Whenever the mention of television comes up among educators, there are invariably those who denounce it as a waste of time. You can sound very educated simply by telling others you don’t watch TV. I call them TV snobs.
There’s a number of good discussions happening about this topic and all seem quite passionate. While I respect these opinions, I disagree. I’ve chimed in a bit but feel I need to make my own statement. It’s not the first time.
I’m trying to examine what folks have against TV. Here’s what I think the arguments are and why I dispute them:
- Quality of programming…too much crap. I might say the same thing about the internet, books or video games. Don’t buy that one.
- Captive audience, full of advertising. Ever heard of Google Ads? Perhaps less pervasive but there are ads everywhere. Magazines and newspapers do it as well. Not many anti-magazine readers out there or anti-newspaper readers. If we think that video games and books are pure, we could go to pay per view for all televsion. To me it’s just about a different economic model. They are all interested in a buck
- It’s a passive activity. Is watching youtube videos active? Why is reading seen as a such a highly cognitive activity? The brain may be processing information a bit more but it’s been proven that tv makes you smarter.
- Lack of user control. Admittedly this may be the most valid point. You can only watch what’s on now…limited selection. One word: TIVO. Most likely don’t use this regularly but most internet users have never heard of RSS either…but they will.
I don’t believe you have to watch tv or that if you don’t you’re missing out. You don’t need tv to be a well educated person. What television does best is tell good stories (movies, sit-coms, dramas) , showcase live events (news and sports) and inform (discovery channel, how to shows, etc….) You can get all these things in other formats but television provides a good format for this type of media.
I don’t do video games. Most of the games kids play in my opinion are too violent and are highly intellectual. But I certainly won’t be wearing the “I don’t play video games” badge.
The converge of media is not going to stop. Eventually we may not distinguish whether we are watching TV, viewing a webpage, playing a game or reading a book or the news. It’s already happening. It’s just information and entertainment in a various formats. My father-in-law downloads 12 newspapers everyday and takes them to the local coffee shop where he reads them off his laptop while the seniors spend $1.25 everyday to read one hard copy and get their hands full of ink. I could argue that those who dirty their hands on ink filled newspapers are making a bad choice, hurting the environment and themselves.
Sorry but to me it’s no different. It’s about format and choice. I wonder why we are so hung up on format? I like TV.
Image: Tesla on the Telly
[tags]television, tv, bad, media[/tags]
Now that’s not fair. I was merely stating my personal opinion that I don’t care for TV. That’s just my thing, that goes on here in my house. I don’t think I’m a snob! You know I love the Lord, Dean. I don’t begrudge anyone else the pleasure of a good program, I just personally cannot handle it. If I were to watch a few good shows I would become (ME) too concerned with what’s happening. For me, it’s better not to watch. Too dangerous for me. I don’t think it’s fair to call me a snob. This is just a personal conviction I feel like the Lord has given me for me and my family knowing our personalities and tendencies. I am sorry I ever posted this because it has caused too much of backlash when all I was doing is explaining my conviction. If I offended you, Dean, I beg your forgiveness.
“I do not watch television because I don’t like where my mind goes,” is a comment from one of the links. I like that…the second half of the statement. Remotes are useful in controlling where your mind goes. I find it relaxing to graze up and down the channels searching for something of value.”The Verdict” with Paula Todd on CTV Newsnet is one of my current favorites.
Hey Chris,
I still love you and please don’t apologize. I use the terms “snob” in a good natured teasing way. I have friends who have the same conviction and attitude as you do, some just wear it with honor and vibrato.
I’m just arguing that TV is no different than other forms of media. But I could be wrong.
You know Dean, so far I’ve been called a hypocrite and a now a snob (in a good natured teasing way). You are right, tv is no different than other media and I choose not to use that media. But because I make this choice, somehow I’m a hypocrite according to Dan
“# As teachers, whether we read blogs or read books or watch t.v. or listen to music or not, we can help students sort through a given medium’s good & bad. (Reading and watching and listening tends to help, though.)
# But we cannot do that — truly we cannot engage our students in a discussion of why a particular show is worth our time or whether we are spending too much time engaged by a particular medium — if, in the backs of our heads, we’re muttering to ourselves, “T.V. is just wrecking these kids,” if we don’t share their curiosity or their tuning to the potential of things. Really we can’t. That kind of disgenuousness is blatant and hypocrisy reeks.”
So, I believe that gaming is educationally valueable. Why? I play games. I fully understand that learning does take place while gaming and we should seriously look at gaming as an integral part of education. However, I don’t think you have to game to see that, with the right development, games could be successful in education. Just as you don’t have to own property in SL to see that there are possibilities in 3D worlds or be a Twitter users to see that there is definitely a good use of this in education other than small talk or… Now, I do all these plus a few hundred other things with web2.0 tools yet I’m branded as a hypocrite and now a snob (in a good natured teashing way) because I state my convictions like you do? I don’t call people who watch hours of tv anyhing. And why a badge of honour? I see it as a right just as you have the right to watch and proclaim the wonders of television. “sigh’ – watch tv, read newspapers on the laptop or from print or books or don’t read books, read magazines. But don’t tell me I can’t have an informed opinion about tv because I don’t watch it and I no more a snob than anyone else – time is not infinite so one must pick how they use their time – that doesn’t make one a snob – it makes us human.
I think I need to apologize for using the term “snobs”. My definition of snob is feeling proud of abstaining from a practice or product. Not sure it’s entirely a negative term but I can see why it comes across that way. Certainly including it in the title reeks of sensationalism but it does tend to get the readers in but likely isn’t the real message of my post.
Dean, you must be one of the only people who uses that definition. After asking many people today what they thought of when they heard the title “tv snobs” not one was positive. NOT ONE. Even the smartest person I know couldn’t see how it could be taken positive in light of the negative usage that has been given to the term through media, especially tv. Somehow, the lifestyle choice I have made not only makes me a snob but, according to Dan, “it’s offered up a nifty personality test for teachers. From my vantage point, this thing really defines you.” And, it gets better. According to Dan, “please check out Dean’s, which is absolutely on point with this one)” So, you two are on the same wave-length. He then goes on to add “As teachers, whether we read blogs or read books or watch t.v. or listen to music or not, we can help students sort through a given medium’s good & bad. (Reading and watching and listening tends to help, though.)” which really isn’t that bad until his next statement “But we cannot do that — truly we cannot engage our students in a discussion of why a particular show is worth our time or whether we are spending too much time engaged by a particular medium — if, in the backs of our heads, we’re muttering to ourselves, “T.V. is just wrecking these kids,” if we don’t share their curiosity or their tuning to the potential of things. Really we can’t. That kind of disgenuousness is blatant and hypocrisy reeks.” So, let’s change T.V. to drugs or any other great social product that we would like to discuss. OR better yet, let’s put in bullying, rape, sexual harrassment and a raft of other incredibly terrible experiences and go with the idea “That kind of disgenuousness is blatant and hypocrisy reeks”. Now, you at least admit that the title “reeks of sensationalism but it does tend to get the readers in but likely isn’t the real message of my post.” and by giving it that title, you draw readers to get your point of view all the while having the idea that “tv snobs” are those of us who choose a bit differently. Why don’t you try that with homosexuality and then plead the teasing. Or maybe try it with a particular ethnic race or cultrue or language? You see, Dean, lifestyle choices are not done casually or without an idea of being “not normal”. So, I’ve listened to I don’t know how many comments about having 7 children – some people even have suggested that my wife and I can’t be very smart “You know smart people know how to stop that!” No one really means it of course. Well, I think you and Dan need to reflect a bit on what exactly you are doing. Both of you seem to be under the misinformation that I can’t be a true professional if, after I hear all the “pros” for tv and how it makes you smarter, stronger and more able to discuss life with your students, I still don’t break and give in. Oh, I take this very personally. As a principal, I’d be talking with both you and Dan about the right of people to have their own opinions and to be able to defend those positions without ridicule. The whole Charter of Rights thing. Great idea for grade 8 social. But please, try the title with something else far more controversial and make your stand.
Having said all this, I still think you are a great person. It has been my experience that I cannot hold this or it will destroy me. So, I’ve spoken my peace and expressed myself regarding this. I still respect your ideas and opinions and will continue to look to you for great ideas, advice and insights.
Again, Kelly my apologies. I can see that I’ve really offended you here and it certainly wasn’t’ my intention to offend but rather defend but in doing so I can see why you’ve feel slighted.
To be clear: I still stand by my belief about tv and media being basically all the same. I believe watching tv or spending time online are choice that some people choose not to do and that’s okay. I’m not sure equated tv to drugs, bullying or rape is a fair comparison but I’ll leave that one alone. But just as you would likely challenge someone who says video games are not part of their lifestyle, that’s what I’m doing. I simply trying to dispel a myth that TV is bad.
I’m not even speaking particularly to you because I respect your choice and from what I’ve read of your view, it’s not that you think it’s bad. But many do. Many view TV as destroying our kids minds just as they view video games doing the same thing and my point is that it’s about choice and not to blame the medium. These are the snobs. Those that think all TV is bad and they proudly brag to others about how “enlighten” they are because they do not succumb to the level of TV watching but spend time reading great literature. I have met people who when you admit you watch “Survivor” they look at you like you must only have a grade 8 education. These are the ones I’m addressing. I’m challenging that attitude.
I would have much more respect for someone who writes that they limit TV viewing to certain shows or times. That to me is the ideal viewpoint. I can’t even say that I do that but that’s what we ought to strive for in my opinion. I don’t think I said you can’t be a professional but I would argue that just like video games, you can’t dismiss tv. I already said, I don’t play video games but don’t go around telling those that do that it’s bad. Like you choose not to watch tv, I choose not to play video games.
Part of me thinks I should retract this post but I’m hoping that those offended would read and understand my intent is not offend but defend. This certainly wouldn’t be the first time I’ve offended someone unintentionally. Perhaps my choice of words is what this is about. I’m guessing that you and I might actually agree more than it appears. This also illustrates the challenge of this form of communication.
Thanks for challenging me and helping me to clarify and hopefully better explain my own thinking.
No, I wouldn’t retract it. Kelly’s obviously dealing with some issues. BTW, another good show is “Traveler”. It’s like “The Fugitive” and Bruce Greenwood’s “Nowhere Man”. Excellent escapism. Anyone seen “Evan Almighty”? James Dobson’s reviewers at Focus on the Family gave it mild raves, but he himself panned it.
My turn to apologize. “Kelly’s obviously dealing with some issues.” That wasn’t called for. Actually, Kelly, it’s ME that’s dealing with some issues. What’s right for me to watch and not watch. Your response to Dean’s post has given me cause to reflect. Thanks.
Well, there’s a lot of apolgizing that is going on. Dean, I’m sorry for carrying on. You get it. In fact, I know that both of us are on exactly the same page as we’ve had discussions like this before. Unfortunately, I came here after reading Dan’s second post about tv and you ended up taking a bit more heat than was necessary. I know that you stand by your belief of tv being good and I wont’ disagree. There is a place for it just as there is a place for many of the things that people do. What continues to nag at me is Dan’s suggestion that by not watching, I’m somehow compromising my professionalism. Now, I don’t know if you been over to the post and really, at this point, that’s not the point. What is the point is that you have demonstrated great understanding. I don’t want you to pull the post because your message is exactly true – tv is not bad or evil. Viewing it is not bad or evil. It can be an escape or be informative, depending on how you choose. However, by not choosing to view tv, a person is no more incapable of discussing the merits of tv than if they discuss the merits of the tabloids and their stories. I’ve never really read one but I don’t consider what them journalism. If my edublogs ever gets going, you can expect my public apology for the last rant. And Jim, I do have issues. I have issues just as a couple who decides not to have children has issues with people who make unneeded comments on their “selfishness”. I have issues with people who make comments about “Those Indians, Jews, or whatever.” And, just to demonstrate that one can have a belief different from what one does in school, I question my students attitudes and beliefs about the Church during the Middle Ages and in today’s society because it is my job to push them to think outside of themselves. Believe me, I’m not perfect, as can been clearly seen in what has happened here. I end by thanking you, Dean, for understanding and I hope that I have cleared up my response just a bit. Jim, we all have issues. We all need to work through things. Like Dean, you have demonstrated a deep understanding of personal relations. It takes a very intelligent person to reflect on what they have said and a humble one to say what you said. Thank you to both.
Pingback: dy/dan » Blog Archive » Shoot The Messenger Not The Medium
Pingback: The Honeymoon’s over | Ideas and Thoughts