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Document name: MEMO 03/19/1996 10:55:18.459
Subject: motives for TV watching?
Author: Greene, David
Class: MEMO
Document type: MESSAGE
Attached msg: sent once to jsl@csf.colorado.edu and was returned as
undeliverable - to a very strange address?
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I have been reading, reading, reading. Now a question.
Ive been cultivating, from the comments on the list about TV (and more),
an impression that television is not only a great source of bad, but
also an all-powerful influence. Funny though, in my house, we still
have to make at least a small motion to turn it on. Programing may
impose itself into my home, but I still turned it on of my own free
will, I think. My question is, if there is an abusive amount of TV
watching, why? What is the real reason so many have turned on the box?
I ask because if there is a reason, for example, dispair, helplessness,
frustration all leading to passivity and withdrawal, throwing the
TV away may have little effect. Unless we determine the motives, we
may miss the point and any chance along with that of making a
difference. I guess the old idea fits here of never taking something
away without putting something better in its place. If we
believe turning off the TV will simply lead to more community
participation, I think we will be disappointed. I don't believe
people watch TV out of lack of something better to do. Unfortunate
as it may be, something consuming so much time from so many must
be filling an important, even a desparate need. What is it and
how can it more effectively and constructively be satisfied?
Meanwhile, to those who feel it is an important move to make to
"just say no" to TV, make sure you let the programs and sponsors
know how much you did't watch and why. Remember, those advertisers are
a really responsive group. We believe reflective, interactive journals
are important, right?
David Greene
dgreen@nomvs.lsumc.edu
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