The Death of Discourse

Collins, Ronald K. L.; Skover, David M.

ISBN 10: 0813327237 / ISBN 13: 9780813327235

Published by Westview Press, Boulder, CO, U.S.A., 1996

About this Item

VERY GOOD softcover, no marks in text, square uncreased spine, clean exterior.

Seller Inventory # 044005

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Death of Discourse
• Publisher: Westview Press, Boulder, CO, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0813327237
• ISBN 13: 9780813327235
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Alibris

About this title

Synopsis

In this innovative book, the authors persuasively argue that the First Amendment to the Constitution has risen in the late twentieth century, like an ill guided individual with knife in hand, to murder a longstanding tradition of fine and meaningful discourse in the United States. We are bombarded with the cacophony of advertisement, the luridity of pornography, and the pointlessness of prime timepoor substitutes for intelligent consideration of ideas. }In this innovative book, the authors persuasively argue that the First Amendment to the Constitution has risen in the late twentieth century, like an ill-guided individual with knife in hand, to murder a long-standing tradition of fine and meaningful discourse in the United States. What has died is the essential kind of political discourse which promotes democracy; informs citizens; enlivens debate; and carries reason, method, and purpose. Instead, we are bombarded with the cacophony of advertisement, the luridity of pornography, and the pointlessness of prime time.With satirical spirit and wityet to a very serious purpose the narrative of this lively study calls upon many of the very tricks it criticizes. The text is augmented by amusing tales, poetry, tv zaps, eyebites, and boxes of aphorisms resonating between high and low culture, between Plato and Geraldo and Madonna and Mahler to make its points, the discussion reveals how discourse in contemporary America has lost its integrity and its soul. }