Sometimes, because of its immediacy, television produces a kind of electronic parable. Berlin, for instance, on the day the Wall was opened. Rostropovich was playing his cello by the Wall that no longer cast a shadow, and a million East Berliners were thronging to the West to shop with an allowance given them by West German banks! At that moment the whole world saw how materialism had lost its awesome historic power and become a shopping list.

Summary

This quote highlights the power of television in capturing significant moments and conveying profound messages. The example of Berlin, specifically the day the Wall was opened, exemplifies how television can create a compelling narrative. The image of renowned cellist Rostropovich playing by the Wall without its shadow, while a mass of East Berliners flood into West Berlin to shop, serves as a powerful metaphor. It showcases the transformation of materialism from something historically feared or revered to a mere shopping list, illustrating the changing values and priorities of society. The quote suggests that television has the ability to present these powerful moments and provoke insightful considerations.

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