http://bookstove.com/book-talk/parallels-between-fahrenheit-451-and-todays-society/
This article talks about the comparisons between todays societity and the distopic society portrayed in Fahrenheit 451. The article talks about how people in the book no longer think for themselves and only care about being happy. Some of these predictions that Bradbury brings up seemed to have come true, including the fact that some parents are just like some of Mildred's friends. Mrs. Bowles had two children but just sends them to school and then puts them in fornt of the televisor and has not real acsiation with her children. Unfortunately there are many parents who do that in today's society.
Also the article describes how in both societies people are turning away from the arts. It is really unfortunate that our society is more inclined to watch a movie than a play or look up spark notes than read a book. The article explains that because of this, society will blindly follow future leaders. This is a very scary thought that society could become this if we keep ignoring the arts. Thankfully society is not to the point it is at in the book. In Fahrenheit 451, there is a war going on but no one seems to care. I for one never want that to be the case in our society. Of course I never want our society to spiral downward like it seems to have done in the book, and where people wanting to learn and better themselves are considered criminals.
Question to consider...
Knowing how dependant on TV and other media/pop culture our society is, if today's society was the Society in Fahrenheit 451 how hard would Montag have to work and what would he have to do "fix "our society?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
9/28 - The Sieve and the Sand Analysis by Kedne Lewis
The sieve and the sand is important symbol in Fahrenheit 451.It is a reflection of Montag’s Childhood memory of racing to full sieve of sand to get a dime from his cousin it compares to his attempt to read a whole bible in attempt to receive as much information as possible. The idea of censorship seems to be the main idea but what about fulfillment?
Do you realize that today the things that we as a culture are obsessed with such as reality TV and dating shows is a sign of emptiness in Bradbury characters?
In a Jeremy Smith article it states "Almost everything in Fahrenheit 451 has come about, one way or another”.I would have to agree look at Mildred and Faber there the two example of what our society looks like. Mildred is the example of our obsession with the media and how if consumes us to the point where she even turned her husband in for going against what she felt like was normal and challenging the idea of perfect life on TV. Faber on the other hand is like the dying breed of education and knowing how important could be books are. These are two of Montages internal conflicts.
Quotes to think about?
“Brainless, or merely trapped in a dream from which we cannot wake”?
“Montag pleads with Faber to teach him to understand what he reads, but Faber turns him away.”It's not books you need," says Faber, in the novel's wisest and most self-aware moment. "It's some of the things that once were in books. The same things could be in the 'parlor families' today. The same infinite detail and awareness could be projected through the radios and televisors, but are not. Books were only one type of receptacle where we stored a lot of things we were afraid we might forget. There is nothing magical in them at all." www.strangehorizons.com/2003/20031013/fahrenheit.shtml
Questions
What do you think Bradbury would think of our culture, now that we have so much new technology?
What do you think Bradbury would think of the internet and the lack of censorship?
If Bradbury could predict this so long ago have we fallen into the traps?
• 33% of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives.
• 42% of college graduates never read another book after college.
• 80% of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year.
• 70% of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.
• 57% of new books are not read to completion.
• There are over 17,000 radio stations and over 2,000 TV stations in America today.
• Each day in the U.S., people spend on average 4.7 hours watching TV, 3 hours listening
to the radio and 14 minutes reading magazines.
• The projected average number of hours an individual (12 and older) will spend watching
television this year is 1,750.
• In a 65-year life, the average person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.
• Number of 30-second TV commercials seen in a year by an average child - 20,000
• Number of videos rented daily in the U.S. - 6 million
• Number of public library items checked out daily - 3 million
• Percentage of Americans who can name The Three Stooges - 59%
• Percentage who can name at least three justices of the U.S. Supreme Court - 17%
www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article22857.html
What do you think about these stats? Is Modern America a Example of Mildred?
Do you realize that today the things that we as a culture are obsessed with such as reality TV and dating shows is a sign of emptiness in Bradbury characters?
In a Jeremy Smith article it states "Almost everything in Fahrenheit 451 has come about, one way or another”.I would have to agree look at Mildred and Faber there the two example of what our society looks like. Mildred is the example of our obsession with the media and how if consumes us to the point where she even turned her husband in for going against what she felt like was normal and challenging the idea of perfect life on TV. Faber on the other hand is like the dying breed of education and knowing how important could be books are. These are two of Montages internal conflicts.
Quotes to think about?
“Brainless, or merely trapped in a dream from which we cannot wake”?
“Montag pleads with Faber to teach him to understand what he reads, but Faber turns him away.”It's not books you need," says Faber, in the novel's wisest and most self-aware moment. "It's some of the things that once were in books. The same things could be in the 'parlor families' today. The same infinite detail and awareness could be projected through the radios and televisors, but are not. Books were only one type of receptacle where we stored a lot of things we were afraid we might forget. There is nothing magical in them at all." www.strangehorizons.com/2003/20031013/fahrenheit.shtml
Questions
What do you think Bradbury would think of our culture, now that we have so much new technology?
What do you think Bradbury would think of the internet and the lack of censorship?
If Bradbury could predict this so long ago have we fallen into the traps?
• 33% of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives.
• 42% of college graduates never read another book after college.
• 80% of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year.
• 70% of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.
• 57% of new books are not read to completion.
• There are over 17,000 radio stations and over 2,000 TV stations in America today.
• Each day in the U.S., people spend on average 4.7 hours watching TV, 3 hours listening
to the radio and 14 minutes reading magazines.
• The projected average number of hours an individual (12 and older) will spend watching
television this year is 1,750.
• In a 65-year life, the average person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.
• Number of 30-second TV commercials seen in a year by an average child - 20,000
• Number of videos rented daily in the U.S. - 6 million
• Number of public library items checked out daily - 3 million
• Percentage of Americans who can name The Three Stooges - 59%
• Percentage who can name at least three justices of the U.S. Supreme Court - 17%
www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article22857.html
What do you think about these stats? Is Modern America a Example of Mildred?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Fahrenheit 451: Hearth and the Salamander- An Inside Look
Analysis by Devki Bhatt and Katherine Villar
In Amy E. Boyle Johnston's article "Ray Bradbury: Fahrenheit 451 Misinterpreted", Bradbury reveals the true intent behind this sci-fi dystopian novel. Most readers typify this as a book that deals with censorship; however Bradbury sets the record straight by revealing his real fears about television and the media. He states that it has created a "hopscotching existence that makes it almost impossible for people, myself included, to sit down and get into a novel again". Bradbury was far more concerned about the dulling effect television has on the population than the heavy-handed role that the government plays in our lives.
http://www.laweekly.com/2007-05-31/news/ray-bradbury-fahrenheit-451-misinterpreted/2/
In the following video clip titled Bradbury on Censorship/Television, the author reveals the fundamental basis of the work. He is not afraid of losing freedoms, but rather of people losing their intellectual thirst and becoming "morons". http://www.raybradbury.com/at_home_clips.html#
In the first half of this novel, we encounter a number of interesting characters. Most importantly is our protagonist, Guy Montag. By the end of the chapter we see see the start of his tran. Something has clicked in him. From the moment he met Clarisse McClellan, he begins to question the life he is "living" because at the core he realizes he is living a dead life that leaves him empty. Montag begins to learn how to question.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/281739/the_evolution_of_guy_montag_in_bradburys.html
In stark contrast to Guy Montag is his wife Mildred, a woman who is in an obvious state of depression and devoid of all emotional connection. She is completely cold and distant and Guy finds its very difficult to connect with her in any way. Her attempted suicide reveals that she is in great pain; her inability to confront her actions shows how shelled she is. Her only attachment and escape is life is the seashell that buzzes in her ear and the “family” in the soap opera she watches. She avoids confronting life through her obsession with television.
http://caroline-pphs-blog.blogspot.com/2010/08/fahrenheit-451-mildred-montag.html
Questions to consider:
• What makes Clarisse so different and threatening to the order of this time? What is her effect on Montag? Why and how does she change him?
• Describe Montag’s relationship with his wife, Mildred. Where does the disconnect arise from?
• When the firemen come to burn down Mrs. Blake's books she states "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." Light and fire is portrayed in a different way. What are the author’s different perspectives about fire and light? How else does he employ contrast to make his point?
http://www.strangehorizons.com/2003/20031013/fahrenheit.shtml
• Bradbury wrote this novel in 1950, but does it give eerie insight into today's American society?
http://www.opednews.com/articles/THOSE-WHO-DON-T-BUILD-MUST-by-Jim-Quinn-100920-95.html
Have Bradbury's worst fears have come alive?!
The protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, a fireman-Guy Montag is an oxymoron. He is a fireman, who instead of putting out fires, creates them by burning books. In this futuristic society firemen are sent to houses to burn down books because there is no longer any need for perspectives, ideas or thoughts. In this article two French firemen started a fire which caused the death of their boss, and all for a raise. The men now face a sentence of 15 years to life. There is a loss of logic and a greater push towards impulse and immediate gratification. Agree or disagree? Why?
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/03/firefighters-start-fires-to-get-extra-pay/
Not that many weeks ago the whole topic of the burning of the Quran was brought up. Many people where disturbed by the burning of books and bible. This article elaborates a little about that. While reading I thought of the novel. Guy mindlessly burns book and feels like he is doing society a service by ridding it of such “nonsense”, but then he realizes that there is more to them than what he has been told.
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-12/world/afghanistan.quran.protests_1_quran-students-plan-dove-world-outreach-center?_s=PM:WORLD
In Amy E. Boyle Johnston's article "Ray Bradbury: Fahrenheit 451 Misinterpreted", Bradbury reveals the true intent behind this sci-fi dystopian novel. Most readers typify this as a book that deals with censorship; however Bradbury sets the record straight by revealing his real fears about television and the media. He states that it has created a "hopscotching existence that makes it almost impossible for people, myself included, to sit down and get into a novel again". Bradbury was far more concerned about the dulling effect television has on the population than the heavy-handed role that the government plays in our lives.
http://www.laweekly.com/2007-05-31/news/ray-bradbury-fahrenheit-451-misinterpreted/2/
In the following video clip titled Bradbury on Censorship/Television, the author reveals the fundamental basis of the work. He is not afraid of losing freedoms, but rather of people losing their intellectual thirst and becoming "morons". http://www.raybradbury.com/at_home_clips.html#
In the first half of this novel, we encounter a number of interesting characters. Most importantly is our protagonist, Guy Montag. By the end of the chapter we see see the start of his tran. Something has clicked in him. From the moment he met Clarisse McClellan, he begins to question the life he is "living" because at the core he realizes he is living a dead life that leaves him empty. Montag begins to learn how to question.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/281739/the_evolution_of_guy_montag_in_bradburys.html
In stark contrast to Guy Montag is his wife Mildred, a woman who is in an obvious state of depression and devoid of all emotional connection. She is completely cold and distant and Guy finds its very difficult to connect with her in any way. Her attempted suicide reveals that she is in great pain; her inability to confront her actions shows how shelled she is. Her only attachment and escape is life is the seashell that buzzes in her ear and the “family” in the soap opera she watches. She avoids confronting life through her obsession with television.
http://caroline-pphs-blog.blogspot.com/2010/08/fahrenheit-451-mildred-montag.html
Questions to consider:
• What makes Clarisse so different and threatening to the order of this time? What is her effect on Montag? Why and how does she change him?
• Describe Montag’s relationship with his wife, Mildred. Where does the disconnect arise from?
• When the firemen come to burn down Mrs. Blake's books she states "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." Light and fire is portrayed in a different way. What are the author’s different perspectives about fire and light? How else does he employ contrast to make his point?
http://www.strangehorizons.com/2003/20031013/fahrenheit.shtml
• Bradbury wrote this novel in 1950, but does it give eerie insight into today's American society?
http://www.opednews.com/articles/THOSE-WHO-DON-T-BUILD-MUST-by-Jim-Quinn-100920-95.html
Have Bradbury's worst fears have come alive?!
The protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, a fireman-Guy Montag is an oxymoron. He is a fireman, who instead of putting out fires, creates them by burning books. In this futuristic society firemen are sent to houses to burn down books because there is no longer any need for perspectives, ideas or thoughts. In this article two French firemen started a fire which caused the death of their boss, and all for a raise. The men now face a sentence of 15 years to life. There is a loss of logic and a greater push towards impulse and immediate gratification. Agree or disagree? Why?
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/03/firefighters-start-fires-to-get-extra-pay/
Not that many weeks ago the whole topic of the burning of the Quran was brought up. Many people where disturbed by the burning of books and bible. This article elaborates a little about that. While reading I thought of the novel. Guy mindlessly burns book and feels like he is doing society a service by ridding it of such “nonsense”, but then he realizes that there is more to them than what he has been told.
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-12/world/afghanistan.quran.protests_1_quran-students-plan-dove-world-outreach-center?_s=PM:WORLD
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Here is the New Yorker cover mentioned in the article, http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=2010-05-24
I feel that Arnett and the proponents of "Emerging Adulthood" are really on to something. I think that I'm not ready to declare that "emerging adulthood " is a distinct dsevelopmental stage, but I'm really glad that Arnett is. As I worked out with Shane my partner, I would like to provide some counterpoints as to why this phenomenon may be good for our society and why the research is really essential. (However I am terribly late in posting)
The amount of evidence and scientific research necessary inorder to conclude that there is a new developmental stage is monumental. In the beginning of the 20th century childhood was not recognized as a developmental stage. It was only with the pioneering work of Sigmeund Freud and other instrumental figures of psychology that childhood and adolescence became accepted developmental stages. Now since then there are very few mental health professionals practicing the intitial science of Freud and Co. because the field has rapidly developed.
Similarly we may be on the cusp of such a monumental discovery about the later years development of the Human being. Shane remarked that the fuzzy definition of adulthood is a weak point in the discussion, but its also a strength as well. How can we as a society be satisfied with such a limited understanding of our adult lives?
Unlike in the earlier developmental stages of a human where we are less eloquent, "Emerging Adulthood" is in stark contrast because it has a very large and growing grass roots movement of emerging adults who are speaking for themselves. Here are two blogs by emerging adults:
The first is mentioned in NPR discussion which Shane dug up.(which is really interesting and it gives new life to the Henig article because you can hear her personal opinion which i feel is very skeptical of emerging adulthood.) This blog is very polished and articulate. http://20-nothings.blogspot.com/
Here is a wonderful little blog that is pretty raw but is extremely creative. The Blogger has written a cartoon and made a playlist of songs that capture his feelings as an emerging adult.
Consider how the demographic of emerging adulthood has a growing voice. Examine how Arnett and his collegues are organizing conferences of mental health professionals, widening their studies, and building networks where both professionals and emrging adults themselves can share their experiences with the world. If you feel that you are an emerging adult you can participate in Arnett's studies on his website.
Here is a wikipedia page founded for emerging adulthood, Arnett's homepage and a fellow colleague of Arnetts who is quite the blogger http://www.jeffreyarnett.com/
Here is a wikipedia page founded for emerging adulthood, Arnett's homepage and a fellow colleague of Arnetts who is quite the blogger http://www.jeffreyarnett.com/
Here is the Yellow Brick clinic mentioned in the Articles website
Furthermore I think that this research is spurring on scientists to examine how the adult brain continues to change. Emerging adults and beyond were previously believed to have finished their primary brain growth and studies now show that significant growth occurs late in the twenties and maybe even more. (This discovery was mentioned in the article) See one well published study:
The Emerging adulthood phenomenon brings the point home that there is just so much more for us to learn about ourselves and how we function. It also can give us a hopeful sense that even as we age we can still change if we want to, rediscover and adventure.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Emerging Adulthood: The 20 Something Phenomenon
Greetings everyone, here is the class discussion for 9/14! Hope you all enjoy ...
The original story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html?_r=1
The original story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html?_r=1
Here are a couple of other interesting sources to go over: the first is a response to the above article titled "Redefining 20-Something Life" that aired on National Public Radio on the 23rd of August. Although it is a rather long story, it offers perspectives from young adults that fits in nicely with the interview with Robin Marantz Henig. It does bring the article into nice discussion.
Also interesting is this opposing view, titled "The Myth of Emerging Adulthood" posted to open salon by Jason Steven Hill:
http://open.salon.com/blog/jshill/2010/08/26/something_is_rotten_in_the_united_states_of_america
http://open.salon.com/blog/jshill/2010/08/26/something_is_rotten_in_the_united_states_of_america
So with all that I really have to say, I don't buy it. I am simply not convinced by the argument, given in Robin Marantz Henig's article “What Is It About 20-Somethings?”, that by classifying the 'twenty-something phenomenon' as a new life stage has grounds. Not only does the science seem one sided, or catered to Jeffrey Jensen Arnett's point of view, in addition the consequences of classifying a quarter-life crisis as a new life stage could have very hazardous implications on society as a whole.
One of the problems, as I see it, is that there are people who don't fit the mold Arnett is proposing. The fact that Arnett admits that some people may not ever go through the stage of emerging adulthood, further weakens his case. Science is supposed to be methodical; theories proven through repeatable stages and procedures. Seems to me by ignoring the well established classical stage theory Arnett is ignoring scientific method. Not everyone goes through a mid-life crisis thus, it doesn't qualify as a life stage, like adolescence ... so why should a quarter-life crisis qualify?
The other point to take issue with in this argument is the potential of federally/socially funded programs, similar to the 'savings accounts' alluded to in the article—programs similar to Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton's proposal of baby bonds. See article: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3668781&page=1
If emerging adulthood can qualify as a new life stage could this become a reality? What are the dangers/issues with this possibility? Could the qualification of emerging adulthood as a life stage lead to a demographic making excuses for indecision and irresponsibility (i.e. I am the way I am because I am supposed to be this way—it is a biological law of growth)?
Furthermore, semantically this debate is a nightmare. Of all the media I personally have looked into on this subject, for the purposes of this post, I have yet to come across an adequate (or universally agreed upon) definition of adulthood. A definition which is, after all, at the very root of this discussion. That being said, it would be interesting to explore the definition of adulthood and why these societal markers that seem to represent adulthood should even be considered in the first place.
For anyone that is interested, here is a pretty interesting piece written by Louis Uchitelle for the New York Times Business section. This story sheds some light taken from an economic point of view:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/business/economy/07generation.htmlAnd finally, for a laugh(?) ... clips from one of the show "Big Lake" mentioned in the original article:
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=358399&title=family-therapy
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=342771&title=big-lake-extended-trailer
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