Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Mark Dery was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, on December 24, 1959.
Answer: True
Explanation: The provided information confirms that Mark Dery was born on December 24, 1959, in Braintree, Massachusetts.
Mark Dery holds American nationality and has a mixed European ancestry including Anglo-Irish-Scottish and some French heritage.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material confirms Mark Dery's American nationality and his mixed European ancestry, comprising Anglo-Irish-Scottish and some French heritage.
Mark Dery earned a Master's degree in Journalism from New York University.
Answer: False
Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. The provided information indicates that Mark Dery earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Occidental College in 1982. There is no mention of a Master's degree from New York University.
Mark Dery spent his childhood years growing up in Chula Vista, California.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material confirms that Mark Dery spent his childhood years growing up in Chula Vista, California.
Mark Dery was born on December 24, 1959, in which U.S. city and state?
Answer: Braintree, Massachusetts
Explanation: Mark Dery was born on December 24, 1959, in Braintree, Massachusetts.
What is the highest academic degree mentioned for Mark Dery, and where did he obtain it?
Answer: Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College
Explanation: The provided information indicates that Mark Dery holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, which he obtained from Occidental College in 1982.
Mark Dery's primary professional identity is characterized as a novelist specializing in historical fiction.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While Dery is a writer, his primary recognition stems from his work as a cultural critic, essayist, and lecturer, focusing on media, technology, and fringe cultural phenomena, rather than historical fiction novels.
Mark Dery has exclusively contributed articles to academic journals and has never written for mainstream publications like *Rolling Stone* or *Wired*.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery has contributed to a wide array of publications, including mainstream outlets such as *Rolling Stone* and *Wired*, alongside academic journals.
The image caption indicates that Mark Dery is a photographer who took a portrait of himself in 2018.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The image caption identifies Mark Dery as a cultural critic, essayist, and book author, and notes the photograph was taken by C. Taylor Crothers in 2018; it does not state he is the photographer or that it is a self-portrait.
The 'Authority control' section lists Mark Dery's personal contact information, such as his email address and phone number.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. An 'Authority control' section serves to list databases that uniquely identify an individual and link related resources across various systems, ensuring consistency and aiding research. It does not provide personal contact information.
The Wikimedia Commons link indicates that Mark Dery has authored articles published on Wikipedia.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. A Wikimedia Commons link signifies that media files (images, videos) related to Mark Dery are available on that platform; it does not indicate authorship of Wikipedia articles.
The website www.markdery.com is an academic archive dedicated solely to the history of cybernetics.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery's website, www.markdery.com, serves as his official online presence and likely contains information about his diverse writings and projects, not solely an archive on cybernetics.
Describing Mark Dery as a 'freelance journalist' means he was exclusively employed by a single major newspaper throughout his career.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Being a 'freelance journalist' signifies working independently and contributing to various publications, rather than being exclusively employed by a single organization.
The external link to 'J.G. Ballard's Pre-Posthumous Memoir' indicates that Mark Dery is a subject of biographical study by J.G. Ballard.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The external link refers to an article written by Mark Dery discussing J.G. Ballard's memoir, indicating Dery's role as a critic and commentator, not as a subject of Ballard's biographical study.
ISBN numbers are used to indicate the critical reception or sales performance of Mark Dery's books.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique numerical identifier for books, used for cataloging and sales tracking, not for indicating critical reception or sales performance directly.
The description 'American journalist (born 1959)' implies Mark Dery exclusively worked as a journalist and began his career in 1959.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The description 'American journalist (born 1959)' provides his nationality and birth year, and identifies one aspect of his career, but does not imply exclusivity to journalism or that his career began precisely in 1959.
According to the provided text, which of the following best describes Mark Dery's primary professional roles?
Answer: An American writer, lecturer, and cultural critic known for work on online culture and specific coined terms.
Explanation: The text consistently identifies Mark Dery as an American writer, lecturer, and cultural critic, highlighting his significant contributions to understanding online culture and his role in coining influential terms like 'Afrofuturism'.
What is the function of the 'Authority control' section mentioned in relation to Mark Dery?
Answer: To list databases that help uniquely identify him and link related resources.
Explanation: An 'Authority control' section lists databases that uniquely identify an individual and link related resources across various systems, ensuring consistency and aiding research. It does not provide personal contact information.
Writing for publications such as *Rolling Stone* and *BoingBoing* suggests that Mark Dery's work appeals to:
Answer: A broad audience interested in culture, technology, and counter-culture topics.
Explanation: Writing for both a mainstream culture magazine like *Rolling Stone* and a popular online platform like *BoingBoing* indicates that Dery's work engages a broad audience interested in culture, technology, and counter-cultural topics.
Based on the provided text, what is the overall impression of Mark Dery's career?
Answer: He is a versatile writer and critic known for analyzing contemporary culture, technology, and fringe topics, and for coining key terms.
Explanation: Mark Dery is presented as a versatile and influential writer, journalist, lecturer, and cultural critic. His career is characterized by insightful analysis of contemporary culture, particularly concerning technology, media, and fringe topics, and he is recognized for coining seminal terms such as 'Afrofuturism'.
Mark Dery is credited with coining both the term 'culture jamming' and the term 'Afrofuturism.'
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While Mark Dery is widely recognized for coining the term 'Afrofuturism,' he is credited with helping to popularize, rather than coin, the term 'culture jamming.'
Mark Dery coined the term 'Afrofuturism' in his 1996 book *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century*.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Mark Dery coined the term 'Afrofuturism' in his essay 'Black to the Future,' which was published in the 1994 anthology *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*, not in his 1996 book *Escape Velocity*.
According to Mark Dery, Afrofuturism exclusively refers to science fiction written by African authors about space exploration.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Dery's definition of Afrofuturism is broader, encompassing speculative fiction that addresses African-American themes and concerns within the context of 20th-century technoculture, including cultural expressions that appropriate technology and future imagery.
In 'Black to the Future,' Mark Dery questioned the lack of representation of white characters in science fiction narratives.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. In his essay 'Black to the Future,' Mark Dery questioned the scarcity of African-Americans writing science fiction, a genre he felt was particularly suited to exploring themes of the 'Other' and Black experiences.
Mark Dery interviewed science fiction author Octavia Butler and cultural critic bell hooks for his essay 'Black to the Future.'
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. Mark Dery interviewed Samuel R. Delany, Greg Tate, and Tricia Rose for his essay 'Black to the Future,' not Octavia Butler or bell hooks.
Being an 'early observer and critic of online culture' means Mark Dery only began analyzing the internet after its widespread adoption in the late 2000s.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Being an 'early observer and critic of online culture' implies that Dery began analyzing and commenting on the internet and its societal changes relatively early in its development, likely before the late 2000s.
In Dery's definition of Afrofuturism, 'speculative fiction' refers strictly to realistic fiction based on historical events.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. In Dery's definition, 'speculative fiction' encompasses genres like science fiction and fantasy that explore imagined worlds and possibilities beyond current reality, not strictly realistic historical fiction.
Mark Dery's contribution to cyberculture studies is considered minor, with his work appearing only after the field was well-established.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Mark Dery is recognized as an early and significant contributor to the study of cyberculture, with his work appearing during the formative stages of the field.
In Dery's definition of Afrofuturism, 'appropriates images of technology' refers to the rejection of all technological advancements by African-Americans.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. 'Appropriates images of technology' in Dery's definition implies the use or adaptation of technological imagery within cultural expressions, not a rejection of technology.
'20th-century technoculture' in Dery's Afrofuturism definition refers only to the impact of the internet on society.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. '20th-century technoculture' refers to the broader technological advancements and cultural shifts of that era, not solely the impact of the internet, which became prominent later in the century.
The 1996 publication date of *Escape Velocity* is insignificant, as cyberculture was not a prominent topic until the 21st century.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The 1996 publication date of *Escape Velocity* is significant, as it marks an early engagement with and analysis of burgeoning cyberculture at the close of the 20th century, positioning Dery as a key commentator on the digital age.
Mark Dery is recognized for his contributions to terminology related to which fields?
Answer: Online culture and African-American futurism
Explanation: Mark Dery is recognized for his significant contributions to terminology concerning online culture and for coining the term 'Afrofuturism,' which relates to African-American futurism.
The term 'Afrofuturism' was coined by Mark Dery in the context of:
Answer: An essay titled 'Black to the Future' published in an anthology about cyberculture.
Explanation: Mark Dery coined the term 'Afrofuturism' in his essay 'Black to the Future,' which appeared in the anthology *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*.
Which statement accurately reflects Mark Dery's definition of Afrofuturism?
Answer: It refers to African-American cultural expressions that incorporate images of technology and the future.
Explanation: Mark Dery defines Afrofuturism as speculative fiction addressing African-American themes within technoculture, and more broadly, as cultural expressions that utilize imagery of technology and the future.
For his essay 'Black to the Future,' Mark Dery interviewed which group of thinkers?
Answer: Science fiction writer Samuel R. Delany, writer Greg Tate, and cultural critic Tricia Rose.
Explanation: Mark Dery interviewed Samuel R. Delany, Greg Tate, and Tricia Rose for his essay 'Black to the Future'.
In Mark Dery's definition of Afrofuturism, the term 'speculative fiction' encompasses genres that:
Answer: Explore imagined worlds and possibilities beyond current reality.
Explanation: In the context of Afrofuturism, 'speculative fiction' refers to genres like science fiction and fantasy that explore imagined worlds and possibilities beyond current reality.
Mark Dery's significance in the study of cyberculture stems from:
Answer: His role as an early commentator and foundational writer in the field.
Explanation: Mark Dery's significance in cyberculture studies arises from his position as an early commentator and foundational writer, contributing seminal works like *Escape Velocity* during the field's formative stages.
Mark Dery's 1990 New York Times article discussed the rise of social media influencers.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery's 1990 article in The New York Times, titled 'The Merry Pranksters and the Art of the Hoax,' discussed 'cultural jamming' and the practice of hoaxes in media.
Mark Dery's essay 'Cotton Candy Autopsy' analyzes the historical development of circus performance techniques.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The essay 'Cotton Candy Autopsy: Deconstructing Psycho Killer Clowns' analyzes the 'evil clown' meme prevalent in popular culture, not circus performance techniques.
Mark Dery authored a 2018 biography titled *The Life and Times of Mark Dery*, focusing on his own experiences.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery authored a 2018 biography titled *Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey*, which focuses on the artist Edward Gorey, not his own experiences.
Mark Dery's biography of Edward Gorey was significant because it was the first comprehensive academic study of Gorey's influence on modern art.
Answer: True
Explanation: The provided text indicates that *Born to Be Posthumous* is noted as the first biography of Edward Gorey, suggesting its significance in providing a comprehensive study of his life and work.
Mark Dery's 1996 book focusing on cyberculture is titled *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture* is a significant work related to cyberculture and was edited by Mark Dery, his 1996 book focusing on the subject is titled *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century*.
Only Mark Dery's biography of Edward Gorey has been translated into languages other than English.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The provided information indicates that both *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century* and *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts* have been translated into other languages, in addition to his biography of Edward Gorey.
Mark Dery edited the anthology *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century*, which discusses cyberculture.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery authored the book *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century*. He edited the anthology *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*.
Mark Dery's essay collection *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts* was published in 2012 by Grove Press.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The collection *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: Drive-By Essays on American Dread, American Dreams* was published in 2012 by the University of Minnesota Press, not Grove Press.
*The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium*, published by the University of Minnesota Press in 1999, is a collection of Mark Dery's essays on American culture.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate regarding the publisher. While *The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium* was published in 1999 and is a collection of Dery's essays on American culture, it was released by Grove Press, not the University of Minnesota Press.
Mark Dery's 2018 biography of Edward Gorey, *Born to Be Posthumous*, was published by Little, Brown and Company.
Answer: True
Explanation: The provided information confirms that Mark Dery's 2018 biography of Edward Gorey, *Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey*, was published by Little, Brown and Company.
The widespread reviews of Dery's Edward Gorey biography suggest it was a niche publication with limited critical reception.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Widespread reviews typically indicate significant critical attention and reception, suggesting the biography was a notable publication, not a niche one with limited impact.
The phrase 'American Dread, American Dreams' suggests the book exclusively focuses on optimistic themes of national progress and achievement.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The phrase 'American Dread, American Dreams' suggests the collection explores a dichotomy of societal anxieties and fears alongside national aspirations and hopes within the American cultural landscape.
Mark Dery's 2018 biography, noted as the first of its kind for the subject, is titled:
Answer: *Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey*
Explanation: Mark Dery's 2018 biography, recognized as the first comprehensive study of its subject, is titled *Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey*.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a publication Mark Dery has contributed to?
Answer: The Wall Street Journal
Explanation: The provided text lists contributions to *The New York Times Magazine*, *Rolling Stone*, and *Wired*. *The Wall Street Journal* is not mentioned as a publication for which Mark Dery has written.
Mark Dery's 1996 book focusing on cyberculture is titled:
Answer: *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century*
Explanation: Mark Dery's seminal 1996 book that critically examines cyberculture is titled *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century*. *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture* is an anthology he edited.
According to the text, which two of Mark Dery's books have been translated into other languages?
Answer: *Escape Velocity* and *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts*
Explanation: The text specifies that *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century* and *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: Drive-By Essays on American Dread, American Dreams* have been translated into other languages.
Mark Dery edited which influential anthology concerning cyberculture?
Answer: *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*
Explanation: Mark Dery edited the anthology *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*, published in 1994, which critically examines cyberculture.
Mark Dery's essay collection *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts* was published in 2012 by which press?
Answer: University of Minnesota Press
Explanation: The collection *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: Drive-By Essays on American Dread, American Dreams* was published in 2012 by the University of Minnesota Press.
Which publisher released Mark Dery's 1999 book *The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium*?
Answer: Grove Press
Explanation: Mark Dery's 1999 book *The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium: American Culture on the Brink* was published by Grove Press.
The translation of Mark Dery's books *Escape Velocity* and *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts* into other languages indicates:
Answer: International recognition and a broader readership for his work.
Explanation: The translation of these books into other languages indicates international recognition and suggests a broader readership for Mark Dery's work beyond English-speaking audiences.
The subtitle 'American Dread, American Dreams' suggests that Mark Dery's essays in *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts* explore:
Answer: A dichotomy of societal anxieties and national hopes within American culture.
Explanation: The subtitle 'American Dread, American Dreams' suggests that the essays explore both societal anxieties and fears ('American Dread') alongside national aspirations and hopes ('American Dreams') within the American cultural context.
Mark Dery taught media criticism at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism from 2001 to 2009.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The provided information indicates that Mark Dery taught media criticism, literary journalism, and the essay in the Department of Journalism at New York University from 2001 to 2009.
Mark Dery was appointed as a visiting professor at the University of California, Irvine, in January 2000.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery was appointed as a Chancellor's Distinguished Fellow at the University of California, Irvine, in January 2000, not as a visiting professor.
In 2009, Mark Dery served as a guest lecturer at the American Academy in Rome.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. In the summer of 2009, Mark Dery served as a scholar in residence at the American Academy in Rome, not merely as a guest lecturer.
Mark Dery taught a course on 'Digital Ethics' at Yale University in 2017.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. In 2017, Mark Dery taught a course at Yale University titled 'Dark Aesthetics,' which explored themes such as the Gothic and the Grotesque, not 'Digital Ethics'.
The image caption 'Mark Dery talking at monochrom's Arse Elektronika 2007' suggests he was presenting or speaking at that specific event.
Answer: True
Explanation: The caption 'Mark Dery talking at monochrom's Arse Elektronika 2007' directly implies his participation as a speaker or presenter at that event.
From 2001 to 2009, Mark Dery held a teaching position where?
Answer: New York University's Department of Journalism
Explanation: From 2001 to 2009, Mark Dery taught media criticism, literary journalism, and the essay in the Department of Journalism at New York University.
In 2017, Mark Dery taught a specialized course at Yale University focusing on which subject?
Answer: Dark Aesthetics, exploring themes like the Gothic and Grotesque
Explanation: In 2017, Mark Dery taught a course at Yale University titled 'Dark Aesthetics,' which explored themes such as the Gothic, the Grotesque, and other transgressive aesthetics.
Mark Dery's writing primarily focuses on traditional European art history and classical music composition.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery's writing predominantly focuses on media and visual culture, cyberculture, and the cultural impacts of technology, often exploring fringe elements, rather than traditional European art history or classical music.
The mention of 'transgressive aesthetics' indicates Dery's academic interests are limited to mainstream, widely accepted cultural norms.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. 'Transgressive aesthetics' suggests an interest in cultural expressions that challenge conventional norms or boundaries, rather than being limited to mainstream acceptance.
The term 'drive-by essays' suggests that the essays in Mark Dery's collection are lengthy, meticulously researched academic papers.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The term 'drive-by essays' likely implies a writing style that is quick, observational, and potentially provocative, offering sharp insights rather than lengthy, meticulously researched papers.
Mark Dery's writing career has consistently focused on ancient Roman history and mythology.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Mark Dery's career has focused on contemporary culture, media, technology, and fringe topics, not ancient Roman history and mythology.
Dery's focus on 'media and visual culture' means he concentrates solely on the technical aspects of media production.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. A focus on 'media and visual culture' implies an analysis of how cultural meanings are created and interpreted through various media forms, including their visual elements, rather than concentrating solely on technical production aspects.
Teaching 'Dark Aesthetics' implies Dery's expertise is confined to the study of light and shadow in photography.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Teaching 'Dark Aesthetics' suggests expertise in exploring unconventional or unsettling aspects of art and culture, such as the Gothic, the Grotesque, and the Uncanny, rather than being limited to the technical study of light and shadow in photography.
Mark Dery's writing commonly explores which of the following subjects?
Answer: The intersection of media, visual culture, and the digital age.
Explanation: Mark Dery's writing frequently examines the interplay between media, visual culture, and the digital age, often focusing on contemporary societal phenomena and their cultural implications.
Dery's teaching of 'Dark Aesthetics' at Yale, including themes like the Gothic and the Grotesque, suggests his academic interests lie in:
Answer: Cultural expressions that challenge conventional norms and boundaries.
Explanation: Teaching 'Dark Aesthetics,' which includes themes like the Gothic and the Grotesque, indicates Dery's academic interests lie in cultural expressions that challenge conventional norms and boundaries.
The phrase 'drive-by essays' in the title of one of Dery's collections suggests the essays are likely:
Answer: Quick, observational, and potentially provocative pieces.
Explanation: The phrase 'drive-by essays' suggests that the essays are likely quick, observational, and potentially provocative pieces, offering sharp commentary.
When the text mentions Mark Dery's focus on 'media and visual culture,' it implies his analysis centers on:
Answer: How cultural meanings are created and interpreted through various media forms.
Explanation: A focus on 'media and visual culture' implies that Dery's analysis centers on how cultural meanings are constructed and understood through diverse media forms, including their visual components.