Question

What is one reason Postman believes television is a myth in current culture?

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Because viewers do not doubt the reality of what they see on TV  

Explanation:

Postman then cites French literary theorist Roland Barthes, arguing that “television has achieved the status of ‘myth’”. What does “myth” mean to Barthes? As Postman explains: “a myth is a way of thinking so deeply embedded in our consciousness that it is invisible”. Here we might pause and review our discussion on semiotics, recalling Levi-Strauss as well as de Saussure.

Myth is language. Images are a type of language. Consequently, when we see a representation of Rosie the Riveter, what comes to mind are a number of ideas, including everything from American determination as reflected by its citizens during World War II to the ideals and concepts espoused by feminist theory. If, as Postman states, television is myth, then what he is arguing for is the idea that television by its very nature and by what it is capable of conveys a complex series of ideas that is already deeply embedded within our subconscious. Or, as Postman more succinctly puts it: We rarely talk about television, only about what is on television—that is, about its content”.

Answer 2

The reason that Postman believes that television is a myth in current culture is (B) because viewers do not doubt the reality of what they see on TV.

Viewers begin to accept everything on TV as a reality or natural occurrence.