Democracy is the art of running the circus from the monkey’s cage. – HL Mencken
AMUSING OURSELVES TO death is a prophetic look at what happens when politics and journalism become subject to the demands of entertainment. Originally published in 1985, Neil Postman’s groundbreaking polemic about the corrosive effects of television on our politics and public discourse has been hailed as a 21st century book published in the 20th century. No other book could have better predicted the rise of Donald Trump. Then again, Donald Trump does not read books. Neither does he prepare for presidential election debates.
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Hardnews.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Hardnews.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Making Of A Hard State
By ratcheting up nationalistic sentiments to a fever pitch, the BJP is trying to reap political dividends.
The Business Of Encounters
The UP police claim that it has seized over ₹146 crore from ‘gangsters’ in the state in a matter of 11 months deserves closer scrutiny as allegations mount of arbitrariness in seizing properties
Cases 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000: What Is Happening To Netanyahu
Everything you need to know about the cases against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
India's Botched-up Id Project
The SC verdict in the ongoing case to ascertain the constitutional validity of Aadhaar will have far-reaching consequences
A 'Softer' Islam, For A Moderate Modi
DESPITE BEING UNDERRATED and under editorialised by the Indian media, there is nothing that anyone can really take away from the importance of the event organised by the Indian Islamic and Cultural Centre (IICC) to provide a forum for the visiting King of Jordan, His Majesty, King Abdullah II, to expound his views on the moderate nature of Islam and the imperative to fight radical Islam.
Net Neutrality and an Open Internet
In recent years, the campaign to maintain citizen's right to the Internet - and protect them from practices that would benefit only a few - has become firece and noisy.
Referendum on Cash Ban
If early polling is anything to go by, then the assembly elections across five states could mean an all or nothing scenario for the BJP
changing the demonetisation narrative like a chameleon changes colours
no matter what the spin around the note ban, it is clear the move was a politically expedient decision rather than a principled policy move.
Come and See The Blood In The Streets
Incidents of violence targetting the minorities have become routine in the last 16 months. Prime Minister Modis government has done little to shun the belief that the culprits dont enjoy its patronage.
The Gates of Memory: Two Hundred Years Of Silence
People take part in a ceremony at the monument "The Gates of Memory"near the village of Trostenets.
