From Library Journal
Here is another book warning readers about the dangers of the contemporary media. Shane, a media consultant, rightly worries that this message probably should not be delivered in print and is likely to be read only by those who already distrust media. Beginning with Plato, intellectuals have argued against the dangers of representation. It seems, according to their analysis, that the majority of people are easily deceived and cannot separate truth from fiction once they have been exposed to any medium, from writing to the Internet. Shane builds on this premise to trace the illusory nature of the contemporary mass media, which creates a false sense of connection among people. In reality, our society is becoming increasingly narcissistic, with individuals pursuing personal interests to the detriment of civil society. As a work of social criticism, this book complements such recent works as Neil Gabler's Life the Movie (LJ 11/15/98) and Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone (LJ 4/15/00). It will appeal to academics in journalism and communication and to public library readers interested in social criticism.DJudy Solberg, George Washington Univ. Lib., Washington, DC
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
