In “The Sirens’ Call,” author Chris Hayes examines how public figures use society’s attention economy to amplify their influence. Today’s media landscape is flooded with information, leaving little time for one to pay full attention or critically study news items.
Hayes submits that those who do garner publicity wield significant power, making Donald Trump’s provocative behavior a successful tactic in gaining and retaining attention. In fact, Hayes suggests that attention supersedes Trump’s consciousness.
Hayes further contends that when attention becomes a commodified resource, those who can manipulate it in unorthodox ways often can bury more substantive discourse on critical issues.
In Greek mythology, Sirens are creatures with enchanting voices who lure sailors to their deaths. Odysseus was able to escape their call by having his crew plug their ears with wax and tie him to the mast.
– Betsie Gambel, Founder, Gambel Communications