Television hurts my heart

Yacababy

I am watching tv, which lately I have not been doing as much because I am trying to avoid unwholesome nutriments. The more I watch the more I wonder why people degrade themselves to such a level. Women having "crawling" contests that just so happen to expose their cleavage. I would be offended if asked to take part in that. I am trying to look at this with a non judging lens. I just feel that the world has become so unwholesome

What ever happened to leaving something to the imagination? Or to cherishing our bodies? I don't mean to step on any toes in writing this and please understand these are only my opinions and I am not here to convince anyone ^_^ . I just feel like the world (commercialized areas mostly) is so objectified and overly sexed

Yacababy

Sorry hit post on accident. .... Sexed up. Oh I lost my train of thought. I don't know why I take offense to things that are not targeted towards me. Perhaps because at one time I was objectified. Needless to say I am reducing my tv watching further. I only really watch it now as a way to spend time with my parents. Any thoughts? Opinions? Thanks for listening
With love, Jen

Mountains

I stopped watching TV when I went back to school in 2001. I couldn't begin to afford the $40-$50 a month (back then) for cable TV, and where I was living there was almost no over the air reception. After a few months I got used to it, to the point that now I feel like an alien in my own culture. You quickly come to realize how caught up most people are in TV and all that appears on the screen. I don't even have a frame of reference for anything that originated after 2001. I do still partake of *very* selected things, but I have the luxury of watching them on DVD or streamed over the internet, so I don't have to deal with the commercials. That's what I miss the least. When I do see TV nowadays, it's the commercials I hate the most. I feel like I'm being assaulted verbally and visually, and being accosted intellectually by them.

It's quite healthy I think to simply turn it off and leave it off.

Yacababy

Yea I think I may. I donated my own personal tv that was in my bedroom. I will have to see if my parents want to spend time together in other ways. People have become so enveloped in so called reality tv when there is no amount of reality in it. I feel bad for them.... Not in a patronizing manner but genuinely. For my I really dislike not only the commercials (which I do agree with you wholeheartedly about the assault) but the way people pick on other people and make fun of others through television. Well anywho thanks for the input ^_^

fivebells

You might enjoy this essay.

Yacababy

Thanks Its quite long but I will have time to read in the morning ^_^ I will let you know what I think.

fivebells

Actually, sorry, I take it back, it's a bit different than the topic of your post. It deals with people entering into the world of the TV story more than with straight prurience.

Sabre

I have the same thing. I don't care about television, very rarely is there anything on it that teaches something or shows something of value.

I also used to watch it with my parents just for the sake of being together, and I kind of enjoyed that, until they bought a plasma screen the size of a snooker table which is so bright it just hurts my eyes

But I don't really care what people watch. They want to watch something, that's fine. But it is interesting to think about WHY they watch it. Women watch soaps maybe to see their life isn't that bad or because they like the problems of others? Man like to watch soccer so they can have something to talk about at work or have the feeling they achieved something when their teams win?

I don't know, but it is a funny human behavior this tube-gazing.

Yacababy

Haha it's okay five, it still looks interesting ^_^ and Sabre I do find myself often examine behavior and thought processes of others without meaning to. Though I can't really know the real reason unless I ask it's good food for thought. There is a walkway the crosses a river near my house maybe I can interest my family in walks.
I used to be glued to the tube but I am free!! Hehe ^_^

ShiftPlusOne

What about the danger of leaving things up to imagination? If you grow up in an environment where seeing cleavage (and such) is normal, you'll probably not even notice it. However, if you're brought up in an environment where you don't see much of the opposite sex, that can lead to a bad chain of thoughts and actions (curiosity->desire->craving->Bad Things™). If you look at rape statistics, you can see the effects of environment where things are left up to the imagination.

"Or to cherishing our bodies?"
How does exposure go against cherishing?

The problem is how it is presented. Sex, along with money, is presented as the ultimate goal in life.

Also, I am not trying to argue, just responding to your thought with my thoughts and wondering what your thoughts in return might be... I think it's called a 'discussion'. :rolleyes:

Yacababy

Ah you make valid points shift. I can't imagine how a person who has grown up in a bubble would react. Perhaps out of repressed sexuality... Kind of a stretch I know haha. I suppose part of the issue is I cut myself short. It's not only about cleavage it's more like you said about how it is presented.

I am also frustrated with the lack of wholesome programs for so called nerds like myself ^_^ if it's late at night the science channel and planet channel are swarmed with infomercials.

I guess by cherishing I mean we should respect our bodies and not use them as objects of lust. Once again to each his own I am not a judging person. I think the "sex" portion of my post just hits a raw nerve in my that literally causes anxiety and chest pains.

Also don't worry I am not the arguing.. Argueing? Type I prefer to just listen and absorb. And on that basis I thank you for your opinions. I do believe you are correct in calling it a discussions... I have also heard it called a conversation on a mission^_^

ShiftPlusOne

Ah, if wholesome programs is what you're after, then free to air and cable are not the best options. You can get all sorts of great stuff online.

Yacababy

As I have discovered in this forum. I also downloaded accesstoinsight which provides me with some good reading. However I will continue to watch The Office for it's light hearted humor and silliness

Malachy12

Just unplug. I did it because I'm cheap, and suddenly I had a positive opinion of the world. I noticed that the members of my family who are glued to fox, and reality t.v., well they tend to be pessimists. If you unplug then you can be choosy about what kind of entertainment you want to expose yourself to. I know people who are addicted to certain shows that they criticize, but like a train-wreck... they continue watching. If more people chose to turn off when they see something they don't like, then the producers of these types of shows might not crank them out all the time. However, don't lose hope because I see a shift occurring. Many people are choosing to watch entertainment through netflix, hulu, or other online sources. I personally started reading my news after I was burned out from witnessing logical fallacies and opponent bashing on most news outlets. I think others are doing the same. Maybe losing viewers will encourage more fairness and wholesomeness in the media.

Yacababy

We can only hope. I have been this "train wreck" watching and disapproving at the same time. But it really does burn you out all the bickering and negativity all the bashing and false adverising. It's good to have clarity on the subject Thanks for your opinion ^_^

Sabre

On the internet there are lots of Dhamma talks you can listen to. Some even have moving pictures for additional sense pleasure! :eek2:

Haven't found any cleavage (or mentioning thereof) in those, yet.

I particularly like Alan Watts:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2309502165382017424#

I don't know how much you know, but this is a very good introduction to Buddhism. (Zen)

But there's more if you just google 'dhamma talk'.

Enjoy yourself!

Kunga

My problem with television is that you become a consumer. I don't think all of tv is crap, only about 90% of it. But as for the other 10%, even that is unsatisfying because you are simply consuming other people's productivity and creative potential. I suspect there are some great editors/cameramen/actors who really enjoy creating stories. But I feel like for our own lives, consumption and production should be in equal balance, or even better, production should outweigh consumption. This isn't an option when we're watching tv.

(Reading a book, on the other hand, is a more balanced way as it requires imagination on your own part)

Yacababy

Thanks!! Be well

Yacababy

Exactly Kunga, there is so little art left on television. It's all products and shows developed to catch our eye and suck us in. I do enjoy watching IFC though

compassionate_warrior

Yacababy, they're having so many tawdry "reality" shows because they're cheap to produce. It's too expensive these days to produce sit-coms. And sex sells. (TV is about selling advertising.) I gave away my TV a couple of years ago, and have been much happier reading. I only miss good Public Television documentaries.

Yacababy

Yacababy, they're having so many tawdry "reality" shows because they're cheap to produce. It's too expensive these days to produce sit-coms. And sex sells. (TV is about selling advertising.) I gave away my TV a couple of years ago, and have been much happier reading. I only miss good Public Television documentaries.

I agree. It's cheaper to hire people off the streets to act crazily than It is to produce real quality entertainment with meaning and purpose. Only since beginning my studies into Buddhism have I realized this. I used to laugh at these people because I was ignorant. I still have much to learn but now I know I am not helping anyone by supporting these shows and I am doing my mentality harm.

compassionate_warrior

I know I am not helping anyone by supporting these shows and I am doing my mentality harm.

You got it, 'baby! It's a viewing market, so if you don't like the product, don't "buy" it. Feed your brain higher quality food.
Actually, I see this as one of many signs that the US is sliding into 3rd World status. In Sweden they not only have fantastic programming from all over Europe and the US (including Eastern Europe), the shows all have subtitles in Swedish. think about that. The reason the only imported shows Public Television in the US runs are Brit shows is that PBS can't afford to translate and add subtitles to foreign language shows. It's expensive. But Sweden can afford to run their two state-owned TV channels that way. They avoid violent and trashy shows. When I was there ages ago, they only had one cop show from the US (it was wildly popular). But look at our TV programming; it's either cheap reality shows or CSI and other cop shows every night.

OK, end of rant.

Yacababy

Haha it was a beautiful rant and i appreciate hearing from you

Vincenzi

there's good series and movies... but usually you have to download or rent them.

Yacababy

Yea I recently looked into Netflix but I really don't have extra money to spend. Books will more than suffice. Thanks Vincenzi

Paradox

I don't watch much tv as it is, but something that has put me off even more recently was the news coverage of the Japanese tsunami and the subsequent problems at Fukushima. I couldn't beleive the sensationalism and catastrophising that was going on. I was suprised the news readers could even keep a straight face it was so over-the-top. You would have thought it was the end of the world. Of course a few weeks later and there is barely a mention of Japan in news bulletins.

Yacababy

Of course they grab you in with over the top claims for are minute long story. There is never even any verification of the facts which I get but at the same time I need more convincing than just because the NEWS said so...I have notices many reporters are rather detached. I recall though not specific story, a reporter once laughing while reporting a tragedy. No empathy there.

Dakini

Yeah, it's terrible the way they use disasters to sensationalize and grab viewers' attention. The other thing that happens is propagandizing. I watched 9/11 commentary the first day or three right after it happened, on cable, where I could get standard news coverage as well as Canadian and Spanish language channels. The US news very quickly shifted from factual reporting to warmongering and patriotic statements about defense. Canada and the Spanish language channels stayed on top of analyzing data, giving reports of conditions on the ground, etc.

ewww--laughing while reporting a tragedy? As if it weren't real, just a Hollywood set.

The violence on TV desensitizes people to real violence (like laughing at tragedy... :shake: ) There's one of those cop shows that started about 10-15 yrs. ago a "Special Victims' Unit" series. The "Special Victims' Unit" was about a corps of cops trained to analyze and deal with rape cases. (These units actually exist.) So the show was (probably still is) about a rape/week for everyone's entertainment. Charming.

Yacababy, I'm afraid we may end up depressing each other with these complaints. Is there a way to bump the thread and get it on a more constructive track?

I collect inspiring videos to create my own TV programming.

osmosis

There have been studies showing a correlation between depression and ample time spent viewing though it's unclear which comes first, the depression or the tv.

I have had similar feelings, Yacababy. Television and beauty magazines in particular affect how women perceive themselves. Essentially much of it communicates that a woman's value lies in her appearance. This is incorrect.

Yacababy

Wow... I didn't know thats what SVU was about. I can't watch rape. I can't even listen to it in a movie.
It's a shame that other countries cover US news better than the US does. No wonder everyone is so clouded and ignorant. Its not like the tv is shouting "GET OUT THERE AND DISCOVER THE TRUTH!!!! DONT LISTEN TO ME!" heh... If only

compassionate_warrior

TV programming could be SO AMAZING! But then...so could life, if ego and ignorance were eliminated. Humans have the capacity to create heaven on earth, but look what they're doing instead. Same with TV. Instead of inspiring, enlightening stuff--trash. Oh, and how could I forget--advertising.

Vincenzi

(...)
Yacababy, I'm afraid we may end up depressing each other with these complaints. Is there a way to bump the thread and get it on a more constructive track?

I collect inspiring videos to create my own TV programming.

We can propose alternatives to traditional TV.

Basically, it is better when the customer choses the content.

Malachy12

@Yacababy
You might be interested in the works of Jean Kilbourne. I sent my little sister this video when she was talking about getting a nose job. (I haven't changed her mind :grumble: ).
After this video I noticed Jean Kilbourne was in my writing class book, and her name is always popping up since. She has written extensively on the ties between media objectification of women, and the effect they have on women's self esteem. Or you could watch her lectures, she's humorous.

Malachy12

tarnation... if you search the link on youtube it's titled Killing Us Softly 4

hermitwin

TV shows what people like to watch.

Take the internet, some of the most popular websites are on
porn & gambling.

shanyin

I think the fact that people like to watch it is also bothering the OP.

ShiftPlusOne

Malachy, that's not a good video to convince anyone of anything, I think. 'course I agree with what she's saying, she just doesn't say it in a way that would get through to anyone who's not already a feminist.

ShiftPlusOne

hermitwin, not really, the top sites are search engines, sites like amazon, news sites, social networking sites and so on. Porn and gambling are barely even seen in the top 500. The internet is primarily used for information, shopping and to keep in touch with friends.

Malachy12

@ShiftPlusOne That could explain why my sister completely blew it off.

StaticToybox

I tuned out around six years ago when I finally dropped cable. Well, I didn't entirely drop it at first. I kept a basic cable package because the cable company was the only one in my (at the time) area to offer broadband internet, and having internet with cable (even just the most basic package) was cheaper than just having internet alone. These days however I don't have cable at all, nor do I have an antenna hooked up to my TV. I still keep a TV set however, for movies and games.I absolutely adore Netflix. I think the only thing I miss about having TV service is being able to watch baseball.

hermitwin

Shift, many people search for porn & gambling.

The latest health scare in korea is premature sexual maturity in
children who watch too much tv.
7 yr olds are developing breasts bcos long exposure to bright tv & lcd
inhibits a hormone that delays sexual maturity.
It was on kbs world last nite.

andyZ

In the UK every household that has a TV has to pay a TV licensee fee, around 230$ per year. For that you get 4 BBC cannels that don't show any advertisement, except for their own shows. But the most important thing is that you get very good quality non commercial TV. Some of the best nature and science documentaries I've seen on TV were BBC produced shows. They do have their share of "popular" shows too, but at least you have a choice. So not all TV is evil I don't think, however, that this kind of TV station would be possible in US, solely based on advertisement revenues.

hermitwin

That Old Feeling: Porn Again - TIME
"Pornography is big business," I wrote in the last column, "an industry that earns an estimated $57 billion worldwide annually —$20 billion just for adult movies.

The statistics are truly staggering. According to compiled numbers from respected news and research organizations, every second $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography. Every second 28,258 internet users are viewing pornography. In that same second 372 internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines. Every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is being created in the U.S.

Yacababy

Ah, of course I don't think all tv is evil. Well I don't think any of it is evil actually. Just very tacky in MOST cases. I love watching mythbusters and "how it's made," also those shows about the universe.
Who's a feminist? I hope ya don't mean me ^_^

Anywho thank you all for your relies. I think seeing this young women crawling to expose themselves just made me sad. I usually stick to the food network because I enjoy cooking but I think it has become less than worth it.

And Shanyin I wouldn't say it bothers me so much that others watch it.. Hmm I think it's just sad how ... You know what I think you are right, it does bother me though not in a way which makes me angry. It makes me sad for them. But I can only chose for myself not for others so I am quitting tv.

With oodles of love, Jen

StaticToybox

That Old Feeling: Porn Again - TIME
"Pornography is big business," I wrote in the last column, "an industry that earns an estimated $57 billion worldwide annually —$20 billion just for adult movies.

The statistics are truly staggering. According to compiled numbers from respected news and research organizations, every second $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography. Every second 28,258 internet users are viewing pornography. In that same second 372 internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines. Every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is being created in the U.S.

That all seems rather small compared to the enormity of the internet and the millions who are using it at any given moment.

fedaalis

My problem with television is that you become a consumer. I don't think all of tv is crap, only about 90% of it. But as for the other 10%, even that is unsatisfying because you are simply consuming other people's productivity and creative potential. I suspect there are some great editors/cameramen/actors who really enjoy creating stories. But I feel like for our own lives, consumption and production should be in equal balance, or even better, production should outweigh consumption. This isn't an option when we're watching tv.

(Reading a book, on the other hand, is a more balanced way as it requires imagination on your own part)

That's an interesting point you make, and an interesting perspective. I would like to find a creative outlet again. Used to draw when I was younger

DaltheJigsaw

Yea, T.V. is brutal!
Computers and the Internet as well.
I am working on cutting down, but it's addicting.
I watch only a few hours a week of TV and it's usually Sports/National Geographics/Discovery channel. Everything else is, too much to handle!
My brain feels overwhelmed when I watch T.V.

Yacababy

Yea, T.V. is brutal!
Computers and the Internet as well.
I am working on cutting down, but it's addicting.
I watch only a few hours a week of TV and it's usually Sports/National Geographics/Discovery channel. Everything else is, too much to handle!
My brain feels overwhelmed when I watch T.V.

Right? It can be totally addicting. It's a time filler. I don't NEED know why Jimbob got arrested but boy am I curious. I need to break that curiosity and become more curious of the world around me. And yes the discovery channel is usually pretty good. But the light from the tv often gives me migraines

DaltheJigsaw

Yea, T.V. is brutal!
Computers and the Internet as well.
I am working on cutting down, but it's addicting.
I watch only a few hours a week of TV and it's usually Sports/National Geographics/Discovery channel. Everything else is, too much to handle!
My brain feels overwhelmed when I watch T.V.

Right? It can be totally addicting. It's a time filler. I don't NEED know why Jimbob got arrested but boy am I curious. I need to break that curiosity and become more curious of the world around me. And yes the discovery channel is usually pretty good. But the light from the tv often gives me migraines

Lol!
Yea, jimbob is stuck like us, when we watch him:)
I guess we don't care enough about our own life that we need to look elsewhere....
Internal vision is more important than any other vision.

Yacababy

Well we can always start caring ^_^

Mountains

But as for the other 10%, even that is unsatisfying because you are simply consuming other people's productivity and creative potential.

I would have to disagree there. I'm no fan of most TV, but there is some good stuff to be plucked out here and there. Your argument makes appreciation of a beautiful painting, or watching a classic film, or listening to Mozart sound like you've become an unsatisfied consumer of other peoples' creativity. If creativity isn't for sharing, what's it for?