english podcast - feed

The podcast discusses the novel "Feed" by N.T. Anderson, focusing on the author's characterization of Titus, the use of interjecting ads, and the narrative voice. The society depicted in the novel is hyper-commercialized, with constant advertisements blurring the lines between reality and consumer fantasy. The characters' desires and aspirations are shaped by these ads. The normalization of invasive advertising warns against the passive acceptance of consumer culture. Trends in the novel mirror trends in our own society, highlighting the influence and manipulation of media and advertising. This leads to a loss of individuality and prioritization of image and status over genuine well-being. The narrative voice serves as a commentary on the corrosive influence of consumer culture. Hey, hey, hey, welcome back unpackers. Today we have a new installment of what I'm sure is your favorite podcast Unpacking HSC Standard English. Now last week we focused on Billy Elliot, which you should definitely check out if you haven't yet But today, drumroll, please We are focusing on none other than the futuristic and dystopian set novel Fie. Before we get into it, I'd like to include a quote from Fie's renowned author N.T. Anderson as it perfectly frames today's discussion. If you want to be wanted, then you need to want what other people want. And other people, what they want is this. Buy it, buy it now. For today's episode, we're going to be diving into Anderson's world, exploring all things Fie. Now specifically, I want us all to focus on Anderson's skillful characterization of Titus, his unique structure of interjecting ads, and his use of narrative voice to show changing values. Anderson creates a hyper-commercialized society, and as HSC students studying this text, it is critical that you consider how Anderson's portrayal of this dystopian future serves as a cautionary tale for our own society. Anderson depicts a world where the seed implant in people's brains not only serves as a source of entertainment and information, but also as a means of incessant advertisement. This constant stream of commercial content blurs the lines between reality and consumer fantasy, shaping the desires and aspirations of the characters. This is evident when an advertisement interrupts Titus's conversations. But then this ad came on for jeans, and it showed them being pulled and stretched and stuff, and they look so good, you know? This quote from Titus underscores the pervasive nature of advertisements in their society, and their ability to infiltrate even the most mundane moments of daily life. Titus's observation further highlights the intrusive and distracting nature of these ads as they disrupt his conversation and thoughts with their pervasive imagery. I'd also like to point out that Titus's casual tone suggests that he has become accustomed to this constant bombardment, viewing them as a normal part of his environment rather than what they are, an intrusion. Anderson uses interjecting ads and feed to highlight his fears for society by showcasing the normalization of this invasive advertising. Ultimately, this warns his audience about the passive acceptance of consumer culture and the inability to critically evaluate the messages being said. The characters and feed are deeply ingrained in a culture where the worth is determined by their ability to keep up with the latest trends. Anderson created a society mirroring our own in this sense. I mean, I'm sure trends are something you're all familiar with, as we see them being created, changed, and adapted every single day on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. I mean, don't you remember when it was a trend to hate on actress Rachel Zegler, but then all of a sudden she stars in a successful movie and everyone completely shifts their views overnight? This type of scenario is perfectly replicated in feed society. It is especially apparent when Titus estates the stars of Oh Wow Thing had started to get lesions, so now people are thinking better about lesions and lesions even looked kind of cool. This quote underscores the influence and manipulation within consumers culture as Titus initially described lesions as undesirable, but due to their new association with popular figures, they are now considered normalized and even fashionable, further highlighting how lesions symbolize the decline of societal values. This illustrates how the media and advertising can shape perceptions and values, blurring the line between what is considered desirable and what is actually harmful. These trends create a loss of individuality in society, as we see individuals just following the next popular trend instead of forming their own opinion. It suggests a superficiality and shallowness ingrained in the culture, where individuals prioritize image and status over genuine well-being. Anderson uses Titus's narrative voice to create a chilling commentary on the corrosive influence of consumer culture, where even the most detrimental aspects of human health can be manipulated and exploited for profit and social validation. I'm sorry to say, but this brings us to the end of today's episode. I hope this installment on unpacking HSC standard English can help all you HSC students studying feed create your own personal responses to the sex. See you next time, unpackers!