"today's Internet is killing our culture" and an actual heinous murder

[browngirl]

So I read in the paper the other day about Andrew Keen's new book, The Cult of the Amateur: How today's Internet is killing our culture. I haven't yet read it, so I shouldn't really judge it, though my first reaction is to roll my eyes and recall Victorian exhortations concerning the evils of reading.

I thought of it yesterday when I read about Aaron Hall, who was brutally murdered (to pathetically understate the situation); those charged with his murder are trying to use the "Gay Panic" defence (which has worked before, which is just appallingly wrong as well as worrying). I learned about Mr. Hall's death via the Internet, because it has been woefully underreported, and that made me think about Mr. Keen's statement that this very sort of news transmission is a *bad* idea.

So.

Meanwhile, I have letters to write.

Comments

[frauhedgehog.livejournal.com]

I had the same reaction to the Keen article. I have a roommate who has pretty much convinced me of the exact opposite--that the Internet has opened outlets of information, creativity, and community that had suffered under the cult of the professional. As one example, he cites the fact that people a hundred years ago used to gather in living rooms to play music and sing together, because that's all that was available. Ability to carry a tune was the only prerequisite. Then they listened to the radio together, then with their headphones on, separately, and a select few could afford to sit and listen (quietly, in their own separate worlds, lest a fistfight break out!) at symphony hall. When we sat down in the living room to play together, suddenly we were comparing ourselves to Joshua Bell, and it just didn't seem fun anymore. Maybe we had more culture and taste. But it was no longer about communication and individual creativity, the self growing and nurturing the soul in the company of others. It's true that we now spend a lot of time sitting in front of our monitors. But rather than being limited to what we type into our PC or what some professional software company entertains us with, we have lines of communication with people who share common interests we would be unlikely or unable to encounter in real life. Up with the cult of the amateur!

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

As one example, he cites the fact that people a hundred years ago used to gather in living rooms to play music and sing together...[now] When we sat down in the living room to play together, suddenly we were comparing ourselves to Joshua Bell, and it just didn't seem fun anymore.

I so completely agree with you and your roommate, and this part really struck me, because as a child growing up in a West Indian church, we *did* do that. The cultural difference really struck me.

Up with the cult of the amateur!

Amen!

[arionhunter.livejournal.com]

What I find utterly hilarious is that Keen has his own blog (http://andrewkeen.typepad.com/), where he happily adds to the "cacophony of amateurs."

It's also interesting to note that in 2000 Keen's bio for the Digital Hollywood (http://www.digitalhollywood.com/NYWednesdayWorkFour.html) conference states: "His model of integrating commerce, community and content is now acknowledged as the most viable business model for building a successful Internet business model."

That sounds suspiciously like the Web 2.0 companies he derides.

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

I am shocked, *shocked*, let me tell you, to be told this. So he's a hypocrite as well as a Luddite!

[temima.livejournal.com]

I haven't read it either.

Maybe he's annoyed that he and other professionals are getting actual competition for other people's attention. Me, I would like to be paid to write someday, because I'd like to work at something I'm good at. However, I also like writing for no pay. So, what to do?

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

Part of what gets me is the idea that one shouldn't do something unless one is doing it professionally, whether that be music, writing, etc. That there's no point to doing something for love.

As for me, you know what I think you should do. :)