The Commercialism of Television

To look into the mind of a television addict, we must look at the big picture... First we recognize the voluntary slavery that makes up the majority of modern life. A I see it, people get up early, put on work clothes, and "work like machines for the rest of the day" getting no satisfaction from their repetitive day-jobs. Then come home around seven o'clock to their families who have already had dinner, and the kids already getting in bed. By that time there is almost no room left for quality family time or anything else to pursue that's worthwhile. Thus the person turns to the television for that instant dose of friendship and gratification that could not be found anywhere else during his or her day.

Once the person gets comfy on the lazy-boy, he becomes quickly stimulated and amazed by the intense sound and picture of thirty frames per second, and suddenly forgets thinking about the real world. Notice how some people become extremely annoyed when you talk to them or distract them when they are watching a program, or even a commercial. And might even yell at you for walking in front of the TV. As the hours of straight zombie-like watching go by, the person slips further into the fantasy w

3) William Barlow Split Image, african americans in the mass media

I am amazed that very few people have noticed the change in content on television. For example: sex and violence. In addition I notice how the messages that commercials send are so blatant and up front, "Look, you are worth diddly scum unless you buy (lots of) this product."-Thomas Morressey, and I share his exact views. But, half the western culture has already been exposed to too much advertisement to step back from it all and say, "why am I watching this? What is the purpose?" We as Americans have been TOLD from day one to consume and be a part of the "the more you buy, the better your life will be" type mindset. And that life just isn't perfect with that jeep Cherokee and Mr. Clean floor wax. It is called "rampant consumerism", a condition where needs are socially defined, and luxuries become necessities. We build suburban neighborhoods designed around cars so we can fill it with more stuff and become in debt all because someone told us that we cant live without that red 2000 Honda Accord. Statistics have proven that Americans represent only four percent of the global population, yet we burn of a quarter of the world's resources, and produce half its inorganic wastes. Television is where one must look to blame for this chaos. As it is the obvious driving force. With that in mind, how can it be possible for people to see past these views long enough before they realize what impact the media has on them, if they ever do, let them decide for themselves. In other words, how much TV must we watch before we realize what it is doing to us as people, and as a society. As you think about this, and wonder how we can change it all, obviously it is going to have to be a grass-roots effort. And since the message wont come to you through the TV or the government (since they fund some of it), it will only come from friends, and from other people showing the Tv-aholik that there is another way to live. Something like "hey come with me, I can be a real friend to you, make you laugh, and share the world together. The light bulb of the soul switches off as we switch on the TV. And I b