Although Enzensberger has severe criticisms toward the new media and the beneficial role it plays as a tool for the bourgeois class and capitalists, he also sees the past potential of literature as a revolutionary tool and the present potential of new media. This potential for mobilization and revolution l is a threat to both capitalistic and Soviet ways and can therefore bring about the Great Marxist Revolution (I think).
First, electronic media has permeated society in every way, and will continue to do this in an even more noticeable way as proven by current times where media such a facebook, twitter, blogs etc are relevant. New media enables everyone to become part of the world’s communication and its debates. Technologically, new media bring us up to par. A lack of communication between producer and consumer that makes the consumer passive and isolates him “cannot be justified technically” any longer (97). Further, there are such extensive systems now that they cannot possibly all be monitored; it is impossible. Although according to Enzensberger, both capitalists and communists have tried to thwart this communication of the masses, or at least its implications, this is only short lived “it cannot be maintained in the long run” unless one is willing to deal with “deliberate industrial regression” (99).
Enzensberger has some complaints with the use of media as a manipulation device that only brings tolerance “a vehicle for resignation” (101) and its inability and to satisfy the need for a utopia which is easily exploited by capital (112 & 113). However, he sees new media as having at least the ability to transcend these powers if used correctly. “The electronic media do away with cleanliness; they are by nature ‘dirty.’ That is part of their provocative power. In terms of structure, they are antisectartian” which provides for “rational discussion” (102). Because media is manipulative in nature, it will take new media and the inclusion of “everyone as a manipulator” to get a completely democratic Marxist revolution (104). Ezenberger has hope for this new media because like books as a new revolutionary media form centuries ago, new media can produce revolutionary effects. They just have the added bonus of “do[ing] away with all educational privileges and thereby with the cultural monopoly of the bourgeois intelligentsia” (105) because they enable anyone to become a producer of communication, manipulation, imagination, and ideas. Ezensberger, who believes that organization is key to the needed revolution, sees new media as bringing the kind of organization that “Abolishes class character of the mode of media production” (124). The grand Marxist Revolutions J
Zoraya--I think you make some really nice points in your analysis. Your blog illustrates the challenges Enzensberger sees in the new media, but also the benefits and his hopes for the future of media.
ReplyDeleteLike you said in your last paragraph, Enzensberger seems hopeful that the new media will be able to "transcend" the negative aspects of manipulation. Manipulation is inevitable, but in order for the new media to be effective--revolutionary even--everyone must be made a manipulator. He writes that, the new media will be mobilized and manipulated “by the mass of people" (104). Also, I liked your statement that the new media "enable[s] anyone to become a producer of communication, manipulation, imagination, and ideas"--I think this is a great summary of what Enzensberger hopes for the future of new media!
The shrinking gap between producer and consumer was something that struck me about Enzensberger as well. You touch on it briefly, but I think it's fascinating how well new media is integrating with old as it gives the consumer broader communication methods.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to find a news or sports program these days, either on television or radio, that doesn't utilize crowd sourcing for reactions. Questions and thoughts submitted through twitter, facebook, email, etc. find there way on-air, allowing the public to partake in the media like never before.
One could argue that this may further the media's ability to manipulate, as it's possible they're handpicking comments that only fit a certain view while providing the illusion of interactivity. While this may be true, the fact that "old" media is cooperating so well with the new is certainly a good sign for the future.