Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television (1978)

There are books that are outdated yet still relevant; Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television, however, isn't one of them. The author can't be blamed for a book about technology becoming outdated after 35 years, but by founding a significant part of his argument on the then-present state of television technology, it is for no better reason than his own shortsightedness that his book is now irrelevant. Add to this a curious mixture of pseudoscience and anti-scientific sentiment (except where science seems to confirm the author's theory, of course), a touch of emotive hyperbole (television = political autocracy); and some particularly fine examples of both erroneous reasoning and intellectual dishonesty, and you have a book that not only misleads but annoys as well.

I really do try to keep my reviews balanced, but I have very little to add to the 'positive' side of the scales here. If I were to summarise my thoughts in one point, it would be that one gets the impression that the argument is very much a product of the conclusion. I don't doubt the sincerity of the author's belief, but the validity of the argument is questionable to say the least.

Jerry Mander covers the dynamic subject of the elimination of television in a logical chapter based structure compiled into four main arguments, as the title suggests. The first argument is the "Mediation of Experience" discussing topics of mediated environments, sensory deprivation and rooms inside rooms, to education utilizing television, arbitrary reality, and how television can influence its users. Argument two "The Colonization of Experience" continues the discussion of television into the realm advertising the medium uses and its effects, centralization of control and topics such as "patriotic consumption". Argument three "Effects of Television on the Human Being" illustrates anecdotal reports to the effects of long term artificial light for the human physiology, including how television effects learning and the mind. Finally argument four "The Inherent Biases of Television" complete this well orchestrated book in a final "Hurrah" of how the medium deludes the user, separates time and place, and many more interesting aspects of its uselessness and harmfulness to a user. Very easy to read, comprehend and understand, Mander has done an extraordinary job in making the reality of Television the horror of the age. A must read for book enthusiasts and educators alike. ( )

A must for all!!!

Also recommend:
Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man by Marshall McLuhan ( )

A most insightful and brilliant perspective on television, media and human consciousness. You'll never look at television the same after reading this book. ( )