Comparing and connecting the film and the readings for this

module, provide your own definition and examples of made-for-

TV events or public performances. 

What are these and what does Postman mean when he relates
"the age of show business" to "the Huxleyan warning?"

Postman argues that, when print media were the main tool for the
shaping of public opinion, publicly spoken language would
imitate the form of written arguments ("the typographic mind"). In
"the age of show business," he demonstrates that television
programming choices inform the ways people communicate their
thoughts, the ways they form their ideas and shape their
imaginaries. This idea is perhaps not unlike Adorno and
Horkheimer's understanding of "the culture industry" and
"sameness." 

How would you connect Postman's chronology of media

practices' impact on society with Rebentisch' idea of
"aestheticization"? How do these relate to the television footage
we see in "The Reagan Show," and, based on it, to the Reagan
White House's approach to public relations?

Based on the two readings, how do you see the "Twitter -

Facebook - Instagram" era shaping public discourse? Similarly to
Postman's illustrations of "the typographic mind" and "the age of
show business,"w hat are some lasting changes that you see
social media interactions and "made-for-social media" making to
public imaginaries?

To be eligible for full credit, post a 300-word post before the due
date, and comment on at least one other post (no less than 50
words). Response posts count towards your course Critical
Feedback grade.

Remember the guidelines for a successful discussion post:

• refer to 2-3 specific points from one or several of the

readings

• point out one aspect of the text or media work that you find
revelatory / intriguing / troublesome

• include 1-2 questions that you would like others to

comment on.

Response posts should offer a constructive suggestion or

question, or a specific new idea for further consideration, beyond
the mere expression of agreement / disagreement with the
author. How can you improve or complement your classmate’s
argument? What do you think they could further explore? Which
other concepts, historical phenomena or media makers do you
think could be relevant to their position, and why?

All writing submitted to discussion threads should be proofread

and checked for consistency, spelling, and grammar.