Reading Response: "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction," Walter Benjamin, 1936

I found this reading interesting, particularly section 15, in which Benjamin arrives to the crux of his argument of the changing aspects of art in modern times, the "age of mechanical reproduction."  In this section, Benjamin argues that the arts (in particular, film) may be perceived absent-mindedly without losing their power and value.  He draws comparisons between film and architecture, stating that architecture functions similarly to film, as it is less pondered upon than it is experienced, through sight and touch, absent-mindedly and by "habit" but still perceived nonetheless.

Even though this essay is dated 1936, I found the issues discussed eerily relevant to today's discourse upon contemporary art, especially the rise of the Internet, and video games.  These two new mediums for art are rapidly growing in use and expression, and their perception echoes that of the film and architecture, a perception grounded in "habit."  I sincerely wonder what Benjamin would have to say about the state of arts in today's world, and if it would appear similar to that of his views back in 1936.