Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!att-cb!att-ih!pacbell!ames!ll-xn!mit-eddie!uw-beaver!cornell!batcomputer!pyramid!octopus!avsd!govett
From: govett@avsd.UUCP (David Govett)
Newsgroups: sci.misc
Subject: Re: Omni-Americans
Message-ID: <25@avsd.UUCP>
Date: 8 Mar 88 16:43:52 GMT
References: <5017@uwmcsd1.UUCP> <2790@gryphon.CTS.COM> <1221@uop.edu>
Organization: Ampex Advanced Technology Division, Redwood City, CA
Lines: 24

> We've all heard how T.V. is geared to the 6th grade mind, and now Omni
> wants us to worship the thoughts and dillusions of the same frame of
> reference. (so does Dan Rather)  :-)
> 
It is axiomatic that no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence
of the (American) public.  America is the land of LCD, so don't be surprised
at the prolefeed in the media.  To date, however, this LCD orientation has
been the source of America's appeal around the globe.  Just look at what,
besides democracy, the US does export successfully: rock and roll, blue jeans,
movies, and TV.  These are targeted at the common Joe and Jose, so they are 
readily accessible.  If you want more narrowly targeted (i.e., bell curve 
ghetto) information, you'd best look elsewhere.  

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not knocking US culture because I believe that, 
for better or worse, it best reflects the tastes of the bulk of humanity. 
It may not be entirely to your or my liking, but it is undeniably appealing.
The best way to please everybody it to democratize the media, which is 
just what technology is doing.  That way, you need not be restricted
to managed information from biased prettyboy newsreaders like Damn Rather.

Anyway, think about this: Science and art no longer reflect the everyday 
experience of anyone.  It's too abstacted from life.  Don't be surprised
that humans prefer something more in tune with their reality, with a
dash of mystery thrown in.  Humans are basically irrational, not rational.