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Business Quote by Neil Postman

“TV serves us most usefully when presenting junk-entertainment; it serves us most ill when it co-opts serious modes of discourse - news, politics, science, education, commerce, religion.” quote by Neil Postman
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“TV serves us most usefully when presenting junk-entertainment; it serves us most ill when it co-opts serious modes of discourse - news, politics, science, education, commerce, religion.”

Neil Postman

About This Quote

Source Book: Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman, 1985

Media that entertains trivializes serious discourse, while serious topics become diluted when presented as entertainment.

In simple terms: Entertainment dilutes serious content.

Key Takeaway

Guard the integrity of serious discourse.

Themes

media criticism culture information overload public discourse entertainment seriousness

Mood

critical concerned analytical

Type

cautionary observational

When to use this quote

  • newsrooms
  • political debates
  • science lectures
  • educational seminars
  • commercial advertising

Key Concepts

media theory cultural criticism public sphere

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we protect serious discourse from entertainment framing?
  • What standards should separate news from junk?
A Different Perspective

Even serious topics can be co-opted, reducing depth and credibility.

2.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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