Response to M.T. Anderson's FEED

Three FEED Themes:
1. Deterioration of Human Thought and Communication
2. Dependence on Technology
3. Anti-Consumerism

Observations about our 21st century culture in the United States:

1. According to ACME, the Action Coalition of Media Education, there has been an “epistemological shift” that has taken place in our 21st century culture. We have shifted from words to images. This might account for some of the observations I have made of people, myself included, who seem to be unable to think clearly or communicate original and creative thoughts. Perhaps this is a result of spending more time looking at images on TV screens than reading.

2. According to ACME, there has also been an “aesthetic shift,” as technologies have converged. For example, the iTouch is not simply a cell phone, but can be used to check email, search the internet, and listen to music. While most of my friends had cell phones in high school and college, I never did and I didn’t feel like I needed one. However, now that I have a cell phone I can see how I’ve developed a sort of dependence. I imagine that as technologies converge, people become even more dependent upon them. I have certainly observed myself and my peers becoming dependent on technology.

3. According to ACME, another shift that has taken place is an “economic shift,” which involves “HYPER commercialism and CORPORATE consolidation.” Commercialism is ever-present in our 21st century culture. It is nearly impossible to avoid commercials and advertising. Moreover, it can be difficult to take the time to stop and reflect on the way in which media influences our thoughts and behaviors. I’ve observed friends buy items they don’t really need. I’ve listened to friends explain that they want to buy something, but they’re not sure what yet. I’ve observed friends go shopping to make themselves feel better and then laugh it off as “retail therapy.” Just last week I saw a commercial for the new Frosty at Wendy’s and decided to get one later that day while doing errands! As humans, we need to consume to exist. However, the focus of our existence shouldn’t be on consumption.