Walter Benjamin's exploration of the relationship between technological advancements and the sensory experience of individuals is highly relevant in today's society.
Benjamin highlights the effects of mass reproduction on art and its political implications, as well as the decline of representative democracy in the face of direct communication between political leaders and the masses.
Deep dives
Walter Benjamin's work remains relevant today
Walter Benjamin's work continues to be relevant in today's society due to his exploration of the relationship between technological advancements and the sensory experience of individuals. His focus on how changing technology can alter a person and the political subject can be applied to modern technologies like the internet and smartphones. In a world where new technology is constantly introduced, Benjamin's work holds particular importance.
Evolution of storytelling and its impact on the individual
Benjamin discusses the evolution of storytelling from collective, orally transmitted stories to individual reading experiences with the rise of the novel. The novel, as an individualistic form of storytelling, promotes concentration and deliberation. However, with the emergence of mass communication technologies like film and radio, storytelling becomes a collective experience once again. Benjamin highlights the fleeting and fast-paced nature of film, which compromises reflective moments and leads to a constant state of distraction for the viewer.
The role of art and mass reproduction in a distracted society
In a contemporary society characterized by distraction, Benjamin analyzes the effects of mass reproduction on art and its political implications. He argues that art has shifted from being a cult work to an exhibitionist work, as it becomes primarily displayed and consumed collectively. This mass reproduction and distribution of art, combined with capitalism, allows for ideological messages to be propagated to the distracted masses. Furthermore, Benjamin explores the decline of representative democracy in the face of direct communication between political leaders and the masses, mediated by technology.