Conversations

Doc Searls points to a great bit of writing on Britt Blaser’s blog Escapable Logic. He writes about blogs as conversations (which is not new) and puts things in a great way. The theme he explores is: “Memorable conversation is the foundation of civilization.” That quote hit me and it’s one of those moments where the time and place and state of mind where I am all click.
Right now I’m in Truro taking a course with another amazing group of NSCC people. We talk a lot and share experiences of teaching and the rewards of working together to change the world through changing people’s lives. It’s important that we talk with each other and maybe the popularity of blogs and blogging is due to this inherent need to speak and be heard. Blaser hits the nail on the head in saying that blogs “contain a huge body of thoughtful conversations” and then he connects the conversations with actions to make the world a better place with the Spirit of America project. It’s amazing how quickly things can happen when people work together and engage in conversation which leads to action. People are working to make the world a better place. It reminds me of the amazing outpouring of support and random flowers to same-sex couples who were getting married in San Francisco in February that was made possible through conversations on the Web.

June 23, 2004 , , , , , ,

Neil Postman

I know of Neil Postman primarily as the author and critic of technology from his book Amusing Ourselves to Death. His theory from the 1986 book is that television makes everything show business. It’s not really much of a theory any more as the proof is so overwhelming as you see it all around as soon as you turn on the television set. Jay Rosen writes PressThink and today he posted his remarks “Remembering Neil Postman” where he talks about Postman as a person and mainly as a teacher. It made me think about teaching and the powerful and unintended effects that it has. What is particularly interesting to me is how Rosen writes about how Postman would disturb his students so learning could occur. I like that. It’s not how I teach, but I love being able to see things in a different way and it’s fascinating to see how you can make that happen. Cognitive dissonance is a good thing. PressThink is a great place to keep track of what is happening in the mass media and I’m glad that I read it and was able to find out a bit more about Neil Postman from someone who knew him as a colleague and a student.

March 25, 2004 , , , ,