Overview
«La cultura, en el sentido que tradicionalmente se ha dado a este vocablo, está en nuestros días a punto de desaparecer.»,-Mario Vargas Llosa
La banalización de las artes y la literatura, el triunfo del periodismo amarillista y la frivolidad de la política son síntomas de un mal mayor que aqueja a la sociedad contemporánea: la idea temeraria de convertir en bien supremo nuestra natural propensión a divertirnos.
En el pasado, la cultura fue una especie de conciencia que impedía dar la espalda a la realidad. Ahora, actúa como mecanismo de distracción y entretenimiento. La figura del intelectual, que estructuró todo el siglo XX, hoy ha desaparecido del debate público. Aunque algunos firmen manifiestos o participen en polémicas, lo cierto es que su repercusión en la sociedad es mínima. Conscientes de esta situación, muchos han optado por el discreto silencio. Como buen espíritu incómodo, Vargas Llosa nos entrega una durísima radiografía de nuestro tiempo y nuestra cultura.
«Este pequeño ensayo no aspira a abultar el elevado número de interpretaciones sobre la cultura contemporánea, solo a dejar constancia de la metamorfosis que ha experimentado lo que se entendía aún por cultura cuando mi generación entró a la escuela o a la universidad y la abigarrada materia que la ha sustituido, una impostura que parece haberse realizado con facilidad, en la aquiescencia general.»,-Mario Vargas Llosa
ENGLISH DESCRIPTION
In the past, culture was a type of consciousness that kept people from turning their backs on reality. Now, it acts as a mechanism of distraction and entertainment.
“Culture, in the sense that this word has traditionally held, is currently about to disappear.” –Mario Vargas Llosa
The trivialization of the arts and literature, the triumph of sensationalist journalism, and political frivolousness are symptoms of a deeper illness afflicting contemporary society: the reckless idea of turning our natural propensity for having fun into the highest goal. The figure of intellectuals, which the entire 20th century gave shape to, has today disappeared from public debate. Although some sign manifestos or participate in controversies, it is undeniable that their impact on society is minimal. Conscious of this situation, many have opted for discreet silence.
Like a good restless spirit, Vargas Llosa delivers a harsh x-ray of our time and our culture. “This short essay does not aspire to add to the list of interpretations of modern culture, but to leave proof of the metamorphosis that has afflicted what we considered “culture” when my generation started school or university, and the disjointed substance that has replaced it: a fraud that seems to have been committed easily, in general acquiescence.” –Mario Vargas Llosa
This book title, La civilización del espectáculo / The Spectacle Civilization, ISBN: 9788490625590, by Mario Vargas Llosa, published by PRH Grupo Editorial (September 25, 2018) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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