Amusing Ourselves to Death

Neil Postman makes a simple distinction: the problem is not that society is being entertained, but that there is no realization that entertainment is engulfing every aspect of society.  This point shows how much America has been shaped by entertainment and television; we have been conformed and molded to the point where we don't even realize it's happening.  Postman readily admits that there is nothing wrong with being entertained.  The problem lies in the ignorance of society towards the cheapening of intellectual, religious, and rational activities by media entertainment. 

Neil Postman

One point that Postman reiterates from his book is the idea that we are becoming a nation consumed with the technology.  In Amusing Ourselves to Death, Postman talks about the cities that used to define us: New York City, Chicago, and Boston.  All these cities reflected moral values and hard work.  Today, however, we are best reprented by Las Vegas, a city consumed with entertainment and being amused, representing the major change in society's values.  Continuing the same idea in his speech, Postman calls us "pets" of technology; we are consumed with them.  No longer using them to benefit our hard work, they often use us.  We have become consumed by technology and using it in every aspect of life 

Postman also remains constant in his idea that society is becoming too superficial.  In his book, he discusses how how William Howard Taft was not taken as seriously because of his weight.  He was judged and discriminated against.  In the same way, society is now even more focused on the superficial with their obsession with cloning.  Trying to eliminate all flaws, cloning is being used incredibly superficially.

"Civility Not Censorship"

1.  Linda Chavez begins her column saying, "Civility in public discourse is important..." She uses these six words as a springboard to her argument: civility is necessary; empty, shallow, and bland discussion is not.  By beginning with these words, Chavez not only admits to the necessity of civility, but provides herself with an opportunity to present her argument.
2.  Fitting in with all the political metaphors based on wars, fighting, and aggression, bellicose speaks of one who is inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, or pugnacious.Chavez used the word "bellicose" to truly convey the types of metaphors being used.  By using an adjective in the same field as the metaphors being discussed, she is able to blend her writing with her argument.
3.  Chavez is trying to convince her readers that, while civility is very important, it is more important to express one's emotions and beliefs in a way that is true and accurate.  She best exemplifies this point when she says, "Does that mean we should ignore efforts by political figures or others to inflame passions by using hateful words? Of course not -- and that's what the efforts to bring civility to public discourse should be about...It would be a good thing if all of us, not just politicians and pundits, learned to think before we speak -- but being thoughtful doesn't mean we have to be bland."  In saying this, Chavez clearly states her beliefs that honest, powerful, and moving speech can be diplomatic and appropriate.

4.  I fully agree with Chavez' statement.  While it is very important to honor others' differences, it is even more important to express oneself truthfully and sincerely.