In Probing Popular Culture: On and Off the Internet, one of the leading authorities in American and popular culture studies presents an eye-opening examination of the Information Age's influence on what we do, how we live, and who we are. Dr. Marshall Fishwick, author of the textbooks Great Awakenings: Popular Religion and Popular Culture; Popular Culture: Cavespace to Cyberspace; and Popular Culture in a New Age focuses his penetrating gaze upon the impact of the cultural icons and events that color the fabric of our lives. He examines the most recent developments, crises, and anxieties encountered in our headlong dash down the Information Superhighway--and illustrates the reasons behind the media madness. Peppered with quotes from influential figures ranging from Plato to P. T. Barnum, this book provides food for thought that will spark smart discussion about every aspect of popular culture--from Henry Ford to Y2K, the impact on popular culture of the September 11 tragedy, and more.