Gitlin again, with feeling

Ah, I finally read the conversation between Fallows and Gitlin in The Atlantic about Gitlin's book. It's worthwhile reading (a fine alternative to Gitlin's book), and seeing David Weinberger's book mentioned early on, I remember that I first read about the series of articles in David's blog. Two random highlights (really, read the thing):

Fallows: One of the book's most engaging aspects is its easy combination of actual scholarship and informal pop references.

The plethora of "informal pop references" is exactly what put me off.

Gitlin, in response to Fallow's question "so, what do you want people to do"?: As to how anyone should respond, I'm partial to the romantic notion that people should make the acquaintance of all their senses—including touch, smell, and taste, unserved as they are by screens. A walk in the streets or the woods is a good idea. Loaf and invite your soul, as Walt Whitman did. Conversely, you could converse. Love those whom you love. Bowl together. Learn languages and single-handedly strike a blow against American isolationism. The need for political actions hasn't gone out of style, though lots of the actions have. That Paris café sounds like a good idea, too.

Now you're talkin', Todd.

May 03, 2002 04:21 PM