Discussion Topic
television
Posted on 07/15/08, 12:39 pm
Do you watch it? Avoid it?
I've been living at my Mom's for almost two months. I can't take it very much longer, and the main reason is her television addiction. The television is on at nearly full-volume from the time she wakes up until the time she goes to bed. Her house is small and there seems to be no escape from it. She seems to watch a lot of America's Funniest Home Videos, and if that show is exported to other countries, it's no wonder that there is such a negative world view of Americans. I consider myself an occasional, very infrequent television viewer. I'm very selective about what I watch, and left to my own devices, chances are I won't turn it on at all. There are two televisions in my room at Mom's, and I haven't turned either one on since I've been there. I seriously worry about the seemingly large number of people, including my mother, who spend the majority of their time parked in front of the tv.
I've been living at my Mom's for almost two months. I can't take it very much longer, and the main reason is her television addiction. The television is on at nearly full-volume from the time she wakes up until the time she goes to bed. Her house is small and there seems to be no escape from it. She seems to watch a lot of America's Funniest Home Videos, and if that show is exported to other countries, it's no wonder that there is such a negative world view of Americans. I consider myself an occasional, very infrequent television viewer. I'm very selective about what I watch, and left to my own devices, chances are I won't turn it on at all. There are two televisions in my room at Mom's, and I haven't turned either one on since I've been there. I seriously worry about the seemingly large number of people, including my mother, who spend the majority of their time parked in front of the tv.
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Reply #1 07/15/08 2:35pm
I can relate! I don't have any TV at all. Tv meaning cable or satellite. I do still watch movies and love movies. But part of that is career related because I am working on some film stuff. SO it is part research and part enjoyment. But it is funny, when I go to someone's house and they are watching commercial TV, how bad it looks to me. The stereo types and the hype about garbage, it is hard to take. Actually, I end up laughing at how silly it is. I know the downside to all this is that I feel a little out of touch, but I do listen to news radio some and also talk radio like PBS. Just to keep informed. I suggest some headphones and some podcast, about interesting subjects for you. It is hard how so many just get so caught into TV. Talk about a lack of awareness of what is really going on. I wish I knew how to ween people off that, for you and your mother. Good luck with that! -
Reply #2 07/15/08 5:12pm
We have one tv in our home....but I rarely watch it. I would rather read, spend time outdoors, do my artwork, listen to my music...all that...plus being just a wife and mom takes all my time...there really isn't much time to watch tv....even if I wanted to. Although I do LOVE movies. And watch movies on weekend evenings.
We don't have cable, satellite or anything like that. Just 5 channels....all the local stuff. It actually keeps the kids from watching too much tv...never anything on...lol -
Reply #3 07/15/08 9:46pm
I have always loved tv, but most of my life I was to busy to watch. But the last 3 years I have watched way to much tv and right before I came here I spoke about that in the rant room, kinda funny I found this post here. I have Direct TV and I have every channel they have. Plus I get all the UFC events. I have a sad little life now and one of the things that brings me joy is good television show and so far this week I have been treated to the season premiere of "The Closer," And HBO's new mini series "Generation Kill." I remember when I was a kid and in the evening we'd watch tv and bound as a family. I remember watching shows like The Rifleman,the Rockford Files, all in the family, Sanford and son, the Partridge Family, Columboand the six million dollar man. I could name a 100 different shows our family watched. And it was a good family feeling, especially when a show like all in the Family was in it's first few seasons, it forced people to look at prejudice in our country, And Saturday Night live in the 70's, you had to be there to understand. During the late 60's and during the 70's tv change the way many Americans thought or at least exposed us to different kinds of people and showed us that we are more alike than different. Now today tv is not the ground breaking forum it once was be it can still be entertaining to me. And some of our memories are centered in watching events unfold on tv I was about 13 and the pows from Viet Nam were coming home and they were being shown live on tv while they deboarded the plane. I was at the pool and we had a little tv their and all of kids were huddled around a portable 12 inch black&white Panasonic tv watching men many of who could not walk on their own or at all, get of a plane. The memory is burned into my mind forever. I could name several such events where Americans were in front of their tv's watching history unfold. So yeah, I like tv and think it's a great thing. I can't wait until the final season of The shield Sept. 2nd. -
Reply #4 07/16/08 9:28am
I wouldn't say that tv is bad.....it really is an individual thing. We are all unique! Which is good! :-) -
Reply #5 07/16/08 11:02am
I don't think TV in and of itself is a bad thing either. It's like anything else - it's all in how you use it. It can be a good source of information and entertainment, but I think there are too many people who mindlessly use it to fill the holes in their lives or to avoid doing something else. That can be said about many things, though, not just television. I guess this relates to Schmanek's post on being aware. Watching television because you enjoy it is one thing, and flipping channels like a zombie while complaining that nothing is on tv is something else entirely. -
Reply #6 07/16/08 11:27am
Americas Funniest Videos, or Wgn, wtbs. I see that show on avoid switching to it at all cost. Get caught watching it and LMAO!! -
Reply #7 07/16/08 11:45am
Right now is the 3rd season of Weeds on Show Time. Last Monday nights episode was the best yet. There's a new episode every Monday night @ 10. I wish I had found more rooms like this one before I made my decision to leave DS. I am deleting my account Friday and I want to thank you all for welcoming me here. -Darby- -
Reply #8 07/16/08 12:03pm
There are a few television shows that I enjoy, but I don't watch them when they are broadcast. I watch them later on DVD or the internet, usually after the whole season is over. I loved Arrested Development, and I really enjoyed Rome. -
Reply #9 07/16/08 12:34pm
Darby, I am sorry to see you go. As long as it's for the best for you, then by all means. But we will be here is you need us. I say we because I am sure there will always be others here too. Take care of yourself. -
Reply #10 07/17/08 2:29pm
I almost forgot to tell you all that " Burn Notice" is back for it's 2nd seasons on the USA network. The second episode of the new season is @ 10 tonight. Yeah, I know, I.m sad. And Schanek, thank you brother you seem to be a good person.
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