I have the television on this morning in order to catch Heather Armstrong as she appears on the Today Show. Already, they are interviewing fans who are lined up outside to greet her, and she may not be on for an hour. Until she comes on, it’s background noise I never hear at this time of day.
The television has always been a source of discussion with Ass Burger Boy and myself. No, we don’t usually discuss the actual programs, but rather, the insidious branding and subliminal messages of programs and advertising.
It used to be said that religion is the opiate of the masses. I think I liked it better when that was true. At least religion was trying to instill some values, albeit along with a whopping dose of guilt and fear.
When you were impressionable, did you think to question the veracity of something if it was on television? Or in the newspapers? Unless you have dialogues with your children about it, I doubt that they do either.
I have become alarmed especially at how corporations are selling their products in commercials. The message is that their product is so good, that you should go to ridiculous extremes of bad behaviour to ensure that you have it.
Call me alarmist, (I don’t really care) but I see this trend in commercials as a concerted effort to erode the mores of our youth by encouraging bad behaviour.
And really, what is THIS promoting?
Why? What possible purpose is being served here?
I’m not sure why, but it scares the ever-lovin’ bejabbers out of me. Because I do believe there is a purpose.
Parents? Please discuss with your children the deep influence that television has upon them. Keep your eyes open to the messages that are being broadcast. They are being trained as good little consumers, willing to do nasty things to obtain the “must-have” latest new thing.
The greatest gift you can give your children is your time with them. Please use it to ensure that they don’t blindly accept everything they are exposed to.
I’ll step off my soapbox now. I really hope I’m preaching to the choir.
