Terrouge E-zine Archives
Select a different issue | Select a different title
The Varied View
By: Erin
"Survivor." "Ed, Edd, and Eddy." "Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?" Shows you’ve heard of before. Chances are, you’ve watched them, or at least shows like them. I know some of you are rolling your eyes, saying to yourselves, "Here it comes. One of those folks who believes T.V. is EVIL! What a wacko…" I don’t believe all television is bad. Nor do I believe it is the root of all evil. But can you really say that it’s a good thing?
Do you remember what shows we watched when we were kids? What was considered quality children programming? "Care Bears," "The Wuzzles," and "Rainbow Brite," to name a few. I’m sure the first difference you’ll note is that these shows look as if someone spent time animating the characters—as opposed to having their four-year old scribble them in. But the much greater difference is the themes of the shows. The prime humor of today’s shows consists of sick jokes, and the most disgusting things that programmers think they have a possibility of getting away with showing on public television. The main characters are frequently ::ahem:: morality-deficient, as well as generally fairly stupid. That bad pronunciation and those I’m-so-stupid accents add so much quality to the shows, don’t you think? (Note the sarcasm.) The shows of yesteryear stressed morality, justice, doing the right thing. They gave kids the belief that a brave spirit with a pure heart could overcome evil, despite incredible odds.
It’s true that not all television is bad. There are some really good shows still out there, like "Touched by an Angel," the new Redwall T.V. series, and a good deal of the anime shows. There are factual shows, and news reports, and many other worthwhile programs to watch. But you have to admit, most of the television that people watch isn’t worth the effort it takes to press the on button on the television sets.
So why do people watch these low-quality T.V. shows? It doesn’t enhance intellect. The ‘entertainment’ is mainly based on characters doing things of such idiocy that if they were real, they’d be grounded for life (Not a bad idea! At least we’d never have to deal with a second episode). And with the amount of reruns these days, if you watch a series regularly, you’ve probably already seen today’s episode seven times before. When asking someone why they are watching a certain show, I find it terrifying how often I am told "I dunno. I don’t even like it."
Wait a minute- you don’t know? I think I do. Many people today do not wish to think. It is far easier to sit there watching that mindless show, designed to distract you, than to get up and actually do something. It doesn’t occur to people. So, I challenge you. Make up a list of things to do: reading that next Redwall book, getting better at your favorite sport, spending time with your family, or catching up on Terrouge, for instance. Post it next to your T.V. The next time you find yourself not enjoying the show, or if you find out that it’s a rerun of an episode you’ve already seen, reach for the remote and—here’s the hard bit, couch potatoes—turn the T.V. OFF. You heard me. After a couple of weeks of this, I can guarantee that you will be getting more done, having more fun, and generally be a more cheerful person.
Promoting thought in the world today,