Defining Visions: Television and the American Experience in the 20th Century

Defining Visions is a powerful narrative social history that examines television’s rise as the great ‘certifying agent’ in American life. This newly updated and fully revised edition extends its coverage to the end of the 20th century. It defines the ‘Television Age’ as a discrete period in American history bracketed by monumental events - the triumph of the Allied victory of WWII and the devastation of 9/11. This is a powerful narrative social history that examines television’s rise as the great ‘certifying agent’ in American life.This title extends its coverage to the end of the twentieth century, and defines the ‘Television Age’ as a discrete period in American history that is bracketed by the end of WWII and 9/11. It includes discussions of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and Clinton impeachment; the massacre at Columbine High School; the 2000 presidential election; and, the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It considers the cultural impact of recent prime-time programs such as Seinfeld , CSI , and Will & Grace . It presents a sweeping account of the connections between TV and American culture.