The Medium Is the Metaphor - Analysis

The Medium is the Metaphor

In his The Medium is the Metaphor, Neil Postman uses the devices of description and example to make his point about the changing of America's mainstream city over time.

The first example, accompanied by description, is that of the city of Boston during the time of the American Revolution. Postman describes Boston as the only place where the "shot heard 'round the world" could have been fired. By referencing this iconic moment in American history, he makes it clear that Boston was the center of America at that time. With such an important event having occurred there, Boston must have been the "focal point of radiating American spirit" at the time. He also describes Boston as the "center of a political radicalism," which again promotes Boston as so important at the time that it must have been the focal point.

Postman moves from Boston on to the example of New York City, and the time of Ellis Island immigration. He describes this city as he did with Boston, emphasizing its importance on American's culture and framework at that time. Postman moves then to Las Vegas, which he claims is the current focal point of this nation. He describes it as "a metaphor of our national character and aspiration." As the author did with the previous cities, Las Vegas is placed on a pedestal for its time, and described as a symbol for American life.

Postman's use of continuing examples and descriptions, all fit together in chronological, effectively shows the progression of the cities which have held America's "radiating spirit." He suggests a city, describes its situation during the pertaining time frame, and uses this example, along with the others to form a timeline of sorts. This setup easily allows the reader to comprehend Postman's point, and is very effective for this essay's opening.