Summaries of books about Cultural Studies:
Off the Edge
Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything
Kelly Weill
The book delves into the Flat Earth movement, exploring its historical roots, psychological underpinnings, and the broader context of conspiracy theories in modern culture. It examines why individuals are drawn to such beliefs and how social media and community dynamics reinforce these alternative worldviews.
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Understanding Media
The Extensions of Man
Marshall McLuhan
The book explores the effects of different communication technologies on human culture and perception, arguing that the medium through which information is conveyed is as significant as the content itself. It introduces the concept that "the medium is the message," suggesting that mediums influence society not only by the content they deliver but also by the characteristics of the medium itself.
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Present Shock
When Everything Happens Now
Douglas Rushkoff
The book explores the psychological and societal effects of living in a digital age where the constant flow of information leads to a disorienting focus on the present, disrupting traditional narratives and challenging our ability to plan for the future. It discusses how this "always-on" culture impacts our work, relationships, and sense of time, urging a reevaluation of how we interact with technology and manage our lives.
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24/7
Late Capitalism and the Ends of Sleep
Jonathan Crary
The book examines the impact of modern capitalist society on individuals' lives, particularly focusing on how constant connectivity and consumerism are eroding the natural cycle of sleep and wakefulness. It critiques the ways in which 24/7 markets and technology disrupt human rest, time, and attention, arguing that sleep is a remaining barrier to capitalism's colonization of individual existence.
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Retromania
Pop Culture's Addiction to Its Own Past
Simon Reynolds
The book explores the cultural phenomenon of society's obsession with nostalgia and the recycling of past trends in music and pop culture. It delves into the implications of this fixation on retro, questioning the impact on innovation and the creation of new art.
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Audience of One
Donald Trump, Television, and the Fracturing of America
James Poniewozik
The book analyzes how television has shaped the political landscape of the United States, particularly focusing on how Donald Trump's rise to the presidency was influenced by his career in reality TV and his understanding of the medium's power. It explores the intersection of politics, media, and entertainment, and how Trump's persona was crafted and resonated with a fragmented American audience.
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Merchants of Truth
The Business of News and the Fight for Facts
Jill Abramson
The book examines the challenges and transformations in the news industry by comparing the experiences of two legacy newspapers, The New York Times and The Washington Post, with two digital upstarts, BuzzFeed and VICE. It explores the tension between traditional journalism values and the pressures of staying afloat in the digital age, including issues like the rise of clickbait, the impact of social media, and the importance of investigative reporting.
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Dark Ages America
The Final Phase of Empire
Morris Berman
The book presents a critical analysis of the decline of American culture and global influence, arguing that the United States is in a state of economic, political, and intellectual decay. It explores historical precedents and current indicators that suggest America is experiencing a downfall similar to that of past empires.
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How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered the World
A Short History of Modern Delusions
Francis Wheen
The book critically examines the rise of irrational beliefs and pseudo-science in contemporary society, exploring how unreason has permeated politics, economics, and culture since the 1970s. It delves into various topics, including the decline of reason in public discourse, the influence of New Age philosophies, and the impact of market fundamentalism.
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Bunk
The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News
Kevin Young
The book delves into the history of hoaxes in America, exploring their cultural impact and the psychological mechanisms behind the public's susceptibility to them. It examines the lineage of deception from P.T. Barnum to the era of fake news, revealing how these fabrications shape and reflect the nation's fears and beliefs.
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