Papers by Geraldine E . Forsberg
This article examines some of the rhetorical bluffs identified by Jacques Ellul in his book The T... more This article examines some of the rhetorical bluffs identified by Jacques Ellul in his book The Technological Bluff. The author explores how understanding the rhetoric about media and technology can contribute to teaching media literacy. Often the focus in education is on a critique of specific media and technologies. Ellul focuses our attention on the rhetoric about technology. This is a unique and important approach to media literacy. Media literacy includes the ability to think critically about the technological society in which we live. No one, to my knowledge, has thought more critically about technology than Jacques Ellul. His major treatises on technology, The Technological Society (1964), The Technological System (1980) and The Technological Bluff (1990), have explored the social movement into a technological milieu along with many of its ramifications. His book Propaganda (Ellul 1973) provided an understanding of how the technological society influences the messages we encounter on a daily basis. The Humiliation of the Word (Ellul 1985) is a sociological and theological analysis of the shift from a word-based culture to an image-based culture. I have argued previously that Ellul can provide English education with an important perspective on technology, on
Explorations in Media Ecology
This article examines the relationship between technoethics and media ecology. Recognizing the re... more This article examines the relationship between technoethics and media ecology. Recognizing the relevance of both areas of study to each other, this article answers questions such as: How can media ecology inform the teaching of technoethics? What media ecology principles can support the teaching of technoethics? And, what are the unique media ecology philosophical and ethical perspectives that can support the teaching of technoethics? The article concludes by underscoring the importance of teaching the ethics of technology today more than ever.
Explorations in Media Ecology, 2021
This article discusses the intellectual relationship between Jacques Ellul and Neil Postman and a... more This article discusses the intellectual relationship between Jacques Ellul and Neil Postman and addresses the question: How did the French philosopher influence the writings and ideas of the leading media ecologist Neil Postman? The author traces the historical development of Postman’s books and examines his writings for reference to Jacques Ellul. Through this analysis it becomes apparent that Ellul had a major influence on Postman’s ideas, his books, and the direction of his scholarship. Thus, one can more fully understand the contribution that Ellul has had to media ecology.
Journal of Communication and Religion, 2009
This essay examines the interlocking relationship between media ecology and theology. The questio... more This essay examines the interlocking relationship between media ecology and theology. The questions addressed here are: Is there a relationship between these two distinct areas of study? If so, what are the basic concepts which overlap in the relationship? Where does media ecology and theology intersect? Drawing from the work of the founder of general semantics, Alfred Korzybski, five general concepts are identified which form the basis of convergence. It is believed that these concepts can help communication scholars further study the relationship between media ecology and theology. The author believes that just as media ecology can bring insight to theology, theology can also enlighten our understanding of media ecology. Examples from the work of other media ecologists are used to support this thesis.
Journal of Communication and Religion, 2020
This article provides a discussion of similarities between McLuhan and Ellul, then proceeds to hi... more This article provides a discussion of similarities between McLuhan and Ellul, then proceeds to highlight some of the main ideas presented in The Presence of the Kingdom. The authors then address the following questions: What are some of McLuhan's media ideas that correspond with Ellul's faith-based writings? As communication scholars, what can we learn from McLuhan's read of The Presence of the Kingdom? We believe that by studying McLuhan's interaction with Ellul's (1967) The Presence of the Kingdom, we can discover insights into the relationship between communication theory and the Judeo-Christian faith.
Journal of Communication and Religion, 2005
In this essay, the author examines the values and presuppositions that informed the work of media... more In this essay, the author examines the values and presuppositions that informed the work of media scholar and cultural critic Neil Postman. Her major thesis is that Postman’s Judeo-Christian worldview influenced his media and cultural analysis and gave strength, clarity, and vision to his writings. The author identifies key principles of the Judeo-Christian worldview and, then, abstracts quotes from Postman’s work which affirms his fundamental belief system. By reviewing his early writings to his more recent writings, the author notes an ever increasing interest in Judeo-Christian thought. Through this study, the author implicitly argues for a cohesive and coherent underlying worldview for media and cultural criticism.
Explorations in Media Ecology, 2016
This article examines some of the rhetorical bluffs identified by Jacques Ellul in his book The T... more This article examines some of the rhetorical bluffs identified by Jacques Ellul in his book The Technological Bluff. The author explores how understanding the rhetoric about media and technology can contribute to teaching media literacy. Often the focus in education is on a critique of specific media and technologies. Ellul focuses our attention on the rhetoric about technology. This is a unique and important approach to media literacy. Media literacy includes the ability to think critically about the technological society in which we live. No one, to my knowledge, has thought more critically about technology than Jacques Ellul. His major treatises on technology, The Technological Society (1964), The Technological System (1980) and The Technological Bluff (1990), have explored the social movement into a technological milieu along with many of its ramifications. His book Propaganda (Ellul 1973) provided an understanding of how the technological society influences the messages we encounter on a daily basis. The Humiliation of the Word (Ellul 1985) is a sociological and theological analysis of the shift from a word-based culture to an image-based culture. I have argued previously that Ellul can provide English education with an important perspective on technology, on
Explorations in Media Ecology, 2014
Jacques Ellul's sociological perspective on technological society has had a wide-ranging influenc... more Jacques Ellul's sociological perspective on technological society has had a wide-ranging influence. His sociological and philosophical ideas provided a foundation for studies in media ecology. However, many English educators are unaware of Ellul's ideas. This article aims to introduce Ellul to English education. As a seminal thinker in the media ecology tradition, Ellul's writings greatly influenced Neil Postman. Postman is known for his work in English education. This article argues that English education would benefit from the perspectives of Ellul. After a brief introduction to Ellul, the article identifies some of Ellul's main ideas, which can inform English education.
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Papers by Geraldine E . Forsberg