HW 13- Feed B

Originally, I never thought of Feed as a work of art. After talking about it in class, and writing a few blog posts about it, I can see why some may think that this book is a piece of art. M.T. Anderson uses an allegory to show how teenagers in our society are affected by the media. I think this allegory (even though a little extreme) is there for the reader to compare/contrast their life to the lives of the characters in the book. the allegory also causes the reader to look further than what is presented to them. Symbolism and what the author is really trying to say all goes in how the book is to interpreted. Art is usually presented without a definite answer on what it represents, or what it means. I think that Feed is like that in a certain way as well. Even though we know that Feed is about digital technology and media, every person has different perspectives on it. Certain things may stand out to someone, but not to another...just like art.


Throughout the book, M.T. Anderson presents this problem, however by the end of the book there is no official solution. I think there is no real resolution to this problem because maybe he feels there isn't a real solution to this problem. Society is stuck in this state that should be fixed, but doesnt really know how to start fixing it. Pointing out that there is a problem, and not giving a solution, also leaves the reader with a choice. Should they try to make things better, or follow the rest of society and how they live their lives.

I feel that M.T. Anderson this a book, and not a website because it would further support his point of view. If he made his thoughts into a website that would make him kind of go against what he was trying to prove. Him showing that he thinks digital technology/ media is bad for us, by putting it on a website (media, he would be contradicting himself. I also think that he made it into a book to reach the people that agreed with him. People who also believe that digital media is harming us, wouldnt go onto a computer and view his thoughts. I think it would go against their beliefs in a way.

With the quote "Art is not a mirror with which to reflect the world. It is a Hammer with which to shape it", I think that Feed is both a mirror and a hammer. Feed is showing how an average American teenager would act on the day-to-day basis, and how pointless their lives seem. It mirrors how all we care about is material things, and how superficial things can seem so life altering at that time. However, I feel like these mirrored views can in turn be a hammer, and shape the reader. It can bring to the readers attention what is wrong, and may cause them to change their ways. I would want my art to relflect the same things.