In Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death," he critiques the state of American discourse, highlighting a concerning trend where contemporary society is focused predominantly on immediate events rather than historical perspective. He argues that while people are inundated with information about recent happenings, their understanding of significant historical contexts from centuries or even decades ago is remarkably limited. This imbalance in knowledge can lead to a shallow grasp of important social and political issues.

Postman emphasizes the dangers of this preoccupation with the present, suggesting that it fosters a culture more interested in entertainment than in serious public discourse. His assertion reflects a broader concern that without a grounding in history, citizens may lack the critical thinking necessary to engage meaningfully with current events, leading to a dangerous cycle of ignorance and disengagement from the democratic process.