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Shirky argues that since the 1940s, people are learning how to use free time more constructively for creative acts rather than consumptive ones, particularly wi

by dfxm12 3y ago

Shirky argues that since the 1940s, people are learning how to use free time more constructively for creative acts rather than consumptive ones, particularly with the advent of online tools that allow new forms of collaboration. MAGA is not a collaborative or creative endeavor. It is very much run from the top, with one singular figurehead & is subject to his whims. It is all designed around the idea of consumption, be it tweets, cable news, hats made in China, etc.

gumby 3y ago
Well, yes and no per Shirky's own essay. I did make your point in my comment: `Many of the events can be “joined” in a slightly less passive way than merely watching TV, but are similar in that a set of professionals produce it and then you basically attend or watch.' This is in line with Shirky's description of watching TV, and the baby boomers (of which he is apparently one) grew up steeped in that culture. However I do think there's more to it, and mentioned that other groups have sprung up to ride on its coattails, which can form a positive feedback loop if they get any traction. I don't know if I'd strain his metaphor or example and call them competing shows or what. They are of course further examples of these professionally and centrally managed entertainment events. What I think is more important is the "fanfic" culture, which has long been heralded by the "new forms of collaboration" advocates of the 90s and 00s as the predecessor culture of participation and collaboration and which itself has become huge with cosplay, Twilight fanfic morphing into 50 Shades of grey, etc. In the MAGA universe, Q is a perfect example of that, as are the people who plaster their homes with signs, make memes and artwork, and other, often deeper, engagement. And looping all this back to the comment to which I was replying: harry potter or Marvel fandom may have some significant revenue impact, but hardly really changes the world, while the MAGA case fits the requested "changing the world in the interim".
deleted 3y ago
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by dfxm12 3y ago

gumby 3y ago

Well, yes and no per Shirky's own essay. I did make your point in my comment: `Many of the events can be “joined” in a slightly less passive way than merely watching TV, but are similar in that a set of professionals produce it and then you basically attend or watch.' This is in line with Shirky's description of watching TV, and the baby boomers (of which he is apparently one) grew up steeped in that culture. However I do think there's more to it, and mentioned that other groups have sprung up to ride on its coattails, which can form a positive feedback loop if they get any traction. I don't know if I'd strain his metaphor or example and call them competing shows or what. They are of course further examples of these professionally and centrally managed entertainment events. What I think is more important is the "fanfic" culture, which has long been heralded by the "new forms of collaboration" advocates of the 90s and 00s as the predecessor culture of participation and collaboration and which itself has become huge with cosplay, Twilight fanfic morphing into 50 Shades of grey, etc. In the MAGA universe, Q is a perfect example of that, as are the people who plaster their homes with signs, make memes and artwork, and other, often deeper, engagement. And looping all this back to the comment to which I was replying: harry potter or Marvel fandom may have some significant revenue impact, but hardly really changes the world, while the MAGA case fits the requested "changing the world in the interim".

deleted 3y ago

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