Everyone knows that the media surround us, but no one quite understands what this means for our lives. In Media Unlimited, a remarkable and...
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reviews
Jul 08, 2011
Joseph
rated it: 
I'm generally sympathetic to the premise of this book--we're constantly bombarded by imagery and sounds, and some of that experience has the potential to degrade our thinking and the quality of our lives in some way. That being said, this book is intellectually sloppy, poorly written, and ultimately proves nothing it sets out to prove.
Most of the author's discussion of the history of media falls flat. It is nearly all based on the writings of one guy, Georg Simmel, and relies entirely More...
Most of the author's discussion of the history of media falls flat. It is nearly all based on the writings of one guy, Georg Simmel, and relies entirely More...
Sep 29, 2009
Sean
rated it: 
Reflections on how the mass media has turned into a "torrent of images and sounds", particularly since the Internet became prominent in our society. Occasionally unfocused, but more than a few trenchant statements can be found. Not essential, but worth reading.
May 04, 2010
Jake
rated it: 
After reading Todd Gitlin's book The Sixties I have enjoyed his writing style. This was an insightful book for anyone involved or concerned with how the media shapes our lives.
Jan 01, 2012
Frederick
rated it: 
A rambling, incoherent monologue on the media and its place in the modern world. Written by a professor of culture and sociology at NYU.
Aug 29, 2008
Jessica
rated it:
A respected NYU journalism professor suggested I read a book called "The Whole World is Watching" by Todd Gitlin -- but I couldn't find it at the Border's Books in my parents' town, so I bought this one instead.
Only recommended for those few of us who actually think reading about "the media" in general is interesting...I'm a nerd when it comes to that stuff and even I found this book a little dry! Dry, but rather thought-provoking about the psychological reason More...
Only recommended for those few of us who actually think reading about "the media" in general is interesting...I'm a nerd when it comes to that stuff and even I found this book a little dry! Dry, but rather thought-provoking about the psychological reason More...
Aug 03, 2009
Jean Marie
rated it:
So this book effectively changed at least part of my life. Everywhere I go now I see and hear things that I probably wouldn't have noticed otherwise thanks to the awareness Gitlin's book has brought. I study the media in society so this book was right up my alley. It's accessible and scholarly. One would do well to read it.
Dec 17, 2009
Giuliana
rated it: 
a light read, which gives a broad overview of some basic characteristics of our contemporary media-dominated culture. the writing style is fun, the references ecclectic but not unexpected (from simmel to marx to the marx brothers). still on the prowl for a more philosophical and historical approach to cultural imperialism...
Jun 09, 2008
Paul
rated it:
I've been struggling with my embrace of media overload. This title helped me continue the struggle. However, I don't think there's a solution. Trying to avoid the technosphere is like trying to live in Los Angeles and not breathe smog.
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