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This grandfather of all people-skills books was first published in 1937. It was an overnight hit, eventually selling 15 million copies. How to Win Friends and Influence People is just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. Financial success, Carnegie believed, is due 15 percent to professional knowledge and 85 percent to "the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people." He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasizes fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. Carnegie says you can make someone want to do what you want them to by seeing the situation from the other person's point of view and "arousing in the other person an eager want." You learn how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without causing offense or arousing resentment. For instance, "let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers," and "talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person." Carnegie illustrates his points with anecdotes of historical figures, leaders of the business world, and everyday folks. --Joan Price
Book Description
YOU CAN GO AFTER THE JOB YOU WANT...AND GET IT! YOU CAN TAKE THE JOB YOU HAVE...AND IMPROVE IT! YOU CAN TAKE ANY SITUATION YOU'RE IN...AND MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU!
For more than sixty years the rock-solid, time-tested advice in this book has carried thousands of now famous people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives.
Now this previously revised and updated bestseller is available in trade paperback for the first time to help you achieve your maximum potential throughout the next century! Learn:
* THREE FUNDAMENTAL TECHNIQUES IN HANDLING PEOPLE
* THE SIX WAYS TO MAKE PEOPLE LIKE YOU
* THE TWELVE WAYS TO WIN PEOPLE TO YOUR WAY OF THINKING
* THE NINE WAYS TO CHANGE PEOPLE WITHOUT AROUSING RESENTMENT
Customer Reviews:
wonderful.......2007-10-22
I recommend this book, it changes your way of thinking and it has also helped me in my marriage in many ways
Common sense isn't so common.......2007-10-22
This book could be summed up by using the tired cliche; "you catch more bees with honey than vinegar".
Apparently, that train of thought isn't common with some people, thus, even the need for books of this nature. As a refresher on basic people skills which candidly should have been learned as a child this book is outstanding.
However, one must remain cognizant that how one dealt with people 70 years ago is vastly different from today. People are a product of their environment which has changed tremendously over the years, hence people change and how you deal with them should as well.
Nevertheless, most basic people skills still apply, however, they are only equally as affective if all parties involved are playing by the same set of rules laid out in this book.
For example, if you spend the majority of your time seeing things from the other person's point of view and in return they do not take the time to see it from yours, how is that helping you? I see how it helps them, but not so much you.
That is the overall, problem with this book. All parties have to follow this brilliant plan in people skills for it to be "equally" affective which unfortunately, wont happen in most cases.
In conclusion, this book advocates being nice (letting the other person talk, seeing things from their point of view, never telling someone their wrong, etc.) However, to end my review with another cliche:
"nice guys finish last"
A great resource.......2007-10-18
this is a must for anyone interested in social behavior. Or have just ever wander what makes certain people tick.
Still works after 70 Years.......2007-10-17
This has been a standard for 70 years for good reason. It teaches basic interpersonal skills and good manners. It works especially well with introverts that need help with one-on-one relationships.
Its age would seem to be a negative, but it actually works as a positive. It reminds us that good people skills are not a fad; they are timeless and often neglected in today's educational system.
If you interact with people at all, this book is an essential part of your success in your interactions.
Wanna build your network - listen to Carnegie !.......2007-10-14
Winning friends and influencing people is not an easy thing. Are you gregarious? Do you want to be a networking juggernaut? You should listen to what Dale Carnegie says.
"Do you want to get the attention of others? Watch out what actors do in advertisements and movies". This is such a simple technique that we all fail to recognize in our day-to-day life. "Do more listening than talking" - hmm, another simple technique. Carnegie explains how you can win friends and influence people, with a lot of stories.
This book is a must-read for those who want to build their network.
Book Description
Discover the secrets of written persuasion!
"The principles of hypnosis, when applied to copywriting, add a new spin to selling. Joe Vitale has taken hypnotic words to set the perfect sales environment and then shows us how to use those words to motivate a prospect to take the action you want. This is truly a new and effective approach to copywriting, which I strongly recommend you learn. It's pure genius."
-Joseph Sugarman, author of Triggers
"I've read countless book on persuasion, but none come close to this one in showing you exactly how to put your readers into a buying trance that makes whatever you are offering them irresistible."
-David Garfinkel, author of Advertising Headlines That Make You Rich
"I am a huge fan of Vitale and his books, and Hypnotic Writing (first published more than twenty years ago), is my absolute favorite. Updated with additional text and fresh examples, especially from e-mail writing, Joe's specialty, Hypnotic Writing is the most important book on copywriting (yes, that's really what it is about) to be published in this century. Read it. It will make you a better copywriter, period."
-Bob Bly, copywriter and author of The Copywriter's Handbook
"I couldn't put this book down. It's eye opening and filled with genuinely new stuff about writing and persuading better. And it communicates it brilliantly and teaches it brilliantly-exemplifying the techniques by the writing of the book itself as you go along."
-David Deutsch, author of Think Inside the Box, www.thinkinginside.com
"Hypnotic Writing is packed with so much great information it's hard to know where to start. The insights, strategies, and tactics in the book are easy to apply yet deliver one heck of a punch. And in case there's any question how to apply them, the before-and-after case studies drive the points home like nothing else can. Hypnotic Writing is not just about hypnotic writing. It is hypnotic writing. On the count of three, you're going to love it. Just watch and see."
-Blair Warren, author of The Forbidden Keys to Persuasion
Customer Reviews:
User Friendly.......2007-10-23
One of the best aspects of this book is that Joe Vitale does on the page what he is teaching the reader how to do. You learn about hypnotic writing and at the same time you experience it on the page in front of you. And it isn't a secret! Joe is transparent about that fact. This book is as close as a reader can get to experiential learning on the topic without taking a workshop.
I highly recommend it for any internet marketer. Hypnotic Writing can make a difference in your potential client sticking with your web site long enough to actually become a client!
Hypnotic Writing.......2007-09-27
This is a well written book with lots of real ideas for copywriting that sells. The best part is. . . well read the book!
Absolutely Amazing.......2007-08-13
Absolutely amazing
This book refers to all the process and ideas that I've always noticed, but could never point out the system... A must have for anyone! Even if you are just selling yourself
a lot of filler but a lot of good stuff too.......2007-07-31
this is not for beginners. if you already know the basics of copywriting then you'll pick up a lot of useful tips and techniques from this book.
would i recommend it to my colleagues? yes.
A must have.......2007-07-22
I simply loved it and cannot put it down. Joe Vitale covers the ingredients that needs to be in any marketing piece and provides examples and how to improve your copy. This book is a must have.
Lets be fair for a second, if you think one book will take you through all the steps and prep you to be an excellent copywriter, then save your money because no such book exists.
Customer Reviews:
Important and useful resource!.......2007-10-17
Regardless of what industry you work in or what role you currently hold, this book will help you get what you have always wanted and at a time you want to get them. Kevin walks you through the psychology of selling, buying, negotiation and social interaction. His straight forward approach to writing allows you to understand how you can immediately use the strategies described. A truly useful read which answers many questions other books simply leave you with. Superb!
Everyone needs this book!.......2007-09-19
Kevin Hogan is a great storyteller that makes something as complicated as Persuasion techniques seem easy. His humor and dedication to the reader in presenting the information manner that is easy to understand is greatly appreciated. I highly recommend this book to any one trying to gain a competitive edge. The section in the book explaining where to sit in a resturant is worth the price of the book alone! Priceless.
Buy this Master Guidebook for Your Library!.......2007-09-13
As an avid student of persuasion and influence, I'd say this is one of the more readable and comprehensive books on how to communicate with and influence others. It is complete, concise and well written. Kevin Hogan helps you stop thinking "magic" when it comes to persuasion and shows you the who, what, when, where, why and HOW.
If you are in an applied sales profession (entrepreneur, sales, marketing, attorney, etc.), use this book and you will see results in your business. If you simply want to learn how to better persuade and influence in all areas of your life (got kids?!), this book also will show you the way. Have fun as you read and apply to improve your life and relationships.
Mollie Marti, J.D., Ph.D.
Author, Selling: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success
Great Information - Buy This Book.......2007-09-12
This book is a must read for anyone in sales - period
This is a very well written book. It is a great tool for anyone who makes a living by having to persuade and influence others. Kevin Hogan has a very simplified process with his "Paradigm of Persuasion" approach which is built on a win-win philosophy for both the seller and the customer.
I really like the detail and examples that the author has provided in this book. Dr. Hogan speaks to the "laws" of persuasion and various ethical persuasion techniques. He also describes in detail how non verbal communication and proxemics have a direct impact on the customer's buying decision criteria. This book also goes into great detail on building instant rapport with the customer and how to effectively communicate with the different personality styles.
This book is definitely one, that after you have read it, will become a reference book for years to come.
If you haven't got this book then you are missing out!.......2007-09-10
This book is where it all starts, fills in all the details others miss out and finishes all your curiosity about why and how to influence people.
The 9 laws of persuasion are real gems and can be easily and quickly be placed into any selling environment.
Reciprocity, Expectancy, Consistency the list is one in which you'll want to remember as you will rely on their information for many many years.
I can personally vouch that this book as well as other from Kevin Hogan has literally transformed my selling, my social interaction and career path.
I can not stress how much every person involved in persuading (every one) needs to own a copy of this master piece.
Gary May
Author: SELLING: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success
[...]
Average customer rating:
- Great Book - Get this one!!!
- Happy Book
- Little Green Book of Getting your Way
- If You Sell Something, Read This Book
- Fun and interesting
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Little Green Book of Getting Your Way: How to Speak, Write, Present, Persuade, Influence, and Sell Your Point of View to Others (Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Books)
Jeffrey Gitomer
Manufacturer: FT Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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| Business & Investing
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ASIN: 0131576070 |
Customer Reviews:
Great Book - Get this one!!!.......2007-09-22
Jeffrey Gitomer knows his stuff ... I am a professional presenter and found this book very useful. I would recommend it to a friend ... and often do! :)
Happy Book.......2007-09-13
Gitomer has an entertaining - yet direct style that always makes me smile. His written word is as entertaining as his live presentations. This is a great book to share with your loved ones.. and your collegues! Quick read, entertaining and thought provoking.
Little Green Book of Getting your Way.......2007-09-07
I have bought several of this title and given them as gifts. When you want to know how to get your way in many situations and the right way to do it, this is the book. Big print, quick reading.
If You Sell Something, Read This Book.......2007-08-28
Jeffrey has written a number of books and this is one you should have if you have to sell anything to anybody. Lots of ideas, fun to read, and most importantly, the stuff works if you will just do it. I always like a person who practices what he preaches. Jeffrey does that. Read it and learn.
Fun and interesting.......2007-08-28
It is a cool little book loaded with practical sales advice. Everyone who has seen it at my house, has looked at it, and asked to borrow it. The ideas, though not original, are refressing non the less, and is a wonderful reminder of the most basic ways to manipulate without other people feeling that way.
Book Description
Originally published in 1985, Neil Postman's groundbreaking polemic about the corrosive effects of television on our politics and public discourse has been hailed as a twenty-first-century book published in the twentieth century. Now, with television joined by more sophisticated electronic media—from the Internet to cell phones to DVDs—it has taken on even greater significance. Amusing Ourselves to Death is a prophetic look at what happens when politics, journalism, education, and even religion become subject to the demands of entertainment. It is also a blueprint for regaining controlof our media, so that they can serve our highest goals.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding book - must read.......2007-09-27
One of the best books on the danger posed by entertainment to our civic community.
Important read.......2007-09-04
This book asks questions that we need to be asking but aren't. How can we not at least question the media and technology that we take in like oxygen? It's an important read and I recommend it to anyone who isn't apathetic.
The Audio Was Great.......2007-09-03
If you like people like Colin Wilson, you will love this well written and well thought out book. It is like listening to Colin Wilson without the references to literature but the lessons are intact.
Another "Thin" Classic From Postman.......2007-06-22
This is Postman's most famous and widely read book (as is attested by the more than 100 customer reviews here on Amazon) and it is, as other reviewers have suggested, a classic in the Media Studies field. The songwriter Roger Waters was inspired enough to title his album "Amused to Death" after reading Postman's book (although Postman states in one of his later works that he himself would never stoop to listening to the likes of a "Roger Waters").
Instead of giving the usual plot synopsis here as other reviewers have done, I would like instead to perform for you a Media Studies reading of the book. That is to say, instead of reviewing the book's contents, I would like to draw your attention to the medium and format of the book itself, and in doing so, point out what this reveals about Postman as a philosopher.
To begin with the most important point: there are no pictures. Anywhere. And not only is this true of Amusing Ourselves to Death, it is true of every single one of Postman's books. This should alert us to something very important here about Postman: he is iconophobic. He is engaged in a battle against images of any, and every, kind. Not even Marshall McLuhan was so antipathetic to the use of images and illustrations, for his very first book, The Mechanical Bride, is a series of commentaries upon advertisements. In the age old battle of the Word vs. the Image -- a battle which goes way, way back before the twentieth century to the Iconoclastic debates amongst the Greek Byzantines whose iconophobes were in fact influenced by the aniconism of Islam, an entire religion which, like Judaism, had been based upon a rejection of images -- Postman, in this tradition, definitely aligns himself on the side of the Word against the iconophiles, be they Catholics or Hindus or lovers of comic books, or whomever.
Also, you will not find any references to works of art of any kind in this book. Postman apparently has an antipathy to painting and imagery of any kind whatsoever, be it "classical" or electronic. It is important to point this out because it reveals, in the tradition of Harold Innis, Postman's essential "bias" in this book. Indeed, Postman's dialogue with Camille Paglia, published in an old issue of Harper's, underlines this point, for Paglia is as much an iconophile as Postman is an iconoclast. "In the beginning was the Word," Postman quotes, as though to clarify his own personal theology, before proceeding onward with his dialogue with Paglia.
The next thing to notice about the book is its brevity. It is very short, as in fact, are all Mr. Postman's books, for Postman has been quoted as saying that he does not believe in writing long books, and that if one cannot express oneself in two hundred pages or less, then one has no business writing a book. The bibliography, accordingly, is also short, and so apparently Mr. Postman did not feel the need to read many books in order to write this book.
For Postman really only has a single point to make here, and it is an important point which he argues persuasively and eloquently: television is taking over our culture, and all our thought patterns in every aspect or division of our culture is taking its cue from the syncopated, discontinuous and ahistorical "mentality" of television. How this has affected our reading habits, and whether those reading habits still continue, albeit in a changed manner, Postman fails to address. For people have not stopped reading books; instead, they continue to read books, but their expectations of the book have changed. The brevity of Postman's book is itself perhaps an example of what happens to sustained intellectual discourse in the Electronic Age: books get shorter because our attention spans (Postman's included) have shrank. Nobody wants to wade through books on the scale and magnitude of Spengler's Decline of the West or Hegel's Phenomenology of the Spirit. I notice, furthermore, that the sorts of books which Postman exhibits in his Bibliography are, one and all, short books.
Thus, here is the secret of Postman's book: Postman himself suffers from the very same attention deficit disorder that he castigates others for having suffered at the hands of Electronic Society.
Hmm. One would expect a professor of Media Studies who was as well read and thoughtful as Postman to engage our attention for a while longer. If this book is the greatest thing Postman ever wrote, then we must confess, alas, that Postman's work does not contain a single magnum opus on the level of a Gutenberg Galaxy or an Understanding Media. Perhaps this fact in itself is evidence of a general decline in intellectual and literary ability in our culture during the latter half of the twentieth century.
The reader should not understand that I am saying that there is anything wrong with Amusing Ourselves to Death. But we should learn to understand its limitations in order to appreciate its place in the pantheon of Media Studies classics, upon which list, after all is said and done, Amusing Ourselves to Death places relatively low.
--John David Ebert, author Celluloid Heroes & Mechanical Dragons: Film as the Mythology of Electronic Society
Deserves to be Called a Classic.......2007-06-19
It seems unlikely that a book labeled "Current Affairs" could have a shelf life of more than a few years. It seems preposterous that a book dealing with television and referring to Dallas and Dynasty could have anything to see twenty two years after being published. Yet Neil Postman's Amusing Ourselves to Death, now in it's "20th Anniversary Edition" continues to be read and studied and to hold influence. Even today it is used as required reading in many high school and college level courses. Though written by a man who made no claim to Christianity, few modern books written by an unbeliever have been more widely read and quoted by Christians. It truly is a remarkable little book.
Postman had that rarely quality of being able to see behind a fad, behind what was late and great. He saw the significance of the rise of the image and the fall of the word, the rise of amusement and the decline of discourse. He saw that television would soon saturate every area of our lives and taint the way we understand politics, religion, education and every other area of importance. As we now transition from a television-based culture to a computer-based culture the image remains central. Perhaps we have already amused ourselves past the point of no easy return. Television is remarkably effective at doing what it does best--entertaining. Postman had no argument with television is a tool of entertainment. In fact, the best things on television are its junk and no one is seriously threatened by this. Where television fails is in attempting to do the more serious work that has traditionally been carried by the written word.
Postman makes it his goal in this book to make the epistemology of television visible, demonstrating that television's way of knowing is hostile to typography's way of knowing, and not only that, but it is inferior to it. "Serious television" is a contradiction in terms for television speaks only in the voice of entertainment, never of serious, weighty, discourse--the kind of discourse that is essential to politics, religion and education. Television's influence has been relentless, transforming our culture so that every area is now considered a venue for entertainment.
Electronic media, led by television but being superseded by the computer, has changed the way we view the world and the way we carry on any kind of public discourse. Gone are the days when content was of overwhelming importance. Instead we deal with sound bites, with discordant images torn from any kind of context, and with style when in former days we relied on substance. Politicians win and lose election campaigns not on the basis of what they say, but on the basis of how they look when they say it.
Throughout the book is an interesting interplay between Huxley's Brave New World and Orwell's 1984. In the latter an oppressive regime dominates the world while in the former the people allow themselves to be overcome by levity, by entertainment and by pleasure so that they have no need of an oppressive regime. They were controlled by their amusements. Huxley, Postman argues, had it right. And I would tend to agree.
Amusing Ourselves to Death is a good read, a disturbing read, a thought-provoking read and, dare I say it, a must-read. It deserves its status as a classic and, though already two decades out of date, it is as timely as ever.
Book Description
Entrepreneurs, managers, parents, teachers, and-at some point-everyone have to explain goals and intentions to another person in order to enlist help in achieving them. Too often, those brilliant explanations fall on seemingly deaf ears. They just don't get it! Instead of blaming them, this book counsels readers to look within, and shows that "their" problem is often "our" problem. Using the popular parable format, and illustrated with clever line drawings, They Just Don't Get It! gives knowledgeable, down-to-earth behavioral suggestions for opening communication, achieving goals, and building teams. Offering insight into the reasons ideas aren't implemented in an expected manner, the book provides the reader with personal insight into how to become a better communicator of ideas and an inspired motivator of people, both personally and professionally. Includes black-and-white illustrations throughout.
Customer Reviews:
Big messages in an easy to read book.......2006-10-10
This is a fun and easy to read book about breaking down resistance in corporate settings. Even better, its lessons can be applied just as well in relationships, parenting, etc. For all of the times I've been frustrated that someone wasn't seeing things my way, I wish that I had known the five simple keys presented in this book to help me change resistance into understanding. This easy to read parable will leave you with easy to remember and easy to perform steps to reduce the resistance in your life.
Life is too short not to learn with fun.......2006-09-20
Very clever, different and fun! The book is quick and entertaining to read.
Although I was initially a little skeptical about reading a business parable in a graphic novel format, my questions were erased in the first page. The content - the keys for changing resistance into understanding - is sound. The delivery kept me reading and enjoying the lessons.
Maybe more learning should be this palatable.
Easy Read, Really Useful Book on Communications.......2006-06-07
I like They Just Don't Get It a lot! Four reasons: it's short and took 45 minutes to read; it presents practical things you can try out to see how they work; it doesn't take itself so seriously that it can't allow amusing pictures to illustrate its points; and, maybe this is the best reason of all, it caused me to rethink and wonder about good communications between people long after I shelved the book.
No doubt, a short, illustrated book with easy-to-test principles isn't everybody's cup of tea. But, I've been testing the principles daily and I think the authors are onto something valuable and very practical. We're quick to blame the other party when our discussions turn sour, so when we turn a critical eye to our own role, (a lesson from the book,) I've learned a bunch about how to improve discussions. This book helped me get a handle on my own role. Great stuff.
They Just Don't Get It fosters improved communication and understanding........2006-04-05
While on a plane reading They Just Don't Get It, the passenger next to me became quite interested in the title. She quickly launched into telling me that when she asks her husband to help her bring in the groceries, he ignores her or complains. She was frustrated because she does most of the housework and wants him to help her with just one home task -- but he doesn't get it. How often do we come across friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members that seem to be on another planet? But they aren't...
While initially I felt this fable was quite simplistic, I realized later it had stuck with me in a strong and positive way. It came immediately to mind as I had a conversation with a prickly staff member who often sees things completely differently than the way I do. The wisdom of Leslie's book came to me as this staff member became annoyed with me. I felt myself tighten and getting annoyed in response. But I remembered the message of this book, and focused on staying relaxed and just listening. From then on the conversation shifted, flowing easily without me remaining tense or annoyed. I was more interested in what my employee said, able to compliment her on her positive areas and converse openly about the areas where we differed.
Teams and departments could use this book to foster improved communication, planning, and understanding. I've given it to a non-profit Director to read and share with her team. I applaud Leslie's efforts to make the workplace better. The skills she teaches and reminds us about also benefit our everyday relationships as well; what a gift.
A year-round present.......2006-02-14
This is a deceptive little book. Beyond the light text and funny illustrations, it has a serious message that is difficult to convey and harder to practice-the importance of listening to and learning from others.
Managers and human resources personnel deserve to have a copy of their own. They Just Don't Get It will make a nice gift year round.
Customer Reviews:
The title of this book is decieving.......2007-09-10
This book is a human resource management book covering different areas in HR management with many boring and tedious examples. The book focuses on interview setting questions, employement and hiring. I was looking for a book on language, word structure and influencing techniques but this book is the complete opposite. In addition, this book does not have a "search inside" option nor a description.
Brilliant.......2007-08-27
I would recommend this book to anyone who has studied nlp or interested in the art of influence and wishes to further expand their knowledge. This books describeds meta programs in a very simple and straight forward way and how they are structured to fit the workplace, relationships (personal or professional) or any other context where you need to get yourself across efficiently and effectively.
Believe me when i say this is not a business book..it has a very readable writing style and helpful summary / appendicies section. I would recommend this book to anyone who really want's to use words that will change minds!
Informative with simplicity and clarity.......2007-08-11
This book is easy to read and very informative. If you have done NLP training you would have come across the Meta Programs, then this book takes your learnings to another level and gives indepth information on behaviours of people. A must read if you want to increase your ability to read people and their behaviours.
Great way to develop communication skills for change and better being!.......2007-07-29
This book is a great source of knowledge for people inner worlds from a perspective of who we get motivated, how we make desicions and move to action.
For those who know NLP it is a great guide for metaprograms and a lot of practical samples for the real life.
It is mainly focused on how to get results improving our communication skills, discovering how we can design our conversations to achieve the desired results.
Not what I expected.......2007-07-22
I am a hypnotherapist and I was looking for something to compliment that line of thinking. This book was not it. It is targeted at the business world. Perhaps persons in management could use it, but for everyday conversation, it doesn't help.
Book Description
For the better part of 30 years, liberal bias has dominated mainstream media. But author and political journalist Brian Anderson reveals in his new book that the era of liberal dominance is going the way of the dodo bird.
Customer Reviews:
Mostly filler........2007-09-26
Although I bought this book looking to see insight on what the next generation of American conservatives may be, the book overall looses focus and tends to point out the obvious (eg., conservatives look to Fox News and talk radio). I beleive there are maybe two chapters worthy of print in this entire book. However, in midst of the filler here there is a strong point to be made about the changes of how the younger generations today view politics.
Not Perfect - But Insightful and Amusing.......2007-06-09
South Park Conservatives is a gem of a book; short, to the point, and leaving its reader (so long as you're right of center) with a renewed sense of hope. Starting with the same premise as so many other authors (Bernard Goldberg comes to mind), Anderson lambasts the hopelessly biased media. Rathergate is only one count of many in his indictment.
He is also, fitting for a fellow who is the editor of City Journal, willing to look at the disturbing degree to which modern liberalism is inherently illiberal. These are the people who whole-heartedly buy into Marcuse's doctrine of "liberating tolerance" and Rawls's argument that political debate must only take into account "reasonable" doctrines; both thinkers' constructs obviously have no place for conservatism or conservative principles. Thus liberal attempts to depict Republicans and conservatives as racist, misogynistic and homophobic bigots is part of their own internal effort to throw conservatism out of the bounds of "reasonableness." This is also, of course, a liberalism with a penchant for ironic Orwellianism and double speak, and the unspoken rule that free speech ends if you don't agree with them. See the treatment at Columbia of the Minutemen (or closer to home, the treatment at Duke of David Horowitz). Further this is the group that refuses to see bias in anyone that agrees with them; thus they can justify calling Dan Rather objective while working themselves into a lather over anyone who airs a conservative perspective. By extension, this is why Democrats are making noises about reinstating the "Fairness Doctrine" (itself an Orwellian misnomer) - because only those that disagree with them are biased and in need of balancing.
But whereas this is as far as many go, Anderson rightly points out that things are changing. Quickly. Sure liberals still hold on to the Big 3 (whose viewership is plummeting) and many major newspapers, to say nothing of large swathes of the academe. But technological revolutions have given rise to a new media - talk radio, cable news, the internet - where Republicans are either a major force or effectively dominate. Rush and O'Reilly are the face of this new media. And they're not just disseminating the conservative message like never before, they (and especially the blogs) are holding the mainstream media accountable, calling BS when (often) appropriate, and forcing them to cover stories that would otherwise be ignored as incompatible with the liberal meta-narrative.
He also suggests that times are changing on campuses around the country as conservative principles, journals, College Republicans chapters, etc. are flourishing. He's quick to point out that the faculty, overwhelmingly liberal, still hold the high ground, but that conservatism is no longer invisible on campuses. Some of his interviewees suggest that this is the result of liberal indoctrination, a sort of classroom blowback; universities also act as a sort of ideological forge where faced with liberal nonsense in all its absurd glory, students embrace and refine their conservative principles.
But what Anderson doesn't point out is that these very instruments of conservative campus revival also suggest that liberals are doomed to another generation of failure. The modern Republican revolution - 1994 to the present (?) - has been grounded in ideas, in alternatives to tired Democratic policies (no matter how you frame it, tax and spend is still tax and spend, and cut and run is still cut and run!); the next generation of conservative activists are already getting introduced to that culture of innovation. Their liberal counterparts , in contrast, are too often picketing against some new "injustice" or soaking up the latest drivel of race/gender/class studies - nice if you're seeking a career in navel-gazing, but absolutely insufficient if you're going to shape the future of the nation.
Finally, the title itself points to an entertainment industry that is in places reacting viciously to the PC nonsense and condescension that characterize the Left as a whole and especially its Hollywood incarnation. Leading the charge here is Comedy Central's South Park - not so much conservative as anti-liberal, gleefully destroying liberal idols and mocking liberals such as Al Gore, Rob Reiner, and Michael Moore. Priceless stuff really.
South Park Conservatives isn't an equally intellectual counterpoint to Bloom's Closing of the American Mind; it isn't meant to be. Rather, it chronicles some critical evolutions in the media and suggests that incessant griping about liberalism's chokehold on the MSM is overwrought, that it is in many ways a colossus with clay feet. It's got a message, but it's light enough to be a beach read. Go forth and enjoy.
Surprisingly good--3 1/2 stars...........2007-03-13
This book was given to me and almost got sent to the thrift store. I've never watched much South Park and I'm kinda tired of political books. However, just before getting rid of the book, I took a look at the chapter on South Park and got hooked. I had no idea the South Park episodes were full of so much political satire. It always seemed to be a show that made fun of everything, but as this book pointed out--their biggest target is the left-wing. This book is about more than just South Park--other highlights are the chapter on the right-wing blogosphere and conservative comedy.
Oh my G*d....They killed PC.!.......2007-01-18
Before I begin, let me assure you, as the author does, that this book is not (entirely) about South Park, nor does it take its fuel from the characters and situations therein. Brian C. Anderson has explained here how the new generation of other-than-left-wing college student and young professional express themselves and find solace in today's culture.
That said, I must sing the praises of the South Park chapter. For years I have tried to give my conservative peers, including church members, a sibling,Bush-43 campaigners, etc., an accurate, funny explanation of South Park. "Well, there's these four guys...well, they're fourth graders, and their teacher, Mrs. Garrison...well, he used to be Mr. Garrison, but he had a sex change, you see...anyway, the kids are always railing at anything that's PC. And there's two handicapped kids in the classroom, Jimmy and Timmy, and Timmy can only say his name. And he wins the rock contest with his band, just saying, 'Timmy! Timmy!' And Jesus has his own show, and he sent his producer to hell for turning it into a Jerry Springer type show." By now my audience is either looking at me very sympathetically, or they're at probate court filing a petition to have me hospitalized at the nearest psychiatric ward.
Anderson, to the contrary, writes a brilliant essay on Trey Parker and Matt Stone's anti-PC creation, which has been adopted by Republicans and conservative libertarians alike and tells us what appeals to us about the show (a bingeing Rob Reiner coming around trying to shut down the cigarette factory down, for example).
Surrounding this essay, though, are other writings about what impacts conservatives, and what we impacts. Rush Limbaugh's rise is chronicled, as are Newt Gingrich's and C-Span. And what would a book on conservative culture be without the story of FOX News? As Anderson was completing his book, Matt Drudge and the blogging phenomenon was just coming into vogue, and he covers it well.
He also brings up the expected liberal arguments that these media outlets--Rush's show, FOX news, for example, are propoganda. Well, Rush has always maintained that his IS a thoroughly right-wing shop....and anybody can open up a thoroughly left-wing shop across the street anytime they want (like "AirAmerica"). But what about FOX's "fair and balanced" tag line? Anderson brings up examples from that seem to prove they have a right to say that.
Mr. Anderson is a joy to read. Entertaining, intellectually challenging...I will definitely be looking for further titles from him.
The Revolt: A Long Time in Coming.......2006-11-26
Until Bernard Goldberg published BIAS, it was pretty well taken for granted that the hegemony that the liberal left had over the major media was so all-powerful and pervasive that one simply accepted it as an immutable law of nature. What Goldberg did to eviscerate CBS, Brian Anderson in SOUTH PARK CONSERVATIVES swells Goldberg's thesis to include the entire major media, from television to newspapers to book print. Now, readers of Anderson's admitted polemic against the left can trace the growth of the stranglehold that the left used to wield, but now thanks to alternative media can hope for a far more balanced view.
It becomes clear that from the opening chapter "The Old Media regime" that Anderson correctly portrays the liberal left as the elitist if not clueless entity that it is. He notes that those who are the liberal power brokers of mass media truly do not see themselves as the idealogues that the rest of the nation does. Rather, their self-image is one of a careful concern for the ethics and moral growth of our nation, and this self-image they see as middle of the road and representative of Middle America. In fact, Anderson describes the left's anguish when others dare to question their moral rectitude and probity. "Wait a second," say some pressmen, when confronted with such facts. "Maybe we journalists are usually liberal, but that doesn't mean we allow our political views ever to influence our reporting. We're pros." One can almost hear the pain as they grasp what others say as ingratitude. And as Anderson writes, it is this different moral universe in which the liberal left inhabits that renders them as historically ineffective and increasingly irrelevant.
Anderson, as many others have noted, describes the battle between a morally queasy left and a morally centered right as one in which the former used to hold most of the high cards, but now thanks mostly to Fox news, talk radio, and the blogosphere, the right is beginning to rake in the aces. The left still holds sway but as of today, that hegemony is slowly crumbling. The right may never totally swap places with the left in terms of total control of the media, nor would that be a good thing either, but now for the first time, left-leaning mouthpieces like the New York Times can no longer twist and spin the news in a manner of its choosing. Brian Anderson in SOUTH PARK CONSERVATIVES has become one of a flood tide of left-watchers who insure that when all the news that is fit to print is printed it will be printed in a manner that is fair and balanced. And when that is not so there will be a public squak to indicate that the revolt is not yet over.
Book Description
A survival manual for the corporate jungle Office politics are a fact of corporate life. From new hire to experienced executive, everyone needs to learn how to effec-tively play the game to win. From sizing up the political climate in the office, to building positive relationships to increasing political power, Secrets to Winning at Office Politics is the handbook for achieving on-the-job success. Marie McIntyre, organizational psychologist and corporate coach, reveals proven strategies to: -Turn adversaries into allies -Counter colleagues' powerplays -Develop an influence strategy -Cope with quirky bosses and annoying coworkers -Achieve personal and professional goals.
Customer Reviews:
how to achieve your goals and increase your influence at work.......2007-05-13
The book is very descriptive of what to do to get ahead in any organization. I really enjoying it
Yep, it's true........2007-02-20
Reading this book is like reading the manual for just about any corporation with more than 20 people. It doesn't matter where you go, you will run into a lot of what you will find in this book. It certainly doesn't hurt to be prepared.
A "must read" for every professional!.......2007-02-07
I read this book before staring my new job. I feel more prepared than ever for what I need to do to be successful. This book was so thorough and content-rich, I put tabs in it and carry it with me to work . . . just in case I need to reference something or need a "refresher course". I recommend this book for seasoned professionals as well as those just entering the workforce!
Give this book to graduates and employees!.......2005-08-01
The title of Chapter One in Secrets to Winning at Office Politics says it all, "Politics is not a dirty word." Office politics has always had a negative connotation but in reality it has just taken a bad rap. Secrets reminds us that office politics is simply the reality of relationships and Dr. Marie McIntyre shows us all how to play the game - honestly, ethically and successfully.
McIntyre uses real life examples from her experience working for a Fortune 500 company and her consulting business to give the reader an excellent view of the real world at the office. Her straightforward yet entertaining style is refreshing and her practical advice and self-assessment questions and surveys make the book a gem.
Secrets lays out in very practical and anecdotal style how one can succeed simply by understanding the unwritten rules of working with and for someone. What is unique about the book is the openness with which the subject is discussed - the real life examples are those we can all relate to as an employee, a boss, a parent, a teacher or a friend. It provokes a kind of self-evaluation that some people never seriously consider.
Give this book to every high school or college graduate you know! If you are the boss, read it, and then encourage your employees to do the same. It's a keeper.
Book Description
Unthinking Eurocentrism explores issues of Eurocentrism and multiculturalism in relation to popular culture, film and the mass media. The book "multiculturalizes" media studies by looking at Hollywood movie genres such as the western, the musical and the imperial film from multicultural perspectives, examining issues from the racial politics of casting to colonialist discourse and gender and Empire.
More than just a critique of Eurocentricism and racism,
Unthinking Eurocentrism also confirms artistic, cultural and political alternatives, discussing a wide range of non-Eurocentric media including Third World films, rap video and indigenous media. Synthesizing literary theory, media theory and cultural studies to form a challenging interdisciplinary study, the authors agree that current debates about Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism are merely surface manifestations of a deep-rooted shift: the decolinization of global culture.
Customer Reviews:
A Provocative, Seminal Work.......2000-06-03
I started reading Unthinking Eurocentrism one night and couldn't sleep until I had finished it. Shohat and Stam's briliantly written, often witty, book is an intellectual page turner. I plan to read it again.
A Provocative, Seminal Work.......2000-06-03
I started reading Unthinking Eurocentrism one night and couldn't sleep until I had finished it. Shohat and Stam's briliantly written, often witty, book is an intellectual page turner. I plan to read it again.
A Majestic, empowering work.......1998-04-01
As a social science student, I found this book invaluable in its incisive exposure of Eurocentrism. The authors treat the subject in a mature manner, and offer an alternative, that of decentering the discussion and making it multi-centric rather than Euro-centric. This book is sensitively written and does not offend Europeans, but seeks to reveal the hidden ways in which Eurocentrism manifests itself. I experienced the reading of this book as liberating and as a validation of my own thinking. I read a university library copy, but I intend to purchase a copy for my children to read - and to refer back to time and time again. It is a timeless work.
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