Interesting commentary
Monday, 12. May 2008, 06:33:55
Matthew, a very interesting guy, has a post about this commercial:
The ensuing conversation on his post has gotten me to thinking about TV's effects on people - kids, teens, adults, and undecided. I have to wonder if TV itself bears much responsibility for changes in society. It has an effect, but it can't be the only factor. It's likely more a reflection of society than a catalyst for it. Case in point, shows don't stay on the air when nobody watches them.
I like watching shows that aren't easy to follow or easy to appreciate, but most people don't. It's been a point of contention with some. One, thankfully former, girlfriend absolutely could not watch a movie without the remote in her hand and me at her side. ("What just happened?" "What are they talking about?" "Would that work in real life?" "Are you saying you don't know because you don't want to answer?")
Nevertheless, we all have guilty pleasures: I love WKRP reruns. Nonetheless, broadcasting mindless junk hasn't watered down Americans' intellect; we're superficial and under-educated on our own. Schlock-riddled shows just cater to the majority of us. Fortunately, though, there are some decent shows on TV.
Speaking of which, Numb3rs is on.
The ensuing conversation on his post has gotten me to thinking about TV's effects on people - kids, teens, adults, and undecided. I have to wonder if TV itself bears much responsibility for changes in society. It has an effect, but it can't be the only factor. It's likely more a reflection of society than a catalyst for it. Case in point, shows don't stay on the air when nobody watches them.
I like watching shows that aren't easy to follow or easy to appreciate, but most people don't. It's been a point of contention with some. One, thankfully former, girlfriend absolutely could not watch a movie without the remote in her hand and me at her side. ("What just happened?" "What are they talking about?" "Would that work in real life?" "Are you saying you don't know because you don't want to answer?")
Nevertheless, we all have guilty pleasures: I love WKRP reruns. Nonetheless, broadcasting mindless junk hasn't watered down Americans' intellect; we're superficial and under-educated on our own. Schlock-riddled shows just cater to the majority of us. Fortunately, though, there are some decent shows on TV.
Speaking of which, Numb3rs is on.
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I think the TV/society thing is a vicious circle. Like a snake eating its tail. You watch Springer, with its contrived situations and violence, and are less surprised by similar behavior in your real life. Then the situations on Springer get worse, and you are jeded to more bad behavior in real life. If you watch, I mean. People do. it is certain that societal norms for behavior are failing.
By noah counte, # 20. May 2008, 19:40:45
I've tried to explain some of the math to my girlfriend, who's quite bright, to limited avail. The downside of math is that either you get it or you don't. Even the more fundamental stuff, like this entry, can't be quickly and sufficiently explained. There's just too much behind it.
Charlie Epps' social awkwardness/cluelessness, however, is a bit easier to relate to for the
By unlisted, # 20. May 2008, 20:11:12
You're welcome. It's an enjoyable read. math is a weird thing. Some people really don't get it, but most people with anxiety have been psyched out. It's all addition, at its core. At least first 7 or 8 years of primary and secondary math.
By noah counte, # 20. May 2008, 20:40:23