Stock image for illustration purposes only - book cover, edition or condition may vary.
Shows About Nothing
Thomas S. Hibbs
€ 46.60
FREE Delivery in Ireland
Description for Shows About Nothing
Paperback. American media is the subject of constant critique. Probing deep into the canon of all things screen, the author uncovers the disturbing truths about the contemporary media landscape. In his examples, he shows how the popular story lines and characters of our time often rule out any possibility of making a 'right' decision. Num Pages: 267 pages. BIC Classification: JFDT. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 228 x 154 x 17. Weight in Grams: 396.
American media is the subject of constant critique. The seeming exaltation of violence, sex, and illicit themes creates virulent opponents of the media and its content. But could it be that the American experiment--even the quest to fulfill the American Dream--actually encourages media to act in a way that deserves these critiques?
Probing deep into the canon of all things screen, Thomas Hibbs uncovers the disturbing truths about the contemporary media landscape. Beneath the shallow facade of evil lies the Nietzschean framework of nihilism--a nothingness that undermines notions of right and wrong while destroying any sense of meaning or purpose. Yet what makes this nihilism even more profound is Nietzsche's warning that liberal democracies are especially susceptible to such nothingness. In his examples, Hibbs shows how the popular story lines and characters of our time often rule out any possibility of making a ""right"" decision. Ultimately, Shows about Nothing toes the line between something and nothing to suggest how popular culture can move beyond nihilism.
Probing deep into the canon of all things screen, Thomas Hibbs uncovers the disturbing truths about the contemporary media landscape. Beneath the shallow facade of evil lies the Nietzschean framework of nihilism--a nothingness that undermines notions of right and wrong while destroying any sense of meaning or purpose. Yet what makes this nihilism even more profound is Nietzsche's warning that liberal democracies are especially susceptible to such nothingness. In his examples, Hibbs shows how the popular story lines and characters of our time often rule out any possibility of making a ""right"" decision. Ultimately, Shows about Nothing toes the line between something and nothing to suggest how popular culture can move beyond nihilism.
Product Details
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2012
Publisher
Baylor University Press United States
Number of pages
267
Condition
New
Number of Pages
267
Place of Publication
Waco, United States
ISBN
9781602583788
SKU
V9781602583788
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 7 to 11 working days
Ref
99-1
About Thomas S. Hibbs
Thomas S. Hibbs is Distinguished Professor of Ethics & Culture and Dean of the Honors College at Baylor University. He is the author of Arts of Darkness: American Noir and the Quest for Redemption.
Reviews for Shows About Nothing
"... an entertaining yet deeply insightful discussion of the relationship between nihilism and popular culture."
Choice (2012, 49:1) "Hibbs knows Hollywood
from its self-indulgent nihilism to its capacity of art that nourishes the soul. Shows about Nothing offers both a perceptive analysis of the artistic merits of a wide range of film and TV shows and a diagnosis of their cultural significance."
William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist and, most recently, Dimiter "The best way to understand the influence of Nietzsche on popular culture."
Boundless Webzine "Hibbs entertains and enlightens. I would never have believed that an insightful discussion of the subtle relationships between nihilism, romanticism, and liberal individualism could be so hard to put down. Shows about Nothing is a profound page-turner."
Thomas Kelly, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Princeton University "Hibbs has a resplendent knowledge of, and a chagrined appreciation for, popular culture."
Weekly Standard "Truly astounding and enlightening. This book is so rich in ideas that before finishing it, one will likely have made plans to read it again."
Doug McManaman ... an entertaining yet deeply insightful discussion of the relationship between nihilism and popular culture.
Choice The best way to understand the influence of Nietzsche on popular culture.
Boundless Webzine
Choice (2012, 49:1) "Hibbs knows Hollywood
from its self-indulgent nihilism to its capacity of art that nourishes the soul. Shows about Nothing offers both a perceptive analysis of the artistic merits of a wide range of film and TV shows and a diagnosis of their cultural significance."
William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist and, most recently, Dimiter "The best way to understand the influence of Nietzsche on popular culture."
Boundless Webzine "Hibbs entertains and enlightens. I would never have believed that an insightful discussion of the subtle relationships between nihilism, romanticism, and liberal individualism could be so hard to put down. Shows about Nothing is a profound page-turner."
Thomas Kelly, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Princeton University "Hibbs has a resplendent knowledge of, and a chagrined appreciation for, popular culture."
Weekly Standard "Truly astounding and enlightening. This book is so rich in ideas that before finishing it, one will likely have made plans to read it again."
Doug McManaman ... an entertaining yet deeply insightful discussion of the relationship between nihilism and popular culture.
Choice The best way to understand the influence of Nietzsche on popular culture.
Boundless Webzine