Violence On Television :: essays research papers

Violence on TelevisionSince its introduction, television has increased in popularity to suchan extent that the TV has become the electronic member of the family. The TVcan hypnotize us and lure us into worlds of fantasy and adventure as we escapefrom our worries and cares. It can also inform us and bring us up to date onthe latest news. The TV can be a teacher, a friend, and a source of spotledgeand information, or it can have a negative effect on our behavior. No matterwhat effect television has on a person, it is often possible to know someones supportstyle by observing the way he watches TV.When the television was first introduced, critics claimed that it wouldbe mind numbing, addictive, and utterly passive. These critics were describingthe stereotypical TV watcher, the fruitcake. As his name implies, this personslife revolves around watching television. TV is like a drug to him, and hecannot get enough of it. He epitomizes the couch potato and the teat in boobtube, and can of ten be described as intellectually empty, especially while he iswatching TV. The Addict lives hand to mouth from the potato scarper bag. He islazy and will often go for hours without moving from the television.If the Addict is not glued in front of the TV, he is most likely to befound paging through his latest issue of TV guide, carefully selecting the showswhich he will watch that week and marking them off with a highlighter. On anaverage day the Addict will come home from work or school, put off allresponsibilities, and escape into the world of TV. In this world, the Addicthas no demands or responsibilities. The TV becomes his only focus of attention,and all of his energy goes into staring at the TV. While watching one of hisfavorite shows, the Addict becomes altogether oblivious to the world around him.He will not answer his phone, talk to his family or friends, or do anything elsewhich may distract from his viewing pleasure. He lives to watch TV.Just as the Addict emerged with the invention of the TV, the Surferarose with the invention of the hostile control. When a Surfer sits down to watchtelevision, he first grabs the remote before anyone else can get to it. Heturns on the TV with the remote, and it does not leave his grasp until he isfinished watching. He is constantly changing the transmit and will pause on aparticular show only for a moment.