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An articulation theory perspective of Neil Postman's media criticism
This study explores the nature of the public discussion over Neil Postman's media criticisms. Postman has been a popular writer who critiques American education and media from a technological deterministic perspective. This research uses a cultural studies approach to examine the debate over Postman's media views from his two books, Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985) and Technopoly (1992). The significance of the study is that it offers a window into the public discussions over media influences between 1985 and 2000 and provides particular insights into that debate. The study selected Stuart Hall's articulation theoretical perspective to show how arguments, metaphors and ideologies are structured to construct a public discourse over the role and influence of popular media in contemporary American life. The research found that the most dynamic discussions (i.e. arguments) were found in popular magazines that discussed Postman's media views when compared to academic journals that discussed or referenced Postman's views. This reinforces cultural studies view that popular culture is a worthy and more accurate field of study into the struggle for cultural dominance and ideological resistance. Secondly, the study also indicates the effective use of metaphors as persuasive figures of speech in the public debate over Postman's media views. It was shown that the five metaphors most commonly used were also the same metaphors commonly found in current news stories and Western literature. Finally, the study identified seven ideological tensions that were raised in the public discussion over Postman. It also indicated three levels in which ideologies were being transformed or articulated in the articles reviewed. This study has helped to clarify the public debate over media cultural influences and has shown the value of using cultural studies and articulation theory as methods for interpreting that debate and its evolution.
- "This study explores the nature of the public discussion over Neil Postman's media criticisms. Postman has been a popular writer who critiques American education and media from a technological deterministic perspective. This research uses a cultural studies approach to examine the debate over Postman's media views from his two books, Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985) and Technopoly (1992). The significance of the study is that it offers a window into the public discussions over media influences between 1985 and 2000 and provides particular insights into that debate. The study selected Stuart Hall's articulation theoretical perspective to show how arguments, metaphors and ideologies are structured to construct a public discourse over the role and influence of popular media in contemporary American life. The research found that the most dynamic discussions (i.e. arguments) were found in popular magazines that discussed Postman's media views when compared to academic journals that discussed or referenced Postman's views. This reinforces cultural studies view that popular culture is a worthy and more accurate field of study into the struggle for cultural dominance and ideological resistance. Secondly, the study also indicates the effective use of metaphors as persuasive figures of speech in the public debate over Postman's media views. It was shown that the five metaphors most commonly used were also the same metaphors commonly found in current news stories and Western literature. Finally, the study identified seven ideological tensions that were raised in the public discussion over Postman. It also indicated three levels in which ideologies were being transformed or articulated in the articles reviewed. This study has helped to clarify the public debate over media cultural influences and has shown the value of using cultural studies and articulation theory as methods for interpreting that debate and its evolution."@en
- "An articulation theory perspective of Neil Postman's media criticism"@en