Ｒeflection on chapters 9-11

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In Chapter 9, Postman points out that education in the television age has become a subordinate to entertainment. Educational programs, in an effort to attract viewers, fragment and dramatize knowledge. For example, "Sesame Street" popularizes basic knowledge but replaces deep thinking with fast-paced visuals and visual stimulation. This model cultivates an audience accustomed to instant gratification rather than continuous learning.
Today's short video platforms (like TikTok) have pushed this trend to extremes. Educational content is often reduced to "three-minute trivia," sacrificing rigor for traffic. Postman's critique reminds us: the essence of education is to inspire thinking, not to please the senses. True learning requires patience and critical thinking, not superficial "knowledge fast food."
In chapter 10,Postman analyzes how television has turned politics into a performance. Politicians rely on image management rather than policy depth, such as Reagan's "TV charisma" that masked substantive discussion. Elections have become talent shows, and voters have become audiences rather than participants.
In the age of social media, politics has become more entertaining. The phenomenon of Trump governing through Twitter or internet celebrities entering politics highlights the importance of image and gimmicks. Postman's warning is that the foundation of democracy lies in rational dialogue, not emotional revelry. We must be wary of reducing politics to "personal branding" and "trending topics," and instead, place greater emphasis on the weight of policy itself.
Chapter 11 compares Orwell's and Huxley's prophecies. Postman argues that Huxley's "Brave New World" is closer to reality —— people are self-numbing by loving entertainment, actively embracing technologies that deprive them of thought. As the book says: "We will be destroyed by what we love."
Algorithmic recommendations and immersive entertainment (such as the metaverse) are validating this prophecy. We are trapped in customized information cocoons, substituting likes and shares for independent thought. Postman's insight demands that we reflect: is technology a neutral tool or a force reshaping human nature? Only by remaining clear-headed can we avoid losing the weight of our thoughts in laughter.
Final Thought  
Postman’s work is not a rejection of technology but a call for vigilance. In an age where "trending" dictates value and screens mediate reality, his message is clear: To resist "amusing ourselves to death," we must prioritize depth over distraction, and critical engagement over passive consumption.