Towards the end of his book, Postman mentions that there are some nations that "limit by law the amount of hours that television may operate, and thereby mitigate the role that television plays in public life."
In the United States, this would probably, eventually, be considered a violation of freedom rights (like maybe the freedom for a person to watch whatever they want, whenever that person wants), but do you think that the people of the United States would at least consider it? Or at least do something inspired by this?
Another alternative may be a "TV Turnoff." Postman writes that there is no point in something like this because the people who participate would just go back to their old ways when it's over, but I think it could actually work. What do you think?
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This seems like a good idea but I do not think it would work. Our society is already too addicted to television and technology that we couldn't just stop cold turkey. It would take years and years and even then, I don't think we could eliminate it completely. I have noticed that children t.v. channels suck as Disney Channel and Nickelodeon has sponsored such "T.V. Turnoffs" and I haven't noticed much of a change. Maybe these t.v. channels are smart for targeting the children since children will believe and do just about anything. But then again, maybe they are just wasting their time.
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree with Charles, in my opinion, this idea would work with young kids. Older people are already addicted and used to having the television turned on. To tell you the truth, I do not think many people would even consider having a "t.v. turnoff". Like you said, they would demand justice and believe it is a violation of their rights. Technology is advancing too quickly; we would go back to our everyday routines eventually.
ReplyDeleteTV Turnoff is an actual event:
ReplyDeletehttp://unplugyourkids.com/turnoff-week/
Although both Yandy and Charles bring up good points, I believe that with enough encouragement and incentive, anyone can be brought to do anything. Government limitation and control on television would be an infringement and a serious threat to a booming industry in the US. For example, Postman wrote that a big export of the US was its television programs. However, if people were offered a more entertaining option, then television would fade into obscurity. This seems counter-intuitive, but if you want to change something, a sure fire way would be to offer more.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that a TV turn-off can work but I am very doubtful that it would. I agree with Charles that we have grown too accustomed to television that we will never stop watching it and i don't think that people will ever let hours of television to be limited, or even consider it. "Disney Channel" and "Nickelodeon" may sponsor these TV turn-offs but I think they know it wouldn't work because if it did, they will lose ratings.
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