Question

Why does why does todd gitlin explain in detail the television watching habits of most americans? How does this information lay the foundation for his argument?

Answer 1

Todd Gitlin is an university professor. He wrote an essay called “The Liberal Arts in an Age of Info-Glut“ where he explain in details the television watching habits of most Americans.  

Mr.Gitlin claimed that an average U.S. citzen watches TV for four hours a day, every single day. He said that people mostly watch entertainment shows, fiction, game shows, commercials, mass media facts and trailers which, in his opinion, do not contribute at all when it comes to education, information and developing morals.

He wanted the reader to think about it and understand his point of view. According to Mr.Gitlin, people who spend too much time on TV lack on reliable information and sources and do not have the necessary tools in order to become a clever and educated citzen, aware of the world’s issues and able to discuss complicated matters. He also claimed that because of it, studying liberal arts in times of mass media has become even more relevant now than ever.