Customer Reviews

The image: A guide to pseudo-events in America

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Boorstin's tone is that of crotchety old curmudgeon who sees the evil in any technological developments. Ironically, I agree with some of his criticisms, it's the spirit in which they're made that seems to paint him as an extremist. I label this book as a mixed bag because he has some valid points to make about how mediated, popular culture compares with what earlier Americans experienced in their day. If I had to pinpoint my concern, it's that he seems to have had a premise going into the project and edited his data to confirm his prejudices.

To me he hits the target in discussing the clut of celebrity. He compares celebrities in the media age with authentic heroes of past generations. Celebrities are not known for their contributions, but simply for being well known. Since the time this book was written, the problem has grown much worse. I say problem because there are ramifications when such people are chosen as role models. Boorstin's thoughts on this issue are worth considering.