Brief comments on paying attention—the role it has played in American history and culture. What do we pay attention to, and what do we ignore—what attracts, and what do we overlook? If you have a story about attention in the world around you, send it in!—at Leave a Comment….
Category Archives: the United States of Distracted Attention
All the speed and exciting opportunities in our lives lead to very distracted attention. From medical diagnoses for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to selective spin on the campaign trail to the next message in your pocket or purse buzzing for your attention, distractions have become a way of life. Check in here for explanations about how this emerged in recent American history and what we can do about it.
ADHD: Contesting the Human Normal
An earlier version published as “There’s a Way to Lower the Incidence of ADHD. We Should Try It.” History News Network (January 31, 2016), http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/161839
With some cultural changes reducing the enormity of distractions, prevention can become a realistic part of the response to ADHD, and an upgrade on living for everyone else too. After all, prevention is easier and more effective than cure, and then we can reserve use of pharmaceutical remedies for severe cases. Continue reading
Pub Classroom 