The Commercialism of Television

             To look into the mind of a television addict, we must look at the big picture... First we recognize the voluntary slavery that makes up the majority of modern life. A I see it, people get up early, put on work clothes, and "work like machines for the rest of the day" getting no satisfaction from their repetitive day-jobs. Then come home around seven o'clock to their families who have already had dinner, and the kids already getting in bed. By that time there is almost no room left for quality family time or anything else to pursue that's worthwhile. Thus the person turns to the television for that instant dose of friendship and gratification that could not be found anywhere else during his or her day.
             Once the person gets comfy on the lazy-boy, he becomes quickly stimulated and amazed by the intense sound and picture of thirty frames per second, and suddenly forgets thinking about the real world. Notice how some people become extremely annoyed when you talk to them or distract them when they are watching a program, or even a commercial. And might even yell at you for walking in front of the TV. As the hours of straight zombie-like watching go by, the person slips further into the fantasy world of television, and with you breaking that link between them and the tube comes as a shock to them. Someone can be so engulfed that it becomes a regular part of his/her daily routine.
             As a result of a lot of watching TV, studies have shown that the heart rate, and blink rate have slowed down dramatically and muscular function decreased down to the snap of a finger on the remote or the lift of a drink. The stimulation of the picture and sound shift so rapidly that they must become completely relaxed to soak it all up. Television is like an addiction, and like any addictive substance a moral message lies behind it... The advertising and the programs are only they're to keep the viewer coming back for more. But...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
The Commercialism of Television. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 19:12, April 24, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/50195.html