mechanical reproduction
Walter Andrew's essay on the effects of mass reproduction - in 1964 - strangely foreshadows what is happening in the digital world today. He argues that that through mass production, art has lost its "aura" - its uniqueness and authenticity. But during his times, merely replicas were produced. Today, images and videos are completely altered to deceive the viewer. A person with just basic skills in photoshop can easily change a picture and completely destroy is authenticity. Even the media is a huge paste work of what sells and cutting out of what doesn't. It seems that as technology becomes more accessible, reality is more and more distorted. It doesn't really bother me that such practices are taking place, but it has become very important for the viewers to become active thinkers, as opposed to the mindless viewers Walter Andrew mentions in regard to film.
I find it amusing that during his times, those viewing a piece of art work would need constant focus and concentration. It seems to be the exact opposite now. When I'm watching a film, photography, or other forms of media I'm constantly thinking about its political and social implications, taking everything with a grain of salt. One the other hand, I'm viewing a painting these days, I don't need to think at all.