flexagon: (Default)
flexagon ([personal profile] flexagon) wrote2005-08-13 02:42 pm

More about television

Huh. It feels weird, weird, weird to be thinking about television again. I go for a few months between discussions and I always forget a few things... I forget how common the choice to own a television really is, and I forget how surprised people often are to be reminded that it is a choice, with a lot of arguments on the less popular side. I also forget just how fast I get branded as anti-TV, when the truth is that I seem to respect the medium more than most people (I just prefer to acknowledge that it is powerful and should be treated with care -- and yes, I do think that many things that are broadcast are of lower quality than could be asked for). I admit that last one makes me bitter and makes my head hurt. I'm not anti-TV, goddamnit, I don't disrespect your choice as long as you've thought it through, and I don't want to take your TV away.

It is true that a lot of people watch more TV than I can imagine being a valid, rational decision. Some studies say that the average American spends ~4 hours/day watching it, and I admit it's very hard to think that's a result of those people sitting down and really thinking what does this cost me? and how does it benefit me? how do I really feel during and after it? okay, as a result of those answers I think it would be best for me to spend 4 hours a day like this.

After noticing that a post about TV-B-Gone aroused basically NO discussion on [livejournal.com profile] televisionfree, I've gone ahead and created [livejournal.com profile] tv_thought, a place where anyone who's interested in the issue of television in our lives can discuss it. Do me a favor, and if you think I'm crazy or you think I'm right-on, join up! I'm sure it will be low traffic. And there's already a post there where you can comment to tell me your reasons for owning a TV... which I'd actually like to know, by the way. I haven't encountered many arguments in favor of TV ownership.

[livejournal.com profile] jg26, I'm counting on you for those thoughts you mentioned on how you want to limit/eliminate TV in your life... what are your reasons?

Comments blocked because I want you to respond on [livejournal.com profile] tv_thought and I'm in shameless-plug mode right now. :)

P.S. The good news is that I'll never talk about this on my own journal again, so if you hate this issue, you've now seen the last of it.