Analyzing My Text's Cultural Setting

In this post I will be analyzing the cultural setting behind the article published by John Schwartz in The New York Times titled "Sound Check." This article was published on November 12, 2012 on the New York Times website (online) and in print publication, headquartered in New York City but distributed nationwide.

1. What values, ideas, norms, beliefs, even laws of the culture play an important role in the text?
This article discusses in depth the rise of the audiobook genre and the qualities that make a successful audiobook. It is a new medium and form of reading as not long ago the only way to read a book was on paper. The author himself has published an audiobook and recounts recording his own book which may prove for him to be a little biased. Some people are very apprehensive of the audiobook and e-book genre and instead like to reinforce the written word on paper. The 21st century has brought a rise of technology that has indisputably influenced the rise of the audiobooks.

2. Does the text address these cultural values, beliefs, etc., directly (by directly mentioning and responding to them) or indirectly (by presenting a scenario or narrative that address them)?
The author does spend a great deal of time describing other authors that have recorded their own books and does briefly mention some interviews with actors that had to record the audiobook. He does address his own fear of recording an audiobook but not in opposition. Rather, he wants to focus on the qualities that he has deemed the most influential in making a good audiobook and use them when he records his own book. He seems to be in favor of the audiobook just based on the fact that he recorded one himself. He directly mentions everything stated above.

3. What is the relationship of the text to the values, beliefs, etc." Is it critical of these aspects of the culture? Is it supportive? Does it seek to modify these aspects of the culture in a certain way?
It directly addresses the values. While the author does appear to take a stance, he spends a great deal of time addressing qualities of a successful audiobook and examining both sides. As such, he is both critical and supportive. If anything, the author aims to make people more aware of the work that goes into recording an audiobook.

Sykes, Bev. "Actors Jim Brochu and Steven Schalchlin performing in the play The Big Voice: God or Merman." 09/15/22 via Wikipedia. Creative Commons License.