Madeline
“I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution” is a fascinating and thought-provoking book by Emily Nussbaum, the Pulitzer Prize-winning television critic for The New Yorker. In this book, Nussbaum explores the evolution of television and its impact on our culture, delving deep into the ways in which television has changed not only the way we consume media but also how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
History and Change of Television
Nussbaum begins by tracing the history of television, from its early days as a medium for mass entertainment to its current status as a powerful cultural force. She examines the ways in which television has changed over the years, from the rise of the sitcom in the 1950s to the advent of the “Golden Age” of television in the 2000s, and how these changes have affected the way we consume and understand television.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is Nussbaum’s analysis of the ways in which television has changed our understanding of gender and sexuality. She examines the ways in which television has both reflected and shaped our societal norms and beliefs, from the conservative gender roles of the 1950s to the more progressive representation of women and LGBTQ characters in recent years. Nussbaum also explores the ways in which television has changed the way we think about our own identities, and how the medium has allowed us to explore new ways of understanding ourselves.
Nussbaum’s Take on Shows
As a critical examination of television, Nussbaum is not shy of sharing her opinion on shows, some of the shows that she praises are “The Sopranos,” “Mad Men,” and “The Wire” as examples of groundbreaking television that pushed the boundaries of the medium and challenged viewers to think differently about the world. On the other hand, she also criticizes shows like “Two and a Half Men” and “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” as examples of shallow and superficial programming that perpetuated negative stereotypes and reinforced harmful societal norms.
One of the most compelling aspects of “I Like to Watch” is Nussbaum’s ability to make complex ideas about television and culture accessible to a wide audience. She writes with a clear and engaging style that makes even the densest and most abstract concepts easy to understand and relate to. This is a book that is both intellectually stimulating and highly entertaining, making it an ideal read for anyone who is interested in television, culture, or the ways in which media shapes our understanding of the world.
Final Thoughts On I Like To Watch
In conclusion, “I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution” is an insightful and thought-provoking book that provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of television and its impact on our culture. Nussbaum’s writing is clear, accessible, and engaging, making this book an ideal read for anyone who is interested in television, culture, or the ways in which media shapes our understanding of the world. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to gain a deeper understanding of the role of television in our culture, and to anyone who simply enjoys a well-written and thought-provoking read.
