01_Benjamin_pg3_The author states about tradition:

“The technique of reproduction detaches the reproduced object from the domain of tradition.”

What is the definition of tradition here? Cultural norm? Process of making?

02_Benjamin_p8_The author argues:

“The aura which, on the stage, emanates from Macbeth, cannot be separated…the aura that envelops the [screen] actor vanishes, and with it the aura of the figure he portrays.”

I do not agree with this assessment as I understand it. While I agree the ‘aura’ of a stage actor is not the same as a film actor, to say there is no aura at all I think is a step too far. The new medium of film allows for new and innovative ways of engaging the audience, as Benjamin explains later. Just because the actor is surrounded by a curated and fake set, doesn’t necessarily mean the performance is devoid of aura.

03_McLuhan_p399-400_The author writes a passage about perception and a persons ability to interact with technology while at the same time being imbued by it. What is he saying here? That all peoples, save artists and thinkers of the same vein, are doomed to be ignorant or unaware of the technology pervading their lives?