Idiocy in a Box (?)

[Laindessiel]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?

What kind of programs do you tune in?



These are the thoughts that discombobulate my mind. I have perfectly good reasonings as to this topic but I'd like to know very much how you interpret what you see, what you hear and what you feel about "The Box".

:)

[SleepyWitch]

What kind of programs do you tune in?


I don't watch a lot of TV. I mainly watch news and documentaries.
I find most of today's entertainment programmes boring to say the least (especially stupid reality shows were stupid ugly losers get a platform and become famous celebs)
if i want to watch a film or a series I'll get it on DVD to watch it in English.
very occassionally i watch CSI (the origional) in German, though.

I'll have to think about your other questions some more.

[Pensive]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

Pleasure. Knowedge. Escapism.


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

Depends. Actually it is healthy. After having a crappy day, a comedy play on telivision can cheer you up.


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

Of course!


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

No, I don't think so.


Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?

A book can reshape/change a person's life, so can a person's few words. A song can affect a person as well. So why not telivision? As for the effects, I think that they can be both negative and positive. It actually depends on the person who is sitting in front of telivision, watching it.


What kind of programs do you tune in?

I don't watch telivision usually. I turn it on twice or thrice a month which is for quiz shows or songs. But when I was a little child, I will say that I was into TV dramas a lot. As I am growing old, I am losing my interest in it. I don't get time for it as well.

[Laindessiel]

Yes, take your time. I appreciate it. :)

[Laindessiel]

Great thoughts, Pense!

[Stanislaw]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

Control, and mindless, mass marketing.


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

I don't think its healthy.


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

well, I suppose it is...that is why I am addicted.:D


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

Very much so, it also a means for us to safely watch other humans suffering...that is why reality tv is so popular, before people were content to watch fake suffering.acting...now it has to be more and more real...we are the romans and the tv is the coliseum.


Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?

well, there can be an educational aspect to tv, but it depends on what the tv is beingused for and by whom...it is like the internet in a way


What kind of programs do you tune in?

time for some hippocracy laden answers:

-Stargate
-Star trek
-mythbusters
-great biker buildoff
-american choppers
-I used to watch csi (all of them) but not so much since the horatio-marisol revenge episodes
-call for help
-daily planet
-and if I have time I'll also watch shuriken school on sat morning...its a cartoon, I know.:p

[Jean-Baptiste]

I'm not allowed to watch tv anymore; I've been banned from the tv room. The others find it somewhat disruptive to their shows when I talk to the tv. Yes, I'm one of those. :D I try to keep it to myself, but the constant bombardment of inanities, lack of logical validity, and plain wrongness eventually gets to me and I find myself defending thoughtfulness and integrity to the little (I mean huge) box. I think it's awful, and I can't watch.

But I like cartoons! Perhaps I'm not mature enough for mainstream adult programming, like the 6 o'clock news.

[kilted exile]

If the TV didnt have sport on it I wouldnt have one.

[Shadowsarin]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

It is just another form of mass-media, like newpapers, cinemas, magezeens, radios etc

Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

Depends on the indervidual. Some people can watch for hours every night and be fine, others will become drawn in a lose sense of time/place. Just like with other forms of mass-media.

Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

Some programs, I guess. Not altogether into telly anymore, just watch the occational special, maybe South Park and a lot of movies, though I usually get them taped for me so I can watch when I get time.

Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

As much or as less as other forms of Mass-Media. However, if you disaprove of something on it, simply don't watch it. I have no love of censorship.

Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?

It has changed life, that is true. But once again, it is indervidual decision as to whether or not the change is good. The same, of course, could be said about all other Mass-Media over time.

What kind of programs do you tune in?

The occational special, South Park and a load of movies (Usually taped)

[Madhuri]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

Its useful when there is nothing else to do...


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

Mostly healthy, sometimes overdosed


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

It caters to all types of viewers. It depends on what you think is entertainment.


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

It is a good tool for everything - propogate violence or a good cause. Visual aid has a greater impact than print. It can be understood by all (those who can read/write and those who cant), it is an effective means, ofcourse.


Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?

I am not sure of this.


What kind of programs do you tune in?

I usually watch movies (HBO/Star/Zee) and Hindi movies too, or songs, or Discovery/NGE/History and sometimes Animal Planet, and some other random programs. Its not something that I watch everyday.

[AimusSage]

TV is a cultural wasteland, except for sports, but I watch that in a pub, so I have little need for a tv, but I have one just the same, so I can watch movies.

[Serenata]

TV just seems to be a waste of time.

Healthy? Somewhat.

Some shows are worth watching.

It seems like anything goes now. No one pays a lot of attention to content on TV anymore.

It's neither destroying or reshaping.

I watch dance shows, Grey's Anatomy, and House. Occasionally the Simpsons. I don't like watching the news. It's the same terrible news no matter which day.

[kathycf]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?
It depends. It is certainly a sedentary activity, but so is sitting and reading or being on a computer. Certainly too much TV and too little exercise is linked to an upswing in childhood obesity...at least here in the States. But adults can make good choices for themselves and for their children by limiting time watching TV and planning other activities.


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?
Sure, why not? I used to watch more TV before, but it is ok. Except for those horrid reality shows, the news, dumb shows with fake canned laughter, American Idol, and oh yes, those horrid reality shows. :sick: :p


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?
I will echo the sentiments of a few others and say TV is a media tool, just like newspapers or magazines. The only difference is it probably reaches more people.

Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?
People aren't puppets, one has to take responsibility for one's own life.

What kind of programs do you tune in?
Robot Chicken and Stargate. Sometimes The Simpsons and re-runs of X-Files, Seinfeld, Star Trek TNG and Star Trek DS9


I'm not allowed to watch tv anymore; I've been banned from the tv room. The others find it somewhat disruptive to their shows when I talk to the tv. Yes, I'm one of those. :D I try to keep it to myself, but the constant bombardment of inanities, lack of logical validity, and plain wrongness eventually gets to me and I find myself defending thoughtfulness and integrity to the little (I mean huge) box. I think it's awful, and I can't watch.

But I like cartoons! Perhaps I'm not mature enough for mainstream adult programming, like the 6 o'clock news.
Heh, too funny. I am just the same. Sometimes something strikes me as so wrong and so foolish that I can't stop yelling at the TV. :lol:

[Shalot]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

Some days I come home from work and sit in front of the TV to recharge and recover from the hellish day at office


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

Some is and some is not. There are a few good shows. Sometimes I like to come home from work and let the cable TV just wash over me --- it is the working person's savior sometimes. There is one person at my office who actually tapes soap operas and then goes home to watch the recorded shows -- to me that's just insane.


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

Sometimes - but not always.


Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?

Some children watch too much TV and then can't interact with people in a real way, but that behavior would just be a symptom of some other problem (if they didn't have television they might read too many comic books and then try to act like Batman at school for example...) I don't agree with those bumper stickers that say "Kill Your Television." However, some people do sit around and get "sucked in" to it all and their interactions with other people become imitations of what they've seen on a some stupid show. I've seen that and it is sad but it can't really be blamed on television.


What kind of programs do you tune in?
I like South Park and House and Criminal Minds.

I hate American Idol! Cancel it NOW!!!! Who actually watches that now?

I also like the History Channel.

Mainly I like movies. And if Hollywood wants to make a movie version of some piece of literature, think it's just fine. You can watch the movie to help you read the book so that you can pass the test :D




These are the thoughts that discombobulate my mind. I have perfectly good reasonings as to this topic but I'd like to know very much how you interpret what you see, what you hear and what you feel about "The Box".

:)

[TEND]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?
I think though there is a lot of empty useless air time on the broadcast waves like any medium there are going to be a few gems and a few well.... It's purpose is to entertain primarily, but it can also be used as a source of information and of learning.


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?
Well healthy in what sense? Too much of anything is bad for you, and of course what you're using it for, I watch TV quite often and I find nothing particularly wrong with it.


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?
Well, it really depends what you find entertaining. I find maybe 5% worth of television to be worth watching and even that is a generous estimate.


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?
No, as I stated any medium will have high and low points. Sadly the lows seem to be much more frequent, but there are some great opportunities unavailable without television.


Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?
Well, it certainly is perhaps not destroying but contributing to the destruction of many. Too many people sit and watch and watch, not for anything in particular, I know people who watch even when uninterested. Others though definitely can gain from it.


What kind of programs do you tune in?

I watch primarily movies on television TCM and Encore Avenue being my favorites, since they run non-stop movies with no commercials. A few favorite shows are 'Prison Break,' 'Frasier,' 'Cheers,' and recently I've began watching 'The Sopranos.' Sports also of course, nothing beats a few buddies and 'Hockey Night in Canada' on a Saturday night.

[Adudaewen]

I think that anything can be taken to excess. Sometimes I worry about my generation because it does seem like we have allowed tv and other technology to drive a spike into our relationships. I have a very good friend who I loved to hang out with. We could have the best time just sitting around and talking. But now I can't stand to go over to her house because all she does is click on that television and zone out. So I think it really depends on the person. As for TV being used to plug propoganda, of course it is. They would be foolish not to use it for mass media.
Having said that, I have a bit of a tv addiction. I only get one channel, but it's CBS so I get a lot of really good shows and that'll do for me. I watch Judge Judy, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, How I Met Your Mother, CSI(all 3), and Criminal Minds. I have Friends and X-Files on DVD and I watch them a fair bit. I spend most of my tv time watching movies however.

[Nightshade]

I could soo play devil advocate with these especially in view of what Im studying which reminds Im about to be late.

[B][COLOR="Navy"]What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?
well TV is supposed to prefore the function of social cohesion. bringing people together giing them a background etc, Imean think about in most 'western' houses Ive been to the TV is the centre feature of the living room.


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?
Well depends on who you are and how much you watch. I did a self test recently at uni and I came out as a media junkie, I like my tv ( but no as much as some) my radio ( alot) my internet, my newspapers and my mass publications ( books)


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?
sure why else are people watching it although you could say people are prograamed to watch tv nowadays I suppose. Reality tv stinks though why anyone would want to watch that Idont know.


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?
Noo it can minpulated as such but I dont think you can just generally say the TV is a tool of evil.


Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?
Both and neither. It does niether it is a tool, a platform if you will, its how people choose to use it/ revive from t that matters


What kind of programs do you tune in?

gosh humm will I get hit for this, well at the moment with my time so precious and lot media to get through, I tend to watch
Ugly Betty-( somthing new to our screens and a friend recommened it only 3rd episode yesterday not sure if I have the paticne to watch it all though, I dont like cringe comedy and I spent most of yesterday's episode peeking out from behind the partion of the kitchen /sitting area.
Desperate housewives-flat mates really into it as were my sisters and I dont know it gives me conversation starter at work on a saterday ( and the more the better )
Oh documetries I watched a really good one the other day about modern 'boys' literature and how its changed, changing and the levels of violence it includes. and that was actually useful too because moms ask how violent is this when they let there kids borrow the books and Im afraid Ive grown ou of the desire and I dont have the time to read series of 9or ten books aimed at 9-13 year old boys. I also saw one about britain's tornados that was quite disterbing actually. Well the truth is I was flicking between channels so stated watching the tornado thing halfway through then saw the thing about boys literature on another channel and watched that till it finished.

Films-- I dont actually usally get time to sit through a whole one, but I do enjoy the odd one.

DOctor Who of course all the episodes of thoses.

House ( but not all the episodes) and Im not sure if Ill watch that now Im not living at home, in our house this is the time where my mum, me and another sister occupy the room and yell out diganosis's in a race to see which one of us is right first we almost always get the right answer before house,but its good fun. My dad was home when it was on once and we had toss him out of the room he wouldnt stop grumbling about the inaccuricies and the ethicals codes and things.

And thats about it CSI dragged on forever and I got bored I occasinally watch the odd episode but not really, when I get back to manchestr on saterday NCSI is usually on while I cook so I have it on for background noise,
Star trek went to pices with voyager but the theme song for the new is great so if I know its on Ill switch over listen to the music and then turn it off. Actually deep space 9 wasnt so good either after the whole water turning guy falling inlove with the crooked noselady ( been about 5 years so I cant rember) .
Star gate dissapeared off our tvs:bawling: (
I like bbc dramatisations the shorter ones those things that go on for 13 weeks or so are too much of a commitment.
and I do watch the odd BBC series when its one, hustle, new tricks, waking the dead when I rember it starts at 9 rather than 10, silent witness the same, and I might watch that thing with alan davies if it ever came on again. Hummm QI is awfully good and fun.





and now Im late for class:rolleyes:

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Its purpose, its meaning?To provide something that attracts our attention long enough to also be able to convey the messages in the commercials, thereby making a profit.


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?That is entirely up to the viewer. Excessive use of just about anything is unhealthy. I also believe that the TV itself is but mildly unhealthy (We simply don't get enough exercise), but the "accessories" are absolutley lethal: Snacks... But once more, it is a question about the dosage. :lol:


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?That is a matter of opinion as well as choice. What one person considers entertaining, another may shy away from.
As an example, I for one am equipped with an exceedingly effective "Reality" soap filter: I simply will not watch that particular brand of cattle manure! It gives me a rash, and a bad one at that!


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion? It can be, if we let them make it so. Once again it's our choice.


Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?As previously indicated, it can be either. We must after all assume responsibility for our own actions. Nobody else will.


What kind of programs do you tune in??In no particular order (and definitely not limited to):


News
Documentaries
Wildlife
Tech & Science
History
Comedies


/Claes

[muhsin]

I now don't have much time to go over giving reply to this thread. But I'll soon make one because of you Lain, my real friend.
Hold on.

[Niamh]

I dont watch much tv. i dont find it entertaining one bit. tv's are only useful for watching movies via dvd as most programmes, especially reality tv programmes are a big pile of smelly socks! the only programme on tv i like is most haunted and i only get to watch that sometimes, because of work. hence why i've first 6 series on box set!

[EAP]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

err, entertainment? information?


Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

Well, that would depend on what you'd consider healthy for yourself.


Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

uh-huh.


Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

What?

[Woland]

What do think of television? Its purpose, its meaning?

Is it healthy for us or are we just overdosed?

Is T.V. entertainment still entertaining?

Is it a tool for good-for-nothings to propagate their violence and to promote acts that aren't adequate or appropriate for human ingestion?

Do you think it's helping people build and reshape their lives or do you think it's destroying them?

What kind of programs do you tune in?



These are the thoughts that discombobulate my mind. I have perfectly good reasonings as to this topic but I'd like to know very much how you interpret what you see, what you hear and what you feel about "The Box".

:)

I dont think it has a purpose

Probably more unhealthy than healthy

I dont like reality tv so a lot of it is no longer entertaining in any form

TV isnt necessary to propagate violence. It would act as a vehicle to get violence seen by more people, not to say that tv is intended for that function.

Probably destroying more lives than helping to build healthy ones.

The history of Jesus and Hitler channel, football

[Koa]

I don't have a TV here and even at home I hardly ever watch it. I watch the news and the Simpsons and another programme or two I'm into, and that's it. When people talk of tv celebrities, I never know what the heck they are talking about.
I think it's ok to relax in front of it, I happen to do that maybe once or twice a year (I mean, sitting there pointlessly and not watching a particular programme), or to have it as a background (that I do, actually, while I cook for example), but I don't feel too much of a need for it. I prefer to relax online, that is my drug and I'm not sure it's too healthy either, after a certain point.

The quality is generally really low, I think. When I was back home for Xmas I was shocked cos there was NOTHING even remotely interesting, because all the things worth watching are on satellite/pay-tv these days.

[Laindessiel]

Thanks a lot for your thoughts guys. People are divided as individuals, now I know. Different interpretations, different reactions. I agree with most of you that T.V. is not at all unhealthy, but when taken too much...well, too much of anything, just about anything (even if it's a good one) is unhealthy and therefore, unnecessary.

I tune in mostly to Discovery Channel, NGC, HBO, ETC, FTV - cable channels mostly. Doucumentaries are worthwhile too! There's a virus on local TV in which if you let yourself catch it, derangement is yours if you don't think. Filipino entertainment is dumb, I admit.

I'm amused that someone actually tunes in to, uh, I can say, no-brainer shows that only provide immense entertainment (Night ;)). I guess it depends on the person if one lets himself get destructed. I have nothing against reality shows at all. At all. It's just a form of typical entertainment for me. I say again, it's all in the person. ;)

[Shea]

Has anyone read the short story The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury? That was an interesting read.

Myself, we don't even have cable because we don't watch enough to justify paying for it. Like many of you, if I watch TV, it's usually movies. Though occasionally, I'll watch My Name is Earl only because I think is funny how some of the characters remind me of my dad.

We have our TV in one of those cabinets where you can shut the doors to hide it.

[Stanislaw]

Has anyone read the short story The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury? That was an interesting read.

Myself, we don't even have cable because we don't watch enough to justify paying for it. Like many of you, if I watch TV, it's usually movies. Though occasionally, I'll watch My Name is Earl only because I think is funny how some of the characters remind me of my dad.

We have our TV in one of those cabinets where you can shut the doors to hide it.

If you like my name is earl...ye should take a check at Corner Gas...:thumbs_up

[Shea]

If you like my name is earl...ye should take a check at Corner Gas...:thumbs_up

What's that?

[kilted exile]

Corner Gas is a poor Canadian "comedy" it may not be available where you are

[Shea]

Is it sort of set on a stage with a guy that wears a funny hat?

[kilted exile]

No I think you mean RED GREEN