Abstract
The rise of iconic representation as the dominant form of communication and consciousness marks an even greater epochal shift than the transition from a capitalist to a postcapitalist world system of political economy. The shift from the logocentric to the iconocentric began approximately in the mid-twentieth century. The advent of television signaled it, but should not be confused as its cause. Image began to replace text as the preeminently authoritative sign. The iconic shift strengthened the effectiveness of the fear culture, as characteristics of icons lend themselves to more emotional and less analytic styles of thought.
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© 2010 Geoffrey R. Skoll
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Skoll, G.R. (2010). The Rise of the Icon. In: Social Theory of Fear. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230112636_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230112636_7
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
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