible for news to be deliver and passed on easily and at a much faster way. However, much of this news or information are often dressed with the news caster's opinion. Also, in many cases, people receives the news, but actions are never taken. In a sense, it is just there to give us something to talk about; to create a reason to socially interact with others, when on the other hand, we don't really care.
I have came across the name of Postman's book in many of my classes. My teachers always reference it. I have to read it for sure now. I believe that his ideas are still valid and are very relevant. I read the Huxley's book "Brave New World". It is amazing and he was so ahead of his time. This book was the Matrix before it was even a thought in any movie producer's mind. I know commuting to school at CSUB from Porterville twice a week, I listen to the news on the radio. I have noticed that if I hear sad news, i kind of feel sad. Postman is correct on many points. Living in America, we have many freedoms but even if we did go to another country to demand that things be changed what would be the outcome? We would probably get killed, lol. Many countries do no like the United States and I am learning more everyday on why. I love this country. It is my home. However, as civilians, we are not exposed to full knowledge of what is going on in other countries, what are soldiers are doing over there, and other secret things. I am a religious woman and I believe that prayer is a powerful thing. I live my life day to day the best that I can and pray for things I have no control over. life is just easier that way.
Looks like I missed out on some points. I understood the question literally. I thought we were suppose to focus on our Tech Essay and only "think" about the relevance of Postman's ideas. D'oh!
This is from the second reading: "But most of
ReplyDeleteour daily news is inert, consisting of information that gives us something to talk about but cannot lead to any meaningful action." From the passage above, I believe he's right. If you think about it, telecommunication agencies are only worried about their viewers. The more viewers a television company has the more money it will receive. But, as most Americans are busy with their daily lives, many telecommunication companies are coming up with more 'dramatic' stories simply to gain more viewers. Most of these stories are not very news worthy; however, they are very entertaining.
I agree Valentin and commented on that quote as well. Thank you.
DeleteI actually just read this book for my Public Policy and Administration course, and I think that Postman's ideas are still valid. He brings to light that we are constantly entertaining ourselves with numerous, fast fixes of information, most of which is just irrelevant to us. He believes better learning comes from picking a topic relevant to us, and examining every angle of it, rather than just skimming the important parts.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't the case anymore Nicole, but you are right.
DeletePostman's ideas are still very relevant in our world today. The public is constantly inundated with information that we can do nothing with. There is no action to take on so many news stories that we hear about economy, our government, celebrities, etc. It leaves me feeling inadequate and very distracted with the woes of society and the negativity from almost every bit of news. Huxley feared that we would become a trivial culture, and I feel that this is true. A lot of the news that comes out is celebrity gossip, meant to highlight their weaknesses and flaws, which only distracts the public from what is really important. When we hear somethings on the news, people automatically believe it, which gives them no incentive to actually think for themselves and form their own opinions.
ReplyDeleteI think that Postman's views are still valid and relevant to the world today. In the second reading, he mentioned, "the news elicits from you a variety of opinions about which you can do nothing except to offer them as more news, about which you can do nothing." Most things we watch on the news for example, may get a reaction out of viewers, but it won't actually get them to take action. We live in a world where entertainment thrives, so if there's nothing appealing about something, chances are, there will be no response for it. Today, one of our country's biggest issue is about the economy, but even though just about everyone is aware of it, there's only a handful of people fighting to make a difference. I feel people indulge in various entertainment (reality shows, etc.)as a way of escape from their reality.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Aleda, indeed, people lose themselves among various entertainment shows as a way to escape reality.
DeletePostman's views are still valid and relevant to the world today because many of us are rather entertained by news that we hear or read about instead of actually taking any action. I actually think that there would be more people taking action towards a certain technology or entertainment instead of a big issue such as poverty and the starvation of kids in other countries. There are only a few people who actually take actions in what they believe; however, the majority of the people will only listen and read just to be informed.
ReplyDeleteYes, Cathy. You're absolutely right. The worst part about the entertainment business is that it plays a huge influence on today's society.
DeleteI also agree with you Cathy. It is not about news, it is about ratings and headlines that will sell. The media constantly projects skewed information to the public, which I believe is also very regulated by the government.
DeleteI believe that postman's views are still valid and relevant in our world today. I doubt the fact that there will be any action toward a certain thing. TV is full of many things that are somewhat related, but motley, aren't reality to our reality life. Television confound serious issues and demeaning political discourse. TV isn't an effective way to provide information to the humanity.
ReplyDeleteHere we are, I watch what is really happening in the Middle East, yet, there is nothing to be done, no action. We just keep listening and we may or may not talk about it to people who are interested in the subject. Overall, sometimes people watch something to entertain them instead of listening to the news. for most of the time, we like to escape from the reality.
Postman hit the nail on the head, as well as off by a mile. He offers a nice point of view from two extremes, the extremes Huxley's and Orwell’s predications. The predications share a common lineage, and that is control. Postman is in support of Huxley’s view; with the key point of being controlled is irrelevant because its what we want, as long as we keep being supplied with what gratifies us. I must admit the world, or at least America seems like that. The problem with Huxley or Orwell’s view points is there both extremes, black or white if you will. Sadly the world isn’t that easy and is much more complicated than even shades of grey. The part where he is a mile off is in the information presented from one of his chapters. When he compares the telegraph to good old fashion ignorance is bliss scenario the end result is people feel less empowered. Let’s replace the telegraph now with the internet. Do people feel less empowered or does it seem that lately with face book and other social medias, outrage at certain events have caused a lot of back pedaling in the capital?
ReplyDeleteI think what postman described was a new idea in its infancy that may have had its problems, but if you let it mature to what it is today. You will see the lack of control big brother truly has on its people, from the London Riots, to the Arab Spring to the Occupy Movement. Now the reaction of losing control, may have big brother attempt to tighten his fist and assert more control, but to do so in Huxley’s predication the people need to be offered a carrot. With the current unemployment rates, economic problems and unrest, it’s hard to see a carrot that would divert the entire population back to the path of mindless sheep.
In my perspective, Postman's ideas are still valid and relevant. It is a reality how we are becoming a passive society in which we only play the role of spectators. We are just collecting information from the news, the radio, and the television to talk about with others and not taking any action. We are being invaded with information and events around the world that affect us, and perhaps are not acting to overcome them. We are becoming an inert society that only listens to the news to be entertained or informed. Furthermore, most of us are not trying to be protagonists in the real world situations since we react with immobility. Overall, we should go beyond our comfort zone and start acting to make a positive impact not only to ourselves but also to the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteHis ideas are still very relevant. In our society, we are overstimulated by technology. With constant interference from cell phones, the internet, and television, we have no time to look at the real world for what it is.
ReplyDeletePostmans ideas are still relevant today due to the fact that we are surrounded by various types of Medias. We are influenced by everthing around us for instance, we make simple decisions based off television, and we even build up our political views from the television. We are constantly bombarded by the media and their views. Postmans ideas can be be supported by statistics alone. For example, if I was to ask someone who would they vote for in the upcoming election and ask where they got their information to make their decesion they would most likely name a type of media. Furthermore, it is fact that we are influenced by everything around us.
ReplyDeletePostman's ideas are very valid in todays world, due to the major influence the media plays in individuals. From online sites, to radio comments individuals place their opinions and decisions based on stuff they hear directly from the media itself.
ReplyDeleteThe postman's ideas are still valid and relevant. We can find in the daily news only tragedies, or something about celebrities' life. Nobody, even the news, talks about the real crisis in the world (poverty, hunger). Nobody takes a real action, some people only give their opinion, but they do not do anything. Sometimes, we only like to escape form the reality, at least for a moment, using the technology cell phones or internet. But, cell phones and internet are invaded with bad information, and we are losing control of our feelings. For sure we are being influenced in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is still very much valid up too this time. Technology had made it possible for news to be deliver and passed on easily and at a much faster way. However, much of this news or information are often dressed with the news caster's opinion. Also, in many cases, people receives the news, but actions are never taken. In a sense, it is just there to give us something to talk about; to create a reason to socially interact with others, when on the other hand, we don't really care.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have came across the name of Postman's book in many of my classes. My teachers always reference it. I have to read it for sure now. I believe that his ideas are still valid and are very relevant. I read the Huxley's book "Brave New World". It is amazing and he was so ahead of his time. This book was the Matrix before it was even a thought in any movie producer's mind. I know commuting to school at CSUB from Porterville twice a week, I listen to the news on the radio. I have noticed that if I hear sad news, i kind of feel sad. Postman is correct on many points. Living in America, we have many freedoms but even if we did go to another country to demand that things be changed what would be the outcome? We would probably get killed, lol. Many countries do no like the United States and I am learning more everyday on why. I love this country. It is my home. However, as civilians, we are not exposed to full knowledge of what is going on in other countries, what are soldiers are doing over there, and other secret things. I am a religious woman and I believe that prayer is a powerful thing. I live my life day to day the best that I can and pray for things I have no control over. life is just easier that way.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I missed out on some points. I understood the question literally. I thought we were suppose to focus on our Tech Essay and only "think" about the relevance of Postman's ideas. D'oh!
ReplyDelete