Amusing Ourselves to Death (2009) (web.archive.org)

Article summary

The article discusses the ideas of Neil Postman, who argued that Aldous Huxley's vision of a dystopian future in 'Brave New World' is more relevant to modern society than George Orwell's '1984'. Huxley feared that people would be controlled by inflicting pleasure and distractions, rather than pain and censorship. The article highlights the relevance of Postman's ideas to contemporary society, where entertainment and technology can distract people from important issues. The author also provides links to additional resources, including a cartoon and a lecture by Postman.

Main themes

• Dystopian futures
• Huxley vs Orwell
• Technology and society
• Media and distraction
• Politics and entertainment
• Control and manipulation

What commenters say

• Some people believe that candidates with a background in show business are unfit for public office, as they may prioritize entertainment over policy.
• Others argue that a person's profession or background should not disqualify them from running for office, and that democracy allows for a wide range of candidates.
• There is a concern that some leaders may use their charm and charisma to manipulate people, rather than making informed decisions based on evidence and reason.
• The idea that 'it's not democracy if you don't win' is seen as a simplistic and potentially problematic view, as it may imply that the ends justify the means and that criticism of the system is not valid.
• Some commenters argue that certain traits, such as a history of promoting harmful or irresponsible ideas, should be considered when evaluating a candidate's fitness for office.
• Others believe that people have the intelligence and autonomy to make their own decisions, and that leaders should not be expected to dictate what is good for them.
• There is a tension between the idea that leaders should be intelligent and responsible, and the reality that some people may be swayed by charismatic but unqualified candidates.
• The discussion highlights the challenges of balancing the need for effective leadership with the risks of manipulation and control in a democratic system.