Formulates a theory of macrocommunication systems that defines communication industries in America and details the functions and importance

Public expression in the United States has become increasingly coarse. Whether it’s stupid, rude, base, or anti-intellectual talk, it surrounds us. Popular television, film, music, art, and even some elements of religion have become as coarse, we argue, as our often-disparaged political dialogue. This book’s contention is that the U.S. semantic environment is governed by tactics, not tact. We craft messages that work—that perform their desired function. We are instrumental, strategic communicators. As such, entertainment and journalism that draw an audience, for instance, are “good.” This follows the logic that the marketplace, an aggregate of hedonically motivated individuals, decides what’s good. Market logic, when unencumbered by what some characterize as quaint human sentimentalities, liberates us to cynically communicate whatever and however we want. Whatever improves ratings, web traffic, ticket sales, concession sales, repeat purchases, and earnings is good. Embracing this communicative paradigm more fully necessitates the culture’s abandonment of collective notions of both taste and veracity, thus weakening the forces that keep individual desires in check. Our present communication environment is one that invites the hypertrophic expression of the ego, enabling elites to erode public communication standards and repeal laws and regulations resulting in immeasurable individual fortunes. Meanwhile, perpetual plutocratic rule is made even more certain by the cacophonous public noise the rest of us are busy making, leaving us incapable, disinterested, and unwilling to listen to one another.

Product Description: This anthology of hard-to-find primary documents provides a solid overview of the foundations of American media studies. Focusing on mass communication and society and how this research fits into larger patterns of social thought, this valuable collection features key texts covering the media studies traditions of the Chicago school, the effects tradition, the critical theory of the Frankfurt school, and mass society theory...read more

Well-researched. Unusually coherent. Stimulating. Comprehensive. A top-notch revision of an already fine book! Those familiar with the past editions of this solid and comprehensive introduction to persuasion will welcome the finely tuned Fourth Edition. In it, the authors present the nature and process of social influence in a number of relevant, interesting, and current contexts. Numerous, rich examples drawn from advertising, public relations, politics, religion, education, and the mass media help students recognize the subtle and overt persuasive influences in their own lives. Pertinent discussions of both effective persuasion skills and critical analytic skills equip students with the tools to handle, in a credible, ethical manner, the enormous diversity of persuasive activities going on around them. The interplay of audiences and messages is highlighted in every chapter. This engaging blend of classical persuasion, social psychology, theory, and practice provides readers with a solid foundation to think critically about the persuasion of others and to become effective persuaders themselves.

Product Description: What is the role of communication technology and media in making American society more adaptive, equitable, and democratic? Analyzing the field of communication against an in-depth picture of American society, this provocative, wide-ranging text explores how communication enterprises are intrinsically linked to the establishment and maintenance of social power...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: This book records efforts to utilize public speaking to analyze serious social, educational, and scientific issuesóand to inform a variety of publics of their importance. Drawing from research, Otto Larsen responds to the broader challenge of linking research outcomes to possible policies and actions in four general areas: mass media effects and controls, problems of performance in professional organizations, efforts to gain scientific legitimacy for social and behavioral science, and the enhancement of teaching and learning in universities...read more

Product Description: Well-researched. Unusually coherent. Stimulating. Comprehensive. A top-notch revision of an already fine book! Those familiar with the past editions of this solid and comprehensive introduction to persuasion will welcome the finely tuned Fourth Edition...read more

Product Description: Book by Stamm

Product Description: * explores the general concepts in interpersonal communication and then applies the concepts to the Japanese communicative styles

Product Description: Book by De Fleur, Melvin L., Larsen, Otto N.

Formulates a theory of macrocommunication systems that defines communication industries in America and details the functions and importance