Customer Reviews:
  Aimed at Adolescents June 2, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
As an adult learner, it is often frustrating that so many college textbooks are aimed at a reading audience that is in its early twenties. The material is either dumbed down or so gussied up with graphics that it's hard to find the actual text. I had this same complaint with some computer textbooks I needed for another class, so Baran's book isn't alone in this. I would just like to see more content and less decoration.
I suppose my biggest gripe is that with using this textbook for adults, the material did not really serve to make us better at analyzing current events or use of media. The text presents an overview of many aspects of mass media, but it doesn't really address in detail some of the concerns and "hot buttons" that are relevant to today's media-literate citizens.
I also thought this textbook was politically correct -- although it seemed to try not to take sides on any topic that was controversial, the use of organizations such as Moveon.org in more than one photo example I found a bit nauseating. Aren't there other organizations using TV, radio, newspapers, the Internet, and blogs? I mean, come on! There is more to life than politics; and there is more to politics than a liberal viewpoint. How about some diversity?
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