In our television age, we may believe that politics has become more immediate, even more personal. After all, the drama of debates, Congressional hearings, and summit meetings unfolds before us as we lounge comfortably in our living rooms. And with call-in shows where the "average citizen" can offer opinions as Al Gore and Ross Perot slug it out over NAFTA, we may even think that we are more a part of the political process than ever before. But as Roderick P. Hart reveals in this fascinating new book, while television may ...
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In our television age, we may believe that politics has become more immediate, even more personal. After all, the drama of debates, Congressional hearings, and summit meetings unfolds before us as we lounge comfortably in our living rooms. And with call-in shows where the "average citizen" can offer opinions as Al Gore and Ross Perot slug it out over NAFTA, we may even think that we are more a part of the political process than ever before. But as Roderick P. Hart reveals in this fascinating new book, while television may make us feel informed and clever about contemporary politics, it is actually distracting us from the realities of political power in American life. In Seducing America , Hart offers a strikingly new interpretation of how television has changed us as citizens and as voters. While other researchers have examined the ways in which television has influenced politics--as in the use of negative campaigning--this book focuses on the changes television has made in how we feel toward the whole process. Despite ubiquitous political talk shows, Ross Perot's infomercials, and Jerry Brown's 800 number, voter turnout decreases at an alarming rate and studies show that Americans are more disillusioned with politics than ever before. Hart shows that television's seeming empowerment of viewers is spurious, and it is from this false sense of intimacy that our distrust and disillusionment spring. Television flatters viewers by making us feel close to our leaders, when we are, in fact, far removed. It makes us feel informed (when we are not), feel busy (when we are politically inactive), and feel clever (when we adopt the cool cynicism of political insiders). Most of all, it makes us feel important by substituting symbolic victories and media access for real, substantive power. While television stirs in us strong emotional responses to political issues, we remain unsatisfied. Why? And, more important, what can we do to stem voter apathy and dissatisfaction? With its fresh and incisive examination of television's role in American politics, this book offers some important--and often surprising--answers to these questions. What we need, argues Hart, is a New Puritanism. As an antidote to the disillusioning electronic world we now inhabit, Hart advocates a return to the values of our ancestors, a rediscovered understanding that duty, community, and hope--not television's wry uncertainties--offer the keys to political wisdom. A penetrating and witty analysis that shifts the focus from the public arena to the private home, Seducing America shows that much of the blame for our political dissatisfaction rests not with the spin doctors, journalists, and politicians, but with ourselves. It is a book that all Americans should read before the next election year begins.
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Very good. A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged. An ex-library book and may have standard library stamps and/or stickers. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 650grams, ISBN: 9780195086560.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Book contains pen markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 650grams, ISBN: 0195086562.
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Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Book contains pen & pencil markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 650grams, ISBN: 9780195086560.
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Like New. Size: 6x0x9; Hardcover. Cover shows very minor shelving wear, otherwise an unblemished copy.; 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Ships same or next business day!
