Final answer:
A typographical culture is centered on written communication and was prevalent in America up until the mid-20th century. The transition to an image-based culture, fueled by advancements in visual media technology such as film and television, led to a society where images are a primary form of communication. This transformation has had significant effects on American culture, including how political cultures engage with media.
Step-by-step explanation:
A typographical culture relies heavily on the written word for the dissemination of information, knowledge, and cultural norms. This form of culture was dominant in America from the advent of the printing press until the mid-20th century. The widespread use of books, newspapers, and periodicals meant that literacy and text-based education became the mainstays of American life. American society was shaped by the ideas and narratives that were captured in print, and this facilitated the spread of democracy, scientific thinking, and public debate.
The transition to an image-based culture was fueled by technological innovations such as photography, film, and television. By the mid-20th century, visual media began to overtake text as the primary means of cultural expression and communication in America. The rise of Hollywood, television shows, and advertising used visuals to tell stories and convey information, leading to a culture where images became a universal language capable of conveying complex ideas instantly and to a wider audience. This shift had profound implications for education, politics, and interpersonal communication, prioritizing visual literacy alongside traditional literacy.
The transition from a typographical to an image-based culture has transformed American society. The impact of iconic images and televised events has often transcended that of written reports, changing the way news is reported and history is recorded. The ability to share images and videos instantly through digital platforms has solidified the dominance of an image-based culture in the contemporary era. This shift to visual formats challenges older paradigms of culture and necessitates a reevaluation of cultural norms, including how political cultures, like those described by Daniel Elazar, interact with media and technology.