“I don't necessarily agree with everything that I say.”
― Marshall McLuhan
On the occasion of George Washington’s birthday, I would like to submit a proposal to Congress naming Marshall McLuhan the patron saint of Politicians.
You all remember Marshall; the man considered the father of the electronic age, who coined the term “media” and was the first to take note of the fact that “the medium is the message.”
Ironically, Mr. McLuhan’s complex theories on how the electronic gods we create come to rule us have been reduced to sound bites, such as “we become what we behold.”
“Art is anything you can get away with.”
― Marshall McLuhan
Frightening, really, because these manufactured icons have a way of becoming larger than life.
“A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight and
understanding.” ― Marshall McLuhan
It’s almost as if Marshall had a crystal ball way back in 1964 that allowed him to see into our future.
“ All media exist to invest our lives with artificial perceptions and arbitrary values.” Marshall McLuhan
As McLuhan foresaw, Big Guy located that elusive messaging “sweet spot” and has used his supportive media to advance his message; in this case it’s blame-shifting. When presented to the mindlessly loyal fans by a mythological icon (created with the complicity of the equally mindless media) it seems to be working precisely as Marshall envisioned.
“Many a good argument is ruined by some fool who knows what he is talking about.”
― Marshall McLuhan
Butt unlike today’s MSM, McLuhan was very concerned that people would not be attuned to the downside created by the worship of objects of their own invention.
“We don't know who discovered water, but we know it wasn't the fish.”
― Marshall McLuhan
The epigram on Mr. McLuhan’s tombstone reads “The Truth Shall Make You Free” which on it’s face may seem to disqualify him as the patron saint of politicians. Butt since pols tend to read it as a cautionary tale, I stand by my recommendation.
“Politics will eventually be replaced by imagery.The politician will be only too happy to abdicate in favor of his image, because the image will be much more powerful than he could ever be.” ― Marshall McLuhan
“Most of our assumptions have outlived their uselessness.” ― Marshall McLuhan (yes, that’s correct)
I leave you with these inspirational words from Mr. McLuhan. Pass them on to Rush Limbaugh, because it sounds like even he could use a little boost these days.
“There is absolutely no inevitability as long as there is a willingness to contemplate what is happening.” ― Marshall McLuhan
“Every society honors its live conformists and its dead troublemakers.”
― Marshall McLuhan
Linked By: Clint Counts on facebook, and BlogsLucianneLoves, and NOBO2012 on Free Republic, Thanks!
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