Dumbing Down: Essays on the Strip Mining of American Culture

Rating:
Summary: definitely a mixed bag -- but a must read in any case!
Review: This book, along with Berman's "Twilight of American Culture" are *must-reads* for anyone 20-40yrs old with small children or contemplating family life. Not all essays in this book are good - and some are downright muddled. But the importance of the messages here should *not* be disregarded. It is hard to be calm in the face of what is obvious to any thinking person in the US today - the thin veneer of "civility" that is the hallmark of culture (indeed, civilization) is quickly being "stripped" from all facets of American life. Rudeness, brutishness, and brashness have become the dominant methods of interaction in this society - and the *only* rewarded methods of "speaking" today. I tremble at the thought of the *next* generation of youngsters, when the grandparents of today are long buried and "civility" has completely disappeared from our lives. In short, there *will* be many more Columbines, many more "road rage" shootings, many more "debates" between tweedledee and tweedledum in our political spheres. (Even our top-rated TV show "Survivor" lauds cut-throat cruelty as the way to "get ahead." I suppose that true "deserted island" messages that one gets from, say, the famous Shackleton south-pole survival mission are just too *boring*.) Secondly, it is high time that "leftists" stop pretending that we are somehow muddling through; I personally abhor the simplistic positions of right-wing demagogues. But do not kid yourself that "pop culure" will somehow right itself. You do not have to vote for extreme-right politics to know that this society is far "off the rails." The left managed to overthrow traditional authority. This did *not* free us from authority, but rather transferred authority to the nebulous realm of marketing and advertising (and besides, isn't everyone doing it?)! Read this book. Read Berman's book. And if I may be so bold as to suggest something - if the state of US "culture" bothers you, maybe you could try doing the little things again, things that your grandmother took for granted (like speaking to your neighbors!). If the leftists ever got anything right, it is true - the children *are* watching.

Rating:
Summary: Goes against the grain of culture... and so it should!
Review: This must be the most politically incorrect book that you could read. But that is its strongest point. You have to be incorrect today to think properly. Behind every great movement which overturned a declining society there has been incorrectness. This book bucks the tide. It is unashamedly non-conformist. For that reason, it is a wonderfully stimulating read. My guess is that it will only appeal to those who already think like the authors. But if it does enlighten a dyed in the wool follower of political correctness that will be a welcome marvel!