Re: virus: Re: Postmodernism and Truth

Reed Konsler (konsler@ascat.harvard.edu)
Sat, 18 May 1996 16:19:20 -0400

*****Vicki Rosenzweig(May18,2:20pm)
The discussion of television and hegemony reminds me that
Barbara Ehrenreich has suggested that the real appeal of
television, in particular situation comedies, is that it is a place
where we see people living real lives and not watching television.
The irony in this is obvious, of course--people are desperate for
the sight of conversation, pick-up ball games, and such, but have
forgotten how to do these things. But it does suggest that, somewhere
underneath, we may want at least a glimpse of a world in which millions
of people do not go home after work and have the same experience.
*****

I like this idea.

I wonder, maybe we don't want to be engaged in the continious conflicts
normally associated with group dynamics but do want a feeling of participation.
TV allows you to watch other people in "life" without actually having to be
there yourself; you can poick your nose in front of the TV and nobody cares.

What I think is ironic is TV watching parties. When I was an undergraduate
everything would die about 7:30 on Wednesdays becuase that's when "Beverly
Hills 90210" came on. I remember walking into my living room to see 15 people,
beer, popcorn, chips and pretzels...and one TV. Everyone sat in rapt silence.

Of course, maybe that is just the same as theater, or the movies.

I don't think we've lost our ability to communicate socially recently, I think
we are always looking for new ways to express and partake of it.

Reed
konsler@ascat.harvard.edu