A childhood epidemic of "boredom"
Anorexia. Americas Next Top Model.
Bulemia. Americas Next Hospital Patient.
Laziness, Obesity, Heart Disease, Diabetes...

What is TV not to blame for?
Why are we so hooked on th box?
Could YOU ever survive without it?
Let's discuss television as well as medias role in American Life... (First of all, I knwo my statements are extreme, I am not completely ignorant to the benefits of media)

quote:

If I had to live without Spongebob Squarepants, would that be a life worth living? I think not.

I agree whole-heartedly, friend. I agree television has caused SOME problems. But not as many as you listed. We come back to my favorite argument of "Where's mom and dad telling them to stop?" If television has caused any REAL harm, it's been corrected. Look at the "Cookie Monster" on "Sesame St." He's now the "Vegetable Monster" due to the increased obese children in the U.S.

What is TV not to blame for? A lot of things, Bush getting re-elected would be one.

Why are we so hooked on th box? This one I'll give you, people do get extremely "hooked" on TV. Because it's easier than reading.

Could YOU ever survive without it? I hardly ever watch TV (just ask anyone who tries to ask me about current TV shows).

So, yes, the media causes problems. But lets look at the root of the problem shall we. For one, people need to realize that for the most part, media exsists to sell itself and make money. Therefore, they're going to pick up the stories that they know will make people upset or curious.

But honestly, where would we be without the media and all the freedom that it has? We need the media, we just need to be smart about it.

I can live without television. The internet? Now, that's another thing.

Man, people are always looking for something to blame. Back in the day, rock music was to blame for kids' behavior. Heck, parents still blame music. Now we're on to the TV? Please. You know what's the downfall of our society? People constantly looking for the next scapegoat. People not taking responsibilty for their lives and their problems is a bigger issue than MTV.
You are what you are. If you're motivated, determined, and hardworking, then watching a few hours of television is not going to change that. If you're lazy and unmovtivated, watching television is not going to change that either.

TV is like smoking. Everyone knows its bad for us. We find out from tv news reports. Its always up to the person to better themselves, not the people complaining

Oh great, another media-attacking thread.
I can live without television. I don't see how a person can be so attached to a flarking box, or maybe it's just not worth looking at this subject in a deeper prospective.

Models on television didn't cause eating disorders, lack of confidence, low self-esteem and the need for control did. I don't see how television could cause obesity, heart disease, or diabetes... it's not like it's forcing the viewers to eat grease and sugar. Laziness was just made by a jobless and apathetic person who was bored out their mind.

A few people could probably survive without a television... but the economy might go to its downfall without the media. The media provides us with information around the world and across the nation. It gives us news and entertainment made from creativity. It inspired a lot of our ideas. I don't want to over-praise the media, but I also don't want to bash it for ridiculous reasons.

Okay this is a subject that I am half way for. the thing is that it does influence people. With the shows that you ahve mentioned.
But at the same time it is inspiring some people. Like the shows that I watch. So I guess that it comes down to the people. If they want to buy into that crap or actually watch something that is worth while.

But there are people that get too into tv. Which is bad too. Because that becomes thier life.

Thank you for raising that question.
A good one.

If I had to live without Spongebob Squarepants, would that be a life worth living? I think not.