Questions for Week 9

1. In "Reflecting on Marshall McLuhan" the author discussed media and technologies and how they extend and amputate our sensory perceptions. "'The wheel,' for example, 'is an extension of the foot': 'the book is an extension of the eye': 'clothing is an extension of the skin': and 'electric circuitry is an extension of the central nervous system.' Moreover, whenever one of these senses is extended, others experience amputation. If we extend the eye, for instance, we may at the same time amputate the ear." What do you think McLuhan would say that the Internet and other modern technologies are extensions of? What sensory perceptions are extended and what are amputated by the Internet?

2. McLuhan asserts that "the whole nervous system of man has undergone a radical change. In breaking the hold that the Gutenberg galaxy had on man for more than four centuries, 'electric circuitry has overthrown the the regime of 'time' and 'space' and pours upon us instantly and continuously the concerns of all other men. It has reconstituted dialogue on a global scale." He discussed the evolution of language and communication over time. Seeing how far we have come and thinking about where we are headed reminded me of the Disney movie, Wall-E. It takes place in the future where humans have become so dependent upon technology that they no longer interact with one another, they live in chairs with screens attached to them that allow them to talk to others and order food. These chairs drive them everywhere and they don't have to do anything for themselves because machines and robots do everything. Is this where we are headed now? What is next? The Internet and other technological advances have already eliminated much of day to day human interaction. Where would McLuhan say we are headed now? Are we to end up completely amputated from our sensory perceptions by technology?

3. Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death" discusses society's necessity to be constantly entertained. "Our politics, religion, news, athletics, education and commerce have been transformed into congenial adjuncts of show business, largely without protest or even much popular notice. The result is that we are a people on the verge of amusing ourselves to death." He goes on to say that "Indeed, in America God favors all those who possess both a talent and a format to amuse, whether they be preachers, athletes, entrepreneurs, politicians, teachers or journalists." Shows like the Colbert Report and The Daily Show with John Stuart draw viewers in with their humorous approach to the news. And yes, it's entertaining but it is unfortunate when people use shows like that as their single source of news. It's great that people watch them and get at least somewhat informed but what can we do to change the way that this country operates, as only wanting to engage in something as long as it's entertaining? How can we call upon the citizens of this nation to look past appearances and what is entertaining to focus on what is truly important and become more media literate?