tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9465643.post111414836915188250..comments2023-10-11T05:16:36.857-07:00Comments on CHILD OF TELEVISION: Algebra, Role Models and Fictional Characters. (Click PODCAST)Tony Figueroahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02277491059818528829noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9465643.post-1114479372590076212005-04-25T18:36:00.000-07:002005-04-25T18:36:00.000-07:00First of all, some people probably spend far too m...First of all, some people probably spend far too much time watching TV and pondering its impact on the general populace. (THey could be trolling internet forums and posting comments instead!) <BR/><BR/>Non-fiction TV is often an escape for viewers, as such letthe writers put in whatever they and the audience watch. I love the Shiled, but I sure wouldn't want to live or work in that precinct.<BR/><BR/>As for any role-modeling TV might provide, I watch what my kids watch and then decide what is appropriate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9465643.post-1114276958377358292005-04-23T10:22:00.000-07:002005-04-23T10:22:00.000-07:00My example of a bad role model would be Mark McGwi...My example of a bad role model would be Mark McGwire. Could anyone honestly point him out to their kids and say "do you want to grow up to be like him". Every boy would whether you were saying it as a possitive or a negative. The guy got rich from playing a game, an who cares about the steroids with all their health impacts, the cheating at a game you supposedly love, not to mention all the crap that goes along with just being a ball player. But then I'll bet kids wanted to be like Lyle Alzado even when he was dying of steroid related cancer.Brent McKeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14883838112004433045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9465643.post-1114197526772682562005-04-22T12:18:00.000-07:002005-04-22T12:18:00.000-07:00Tony--Right-on as always! This notion that someho...Tony--<BR/><BR/>Right-on as always! This notion that somehow all characters on TV need to be some sort of role model is nothing short of sheer, unadulterated idiocy. Period. No exceptions. Before there was TV were these same people complaining about the evil influence of bad people on the radio? And before that, PLAYS? BOOKS???? <BR/><BR/>Doesn't this sound moronic now in comparison? "That Bill Sykes in 'Oliver Twist' is a terrible influence on our nation's youth!" There is no difference: popular, mass culture outlets where stories of fictional characters are on display for (and I can't stress this enough) **entertainment** purposes. <BR/><BR/>I like "South Park" but I'm not really a fan, per se. However, I think the creators of that show made a truly pithy comment on this subject, to the effect of "the problem in America is that people let the television be a babysitter for their children." This is exactly what's really at issue as far as I'm concerned: personal freakin' resposibility (ironic, considering the same side of the political fence loves bringing this up as a reason why there should be fewer restrictions in government). Turn the TV OFF if you don't like the programming? You want to change what's on TV? Hit the networks where it counts: DON'T WATCH IT! Don't buy their sponsors products. Watch the competition. And once more for effect: TURN IT OFF. Or go rent Tom and Jerry cartoons from the '70s (indeed!).<BR/><BR/>Here's an idea: read "Oliver Twist" instead. Or is Bill Sykes too scary?<BR/><BR/>--R TatumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com