A commentary on television

I love the Queen of Carrots' blog. She has an incredible voice, and her writings always leave me pondering something or rolling on the floor with laughter. Today, she posted on a book she's reading about television and its effects, Amusing Ourselves to Death. This particular post left me pondering and agreeing.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Thirty years ago I was roundly ostracized for NOT having a television; today, people treat me with respect for the same stand. I think that the public has come to realize what Bro. Branham knew from the beginning; but it's pretty clear that nothing will really be done about it. The same people that give me so much respect now for my stand can't seem to come to the conclusion that they would also be much better of without it. Most admit that they don't watch anything but the news and one or maybe two "special" programs. Even if that were true, if I understand the essential argument of this book, even these seemingly innocuous activities are corrupted in a very fundamental way.

But the battle for ideas and ideals doesn't really start or stop with the media. It really starts at home and at church. Only by a clear revelation of God's Word and a honest, sincere attitude can these voices lose the power of pursuasion. But perhaps the entertainment factor overwhelms most people's ability to be critical because we are such emotional creatures.

Looking back at TV programs in the 1950s is instructive in just how far we have drifted as a society; but those same innocuous programs in their day were pushing the edge of tolerance. Our willingness to accept the present level of decadence is the result of the same liberal forces working then that work today.

I don't believe that the television entertainment act will get cleaned up, ever. The standard for entertainment is what a minority of critics can tolerate; this has always been worse than what is actually good for society or what the majority believe. But this feeds self righteousness in people which brings a false sense of comfort. Given the nature of the medium, it doesn't appear to be capable of actually being good for society.

I too don't know that the internet is actually any better for society. But it does allow folks like me to comment on things which really isn't an option on TV. The internet has powered a tremendous resurgence in expression of thought by the common man. So far it has defied any and all attempts at subversion of that expression. And in so far as that goes, that's much better than the one-way street of television.
Thank you very much. You've got a cute little girl there! (And no doubt the new one is just as cute. ;-) )
Anonymous said…
Sharon , Have you heard that Br. Roy has been sick...Apparently his brain has shrunk some and he has had seizures...said he will have good days and bad days...Please keep him and Janice in your prayers. Love. Suzette
New Mommy said…
Sis. Suzette, Heather forwarded me an email that Carlton's wife sent to her, and we've been thinking and praying for Bro. Roy. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

P.S. The anonymous comment is from my Dad. Just for the record, I never felt deprived not having a tv growing up. As I became an adult, I came to realize that it was a privilege to have ideas independent of mainstream media and what others thought I "should" be thinking. Not being afraid of silence was another benefit :). I thank God for my parents having insight and heeding what our prophet said.