Why TV?

In reading through the article “Is Television Harmful for Children?” I was able to draw many conclusions as to the effect (both positive and negative) that TV has on it’s viewers. The author describes many situations in which a TV program can negatively impact a child. I found myself agreeing with many of the points raised related to the negative impacts. TV has become a mainstay in a home. While reading through the article I couldn’t help but think of the movie “The Cable Guy”, starring Jim Carrey. In this movie, the television is dubbed “the babysitter”. When Chip’s (Jim Carrey’s character) mother would leave, she would leave him with the “babysitter”, placing him in front of the television for hours at a time. For those of you who have watched the movie, you will know what this does to Jim Carrey’s character as an adult; basically, he becomes quite socially stunted. Although the movie portrays the negative effects of television in an extreme fashion, I believe the overall concept is true. The time spent in front of a televisions is simply time that could be spent doing other activities that may lend themselves to a more positive outcome. I can remember when I was younger how I simply did not care about TV. I was much happier being outside wearing off some energy. Children in this generation often have to be coaxed into doing these other activities. As the article mentions, TV is the competition for all other activities. In other words, I could play outside; however, would this be as satisfying as watching the newest episode of Family Guy? Although the second part of the article in which the negative effects of television are criticized raises some interesting points, I still believe that the volume of television being consumed by this generations youth needs to be looked into. Is TV related to childhood obesity, violence or bullying? Article two states there may be a connection, however it is often the job of the parents, as well as us as teachers to foster an environment in which these types of situations are recognized as scripted and far from how “the real world” operates.