Influence Of Television Essay, Research Paper
Television is a form of media that
has great ability to influence and brainwash the viewing public.
The talking box in one?s living room has assumed the overpowering role
it plays today as a result of the weakness of society. This may seem
like a negative view but a society?s strength is based on the relationships
between people and when so much time is spent away from others and together
with the media, the actions that take place are often times a reflection
of what television presents. In President Clinton?s speech, he brings
forth this very point and he acknowledges the family?s increasing weakness
and calls on all people to bring back the values of the past and stop the
media from playing such a huge role in our community. The overwhelming
influence of the media is a constant threat to the maintenance of traditional
family values and to the protection of our children?s future. Nevertheless,
television cannot be changed for it is too big and powerful but compromises
can be made that can strengthen society and help keep certain values protected.
Over the past decades, people have
less and less time in their hands due to careers, divorces and the constant
struggle for success. This unfortunately, is resulting in parents
spending less time with their children, which is an important responsibility
that no one or nothing can replace. President Clinton said, ?television?
may be the third parent, but it can?t be the first or the second?(Clinton,
p.173). The focus on ?parental responsibility?(Clinton, p.174) is what
is important and parents must ensure that their children are raised in
a controlled and safe environment. The media has ?more access? to
children?(Clinton, p.172) then ever before, and it can develop certain
bad habits, patterns and subconscious actions if the individual is too
weak to fight its affect. Therefore, parents must spend more time
with their children, otherwise, the old values will slowly slip away and
new ones, established by television, will take their place for good.
Television has incredible power.
In a society where money signifies success and influence, television has
taken its place among the most prosperous of businesses. Television
cannot be attacked because it can and has successfully stood up to all
sorts of challenges. The solution of changing its role in society
lies within man himself. Television, despite many negative aspects,
has much to offer. It is a great tool for learning, communication
and for information. Attacking television may deprive us of such
benefits therefore this trend must be approached with ?more conversation
and less combat?(Clinton, p.173). Instead of criticizing, we should look
for alternatives that, in the long run, will benefit society. Just as televisions?
bad influence has settled in slowly in our community, it can slowly be
filtered out with time, patience and most importantly with everyone?s cooperation.
We, society, are responsible for
making television a threat to traditional values and future generations.
It is our duty, as a population, to work together to steer away from the
tube to the values that will strengthen society. Step by step, this
can be done and the future will get brighter in the long run.