Friday, December 01, 2006

CNN.com - The Marquee: Why DO we care?

re: the fascination with celebrities, etc. "...But there's also the matter of what writer Maureen Orth calls the "celebrity-industrial complex," the endless machine made up of the news media, entertainment companies, performers, handlers, advisers and consultants (and, yes, consumers) that's dependent upon such stories for its daily fuel -- and, like any capitalistic enterprise, only exists as long as interest continues. Which means there's a great deal at stake to keep the machine running..."

Includes recommendations for these books: "The Image" by Daniel Boorstin, "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman, and "Life: The Movie" by Neal Gabler.

hat tip: Kay S. Hymowitz/ CJ in the News/ City Journal

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