#1367 - Bridget Phetasy

In 'Mediated,' Thomas de Zengotita argues that our reality is increasingly indistinguishable from representation. He contends that everything in our world is mediated, meaning it is presented to us through some form of media or representation. De Zengotita explores how this mediation affects our perceptions, behaviors, and interactions, including how we reflect on ourselves and our place in the world. The book delves into the impact of media on our socialization, particularly in the context of children, and discusses the blurring of lines between real and representational experiences.

In 'So You've Been Publicly Shamed', Jon Ronson delves into the phenomenon of online shaming and its historical antecedents. The book features interviews with individuals who have been subjected to intense public shaming, including Jonah Lehrer, a journalist who plagiarized quotes, and a woman who was shamed for a tweet at an airport. Ronson also speaks with practitioners of modern public humiliation and examines the immediate and long-term consequences of such shaming. The book raises questions about righteousness, reputation, and conformity in the context of social media and its impact on individuals and society.

In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field.