It was found that primitives could not acquire full literacy until they had costumed themselves in European (Western) clothing: these clothes literally “stored” the psychic energies necessary for the huge expenditures that such visual specialism demands. With the planted “clothed”, as it were, by the satellite, what sort of inclusive, global, corporate, non-specialist activity is feasible for the first time?
“Side Probe #4, On the Relationship Between Clothing and Perception,” in “Through the Vanishing Point: Reversal Through Speed-up,” Dew-Line Newsletter, Vol 1, Number 5, November, 1968, p 14
Year: 1968
Chapter:
Clothing and Nakedness
Compiled by William Kuhns
© 2026, The Estate of Marshall McLuhan
© 2026, The Estate of Marshall McLuhan