Postman: emotional resonance

Whatever power television might have to undermine rational discourse, its emotional power is so great that it could arouse sentiment against the Vietnam War or against more virulent forms of racism...

Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death

Here we find a recommendation that feels so fantastical and potentially revolutionary as to be ridiculed for its reach beyond reason (and it would be an intentional "reach beyond reason" to no other characteristic but feeling). Any form of visual media pushed to accommodate an intellectual purpose will break down in the light of the medium's embedded biases. As we create for TV, social media, and the internet, the structure of these digital environments dictate certain habits, define its own brand of "wisdom", and changes the nature of discourse.

A major reason for this shift is due to the emotional resonance of images. Staring at a page of Lolita won't immediately evoke a response from its reader. Watching a country singer appeal to humanity about the plight of the pit-bull will.

We know this is not by accident. Not only are the makeup artists, set designers, directors, animators, editors, and camera crew all working to create an emotionally connected experience between their message or cause and the viewer or potential donor, but unconscious forces are manipulating our limbic system to respond a certain way. A good way, it should be noted, because our drive for connection is what makes us human and not apes. Psychologist Kurt Thompson has that beautiful line, "We are all born into this world, looking for someone looking for us," and we remain in this mode of existence throughout our lives and time spent in front of screens. For better or worse, for humanitarian causes or militaristic propaganda, for pop tart ads or political elections, we are changeable at our basest level.

A vital realization in the digital, entertainment age is that this will happen regardless of the intent or awareness of the user of visual mediums. As I watch the geriatric stunts of our nation's "leaders" online, I know the frame I see on-screen shapes my prejudices and stirs my anger.

I am aware but not immune.

I am awake but lost in a dream.