is essential to the development of Postman's primary example of how the structure of television influences American culture. "The problem is not that Tv presents us with entertaining subject matter but that all subject matter is presented as entertaining..." (Postman 87) Plainly stated, American television is devoted entirely to supplying its audience with entertainment. Television has made a profound impact on the American society. Postman claims that due to the influence of television as a medium, Americans no longer talk to each other, they entertain each other. In chapter six of Amusing Ourselves to Death , Neil Postman goes on to point out that because of television we do not exchange ideas; we exchange images. I found this to be a valid hypothesis when considering if and how television had been an influence on my styles of learning. While performing an in-class questionnaire, I discovered that the exercise both identified and defined several characteristics of what seemed to be a trend set in my learning pattern. Of the five categories mentioned in Kathleen McWhorter's Study & Critical Thinking Skills in College, collectively they revealed that I was a social, visual, and pragmatic [but not opposed to creative] learner. Bibbs 3 McWhorter defined a social learner as one who prefers to work closely with others and enjoys personal interaction; which explains my active classroom participation. Visual learners process information more effectively by seeing it in print, film, or through other visual mediums. Finally, "pragmatic learners are practical, logical, and systematic... and are comfortable following rules." (McWhorter 113) In all cases I can see where I fit the "diagnosis". With this information it was evident that television had played a role in the development of my learning style. To make the connection, I will attempt to use a children's television show. Sesame Street was my favorite show to watch on television; as a child ...
