Two Aspirins and a Comedy: How Television Can Enhance Health and Society Paperback – February 28, 2006
by Metta Spencer (Author)
Can television become a positive force in society? Can socially conscious entertainment change the world? Two Aspirins and Comedy asks these questions and offers surprising, unconventional answers. The historic social and political effects of such books as Uncle Tom's Cabin and such films as Gandhi led sociologist Metta Spencer to delve into the power of entertainment to influence society - too often for the worse, but potentially much for the better. She identifies examples of socially constructive TV dramas. She shows how mass entertainment productions can enhance our emotional well being and social sensibilities, as well as point out promising solutions to global issues; and even inspire us to become activist. Two Aspirins and Comedy identifies entertainment as a public health issue.
Review
An extraordinary book which makes a vital contribution to our understanding of the potential power for healing and goodness in 'television entertainment.' Personally I hate the ads, the violence, the speed, the escapism of American television, but I've learned a very great deal from this book about 'the other side' of TV. -- Arlie Hochschild, The Time Bind: When Work Becomes Home and Home Becomes Work To solve global problems, larger numbers of people must be informed and also mobilized to act. This book convincingly points out a way to accomplish both objectives through entertainment. Now we need creative storytellers who will inspire and motivate their audiences (especially in film, radio, and television) to address the world's environment, justice, and peace challenges. -- Alexander Likhotal, President, Green Cross International and Global Green, USA Despite the light title, Two Aspirins and a Comedy is quite serious about the healing possibilities of television. With an approach that integrates philosophy, psychology, physiology, religion, and sociology, Spencer describes the power of "stories" told by the media. She details the positive impacts pleasurable relationships with television characters and programs can have for individuals and society at large...provocative and enlightening. -- Beth Montemurro, Penn State University
From the Publisher
"An extraordinary book which makes a vital contribution to our understanding of the potential power for healing and goodness in "television entertainment." Personally I hate the ads, the violence, the speed, the escapism of American television, but I’ve learned a very great deal from this book about "the other side" of TV." —Arlie Hochschild, The Time Bind: When Work Becomes Home and Home Becomes Work (Owl Books, 2001)
"To solve global problems, larger numbers of people must be informed and also mobilized to act. This book convincingly points out a way to accomplish both objectives through entertainment. Now we need creative storytellers who will inspire and motivate their audiences (especially in film, radio, and television) to address the world’s environment, justice, and peace challenges." — Alexander Likhotal, President, Green Cross International and Global Green, USA
Product Details
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Paradigm Publishers; 1 edition (February 28, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594511551
ISBN-13: 978-1594511554
Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 6.1 x 8.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
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