The Huxleyan Warning

Chapter 11 is Neil Postman's last chapter in "Amusing Ourselves to Death." This chapter deals with the differences and similarities between education and entertainment. Postman starts off the chapter informing the readers that there are two models of how a culture may be shriveled, either it "becomes a prison" or it "becomes a burlesque." Postman believes America is threatened by "an enemy with a smiling face," where big brother does not watch us,we watch him.  After reading this chapter, it seems to be as though Postman thinks that children will always incorporate education and entertainment. Postman seems to think that the solution to our culture’s trivialization of the American way is our schools. Postman wants schools to educate children on how to watch televsion and use technology, or does not believe children should watch television at all.I honestly think his plans or answers are not only ridiculous but just plain dumb. Schools to teach students how to watch television? That just sounds ridiculous. He does have a great point to how television isn’t such a good thing, but I honestly think there is no a way to have things the way he imagines them. His proposed ideas are unrealistic at this point in time. Children as well as parents are far too deep in the world of television and technology to stop now. The only realistic soution I believe is limiting the time spent on the computer and television. The idea of having it as the old days where it was just books and newspapers is very far fetched. It was a great read though.

Tags:Neil Postman,Amusing Ourselves to Death,America