On 9 Apr 2010 at 8:58, ERIC P. CHARLES wrote:
> Lee,
> Not sure what you are ranting about
Example follows.
> It was a clever video, that didn't seem to be advertising anything
> other than the company that made it
*Every* production of a system-ostending-behavior
(I originally had "exhibiting", which is undoubtedly
clearer, but I couldn't turn down the opportunity
to suggest a useful abbreviation; as to "behavior",
I throw that back at you for explication--I certainly
want the term S.O.B. to include *at least* all "higher"
life forms, probably all life forms, but I also
want it to include various social and silicon-based
systems) is advertising something. [<--- That is a
proposed axiom. AKA proto-rant.] Birds, bees, and
babies are constantly advertising "themselves", as
you well know. The question is, what kinds of
"protective measures" (against the "advertiser"
taking control) are afforded to the "advertisee"?
I don't think humans have adequate "protective
measures" against Moving Pictures (in particular)
and other "push media" (in general).
My problem with "push media", particularly "art in the
age of mechanical reproduction" (although Walter Benjamin
in fact doesn't anywhere, at least in that essay, talk
about either sound recordings [music, speechifying,
what have you] or motion pictures) is that they
(by definition) make the relation between "advertiser"
and "advertisee" *much* more asymmetric than it is
In Nature (that is, in the world where life-as-we-knew-it
evolved). Live music, live poetry recitals, plays being
performed on stage, dancing, religious services, sports,
production and consumption of food and drink (either
vernacular or at bars and restaurants--even McDonaldses)
and all such sorts of "traditional" "expressive media"
always involve negotiations between the musicians/poets/
actors/dancers/celebrants/sporters/foodfolk/etc and the
"audience". (Don't for a minute think that actors aren't
aware--not necessarily always "consciously"--of who else
is there.) Yes, the relation is asymmetric, but
"information" flows both ways.
Plastic arts like sculpture, painting, jewelery making,
architecture, and so on, are a bit harder for me to
deal with in this way, but not impossible. Books on
the other hand are no trouble at all, but there isn't
room in this margin to give the proof.
...Dammit, my rant is running down before its time (and
showing cracks in its foundations, to boot--dammit^2).
Must be low blood sugar taking its toll. Off to
breakfast!
Really, what it comes down to is, I disapprove of these
new-fangled Moving Pictures! Not to mention all of
those Records the young kids listen to!! Get off my
lawn!!!
Lee Rudolph
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