In Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death," he critiques how television has transformed public discourse, reducing serious communication to entertainment. He argues that the medium of television influences what we perceive as meaningful, often trivializing important issues. The quote suggests that while commercials promote products, they do so in a superficial way, similar to how a story about Jonah might only superficially address whales without delving into their biological complexity.
Postman highlights the superficial nature of televised messages, emphasizing that the focus has shifted from substantial discourse to entertainment. This shift exemplifies a broader societal trend where depth and critical thinking are sacrificed for amusement, reflecting a culture where meaningful content is overshadowed by flashy presentation. Ultimately, the commercial's purpose is not truly about the products but about capturing attention in a captivating yet shallow manner.
