“This is Emo”

Reading Summary:

In this chapter, Klosterman explains his believe that mass media has ruined the concept of love for everyone. He holds the view that nobody will be able to feel the type of love expressed in TV and be fully satisfied by this type of love. He describes the love portrayed by mass media as “fake love.” He says that this “fake love” that can be found all over TV and movies is very unrealistic. He then argues that this causes people to chase this “fake love” over a type of love that could actually occur in reality. Overall, he faults the media for putting this perception in people’s minds.

Outside Example:

Right after reading the chapter I immediately thought of reality TV shows like the bachelor. These dating shows have people meet several different individuals throughout the course of the show. In the end, the “bachelor” picks the one they like the most. 

Reading Connection:

I feel like a show like the bachelor illustrates exactly what Klosterman criticizes mass media for. For starters, a show like the bachelor provides this “fake love” that is unrealistic in reality. Second, the bachelor gives off the “everything will work out in the end” notion that Klosterman discusses. This idea is portrayed by the fact that the bachelor always finds someone in the end. However, Klosterman criticizes this idea as it portrays the unrealistic idea that it will all work out.