Comment by Deanallen
9 hours ago
> Television, he notes, has introduced the phrase "now this", which implies a complete absence of connection between the separate topics the phrase ostensibly connects.
This idea is why I always take media with a grain of salt. The decontexualization makes it easy for people to be reactive towards something, that isn’t logical
Eg “now this is why <insert person or group> is good/evil”
People call me the devils advocate when I point out these nuances but I just think we need to be much more critical when forming and holding opinions.
Your example isn’t what your quote is referring to.
“Now this” is just a segue between unrelated topics.
Eg “and now a word from our sponsors”.
Isn't "now this" just a synonym for "moving on" or "next order of business" or "apropos of nothing"? I don't think the concept of jumping to a completely new topic is something TV introduced.
What are you quoting?
Sounds like something from Neil Postman’s excellent book Amusing Ourselves to Death.