Daniel Sumbang on Pro-Television:
“Instead of hating television altogether, people should realize that it is the ones who watch the most television that should be looked down upon”
The television has become a great staple of our lives today. It is a fantastic tool for communications, and overall a great source for media and information. However, some people look at television as an awful thing, and a source of tasteless information and a pure waste of time. But with the majority of information given to us in a daily basis being good and bad points, can we also deem that the printing press is a bad thing? Can we also look down upon Broadway shows, musical theatres, and even art galleries?
TV is neither good nor bad. It is like any other form of media available to us today. What I can say about television is that we basically need it, and we should not put down the actual television and what is being shown, instead of the person watching the TV shows. There are valuable lessons that can be learned from television so we cannot entirely disrespect the people who provide the shows. However, instead of hating television altogether, people should realize that it is the ones who watch the most television that should be looked down upon.
Honestly, television can be like a drug. Using television as a relaxant is not a bad thing at all, but it’s the self-control that we should be mainly concerned for.
There are a lot of quality television shows out there today. Many television shows offer educational programs for kids, and there is also the evening news for everyone else. Most times, viewers watch the news for a better visual explanation. However, with the newspaper, people have to read and visualize on their own what’s going on. Usually unless something is well written, the visual these readers get are mostly foggy and not clear.
Most kids learn hands on and visually. With TV shows such as “Sesame Street” and “Blue’s Clues,” most children learn a lot from television. Until the child is old enough to go to school, television can be a great option as a learning tool. Remember however, that there should be a limit to what is being watched and seen by the child. We are still the adults here in the situation and should not entirely rely on the T.V. to do the parenting.
Television showcases diversity in today’s culture and that’s why many viewers stay tuned. Although most people who are against television altogether, point out the demotion of content television has to offer. Many people do not realize the positives to this. The diversity of television and television shows is growing and mirrors the life we live in today’s society. Many television shows depict images of the world today and many others find creative ways to do this.
Television watchers should also realize that there are other things to be taken into account. According to an online article Television is Good for You by Reformation of the Arts and Music, there are two requirements that television producers must consider while making decisions regarding the style and content of programs. The requirements are: “Will this program be financially profitable?” and “Will this program serve the viewing public?” If program is not financially profitable, then the producer will eventually become bankrupt; and if the program does not serve the public, then the producer should find another profession.
So the next time you feel that television is taking over you, stop watching T.V. But remember to not bad mouth the television or the television shows. Think about who are watching these shows and why they do it.
Salem Admassu on the Cons of Television:
“I for one, refuse to get my entertainment from a medium that capitalizes on the mass’ unselectiveness and deepening ignorance”
I’m just going to list them; the salient reasons that give a bad name to a medium that had the potential to be massively beneficial.
TV is a waste of time. It is standardized to the lowest common denominator as far as content goes because it attempts to target the mass. As a result it’s not appealing to our niches but forcing us to settle for something broad and impersonal. A great example would be pop icon obsession. It is shamefully grotesque, how celebrities define the American idea of entertainment, along with their clothing, their accessories, their pets and worst of all their annoyingly over-publicized romantic relationships. In a nation where my right to be ignorant about Hollywood marriages is repelled just because I shop at supermarkets, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there isn’t a variety of entertainment genres in mainstream television media.
I just don’t understand who has time to feed on the garbage that broadcasts which celebrity is wearing what outfit at an award show. Oh yes, millions of hyper-commercialism victims. Could it be that this whole celebrity fashion frenzy be a commercial for clothing designers and companies?? Gee, I don’t know. Speaking of hyper-commercialism, it makes me feel so used to recognize product placements on television shows, whether it is soda cans or music soundtracks that are later said to be found at aol.com, keyword music!
Even if you record your TV programs and fast forward through the commercials, you wouldn’t get away from the advertising on television. Television’s ultimate goal is to sell advertising. But first it must get an audience to sell to advertisers. With scrupulously crafted programming that would bring in the largest audience, networks obtain a product that they can sell to advertisers: us. Don’t you find that a little devious and slightly dehumanizing?
So not everything on TV is crap, right? But how many people watch educational TV? An insignificant amount; or else PBS would never have to be forced to consider advertising funding.
TV may offer a great service providing the news, but I say that the news we receive is incomplete until it takes a slightly more global perspective and an analytical approach to its content. Could there be an effort to discourage international interest and critical thinking? Gee, I don’t know!
TV is an easy diversion. So much so that many past time activities are becoming extinct in practice. That could also say something about the national problem of obesity, especially in children.
The annihilation of TV from your life would promise to introduce you to hobbies you might not try, had you not found yourself so hungry for an authentically, life-lovingly enjoyable activity. Try playing with paint on canvas for a change or hey, how about picking up a novel? I for one, refuse to get my entertainment from a medium that capitalizes on the mass’ unselectiveness and deepening ignorance.