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Artist Quote by Sherman Alexie

“They've been screaming about the death of literacy for years, but I think TV is the Gutenberg [printing] press. I think TV is the only thing that keeps us vaguely in democracy even if it's in the hands of the corporate culture. If you're an artist you write in your time. Moaning about the fact…” quote by Sherman Alexie
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“They've been screaming about the death of literacy for years, but I think TV is the Gutenberg [printing] press. I think TV is the only thing that keeps us vaguely in democracy even if it's in the hands of the corporate culture. If you're an artist you write in your time. Moaning about the fact that maybe people read more books a hundred years ago - that's not true. I think the same percentage has always read.”

Sherman Alexie

About This Quote

Source Interview: NPR Fresh Air, 2010

TV acts as a modern mass medium that sustains public discourse despite corporate control, similar to how the printing press spread ideas.

In simple terms: TV keeps democracy alive like the printing press.

Key Takeaway

Recognize TV’s role in civic engagement.

Themes

media democracy culture technology communication

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical commentary

When to use this quote

  • political commentary
  • media analysis
  • civic education
  • media literacy
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

public sphere media influence democratic participation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does TV shape your political views?
  • Can TV truly sustain democracy without critical media literacy?
A Different Perspective

TV cannot replace critical thinking or diverse sources.

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