Kelvin’s Comments (group member since Mar 15, 2011)

Kelvin’s comments from the Eleven Reader's Club group.

“Those cultures into which we are born provide us with the ability to see the world of politics.”(Page 96) Although we all have different backgrounds and political views, there is no denying that Canadian politics is the one that has the most influence on our everyday lives. Paul Nesbitt-Larking's Politics, Society, and the Media examines the Canadian political circles and provides an excellent analysis on it's aspects. The book is not only a good source of knowledge for Canadians who want to learn more about their country but also an excellent material for those who have interest in political and media studies. Politics, Society, and the Media is a good read for both the new Canadians who had just arrived and Canadians who lived here for decades because it looks at the elements of Canadian society with political insights that most Canadians lack.

Politics, Society, and the Media is more than just a political analysis. It goes in depth about the media industry in Canada and it's part in the formation of Canadian culture. And in order to understand the relationship and connection between the two, it is necessary to know about some histories and background information about the topic. This book provides a good summary of the historical backgrounds about Canadian politics and media, dating all the way back to the time when the Europeans first settled in Canada. It is necessary for Canadians to learn about their history and this book provides a good review of it for the readers and a useful lesson for new Canadians and immigrants.

The media in Canada does not only provide us information and entertainment, it also shapes the Canadian society and culture. “If you have money in politics, you can buy an election through the purchase of media contents.”(Page 14), the media's role in the Canadian society is far beyond just a medium of communication. That is why we must choose our source of tidings carefully as it could easily manipulate our thoughts and opinions. This book educate it's readers on how to analyze and critically observe the context of the information that we are given. The “decoding” of the texts as the author calls it, is a useful way of selecting reliable sources and maintaining a habit of critical thinking when it comes to the information that we obtain in Canada, where the contents of the media is so diverse and often polluted by media capitalists.

“Cultures are made and remade by people in their every day lives as they make sense of their worlds.”(Page 76). Although the Canadian culture is seen and practiced in our daily lives, it is difficult to identify it. Politics, Society, and the Media goes deep into the Canadian society to explore it's culture. This book provides a good knowledge of what Canadian culture is about and how it is related to the aspects of our society such as the media and politics.

I strongly recommend this book to readers who want to learn more about Canada. It looks at our society at a neutral perspective and provides a good analysis on it's aspects. The best way to extend your knowledge and insight about a country is by learning about it's culture, politics, history, society and media. Politics, Society, and the Media not only provides a summary on the topics above, but the abundance and depth of it's contents allow readers to learn more from it than any other books. Paul Nesbitt-Larking used humor with concise terminologies and concepts in his writing to provide an enjoyable experience for the readers. Canadians should read this book to expand their acquaintance on politics and most importantly their perception and understanding of the term “Canadian”.

Canadian author Paul Nesbitt-Larking's book “Politics, Society, and the Media” analyzes the political economy of Canada. It also examines the media and Canadian journalism and explains the relationship and impact they have on both our society and the Canadian political circles. This book is known as a great introduction to media and political study. “Politics, Society, and the Media” focuses on Canadian politics and it's interaction with the media, or more suitably, the media's influence on politics.
I always wanted to read and learn more about politics so I decided to read such book for this assignment. Politics reflects a nation's culture and this book can definitely help me learn and have a deeper understanding of Canadian culture. It is also important for Canadian citizens (especially the men) to show solicitude for politics so one day (election day) they can make contribution to the country. Studying politics can also make me think critically and help me become an analytical thinker.
Paul Nesbitt-Larking is an Associate professor and the chair of political science at Huron University. His knowledge and political sense should be prominent as he is a regular commentator on television and radio. His book piqued my interest and it seems promising that I will learn something new by reading it.