by Jason Lusk

Created on: July 21, 2008

Since its invention a few decades ago, it has become commonplace to find a television in every home. Daily viewing has also become commonplace. And while it can be a useful tool, it's usually used as an excuse to be lazy.

In commercial terms, television's role is the same as that of any concept that gets produced, marketed and sold. We're supposed to buy it and enjoy it. Yet, I've found little over the broadcast waves to enjoy. Most of it seems silly and sophomoric, and this can turn a healthy intellect into mush.

People seemed shocked because I don't know anything about popular TV shows. But the television asks me to do nothing; all one must do is stare at it. Such activity, over time, works as a counter to maintaining a healthy mind (and a healthy body, too).

Nowadays, we have people of all ages (not just kids) staring a screen all day, be it the computer or the TV. Is it any wonder why so many of us have bad eyes? (My vision went bad early, but I was watching a lot of television in my younger years, and I'm sure it played a role.) Most of them eat while watching the tube. So I don't see why the rise in obesity should surprise anyone.

I do own a television, and I do use it for some things. I enjoy historical documentaries and natural television, among other select programs. That said, I'm likely to go for weeks without turning it on.

My friends watch television when they get bored, or because it's too quiet and they need some noise. Other people I know turn it on because they're lonely and they want to hear someone talking.

Boredom, though, is for boring minds. If I feel bored, I try something creative like writing or I play a strategy game, such as Chess. If I need noise, I play music. If I'm lonely, well, I deal with it. The TV is a cold companion.

It is also a great liar. Most of us know how the media works to influence everyone, and that's another cause for concern. The television showers us with images of an upper middle-class society that, for most people, exists only in fantasy.

The TV tells us how we should look, how we should dress, what we can say (what's politically correct or incorrect)...it basically tells us how we're supposed to live our lives. In that sense, it takes away individuality.

I love movies. But I don't watch them out of boredom or for any other lackluster reason. I watch them for story; if a film is based on a book, I read the book and then check out the movie to see how the screenwriters adapted it.

Ultimately, while it can be useful, the television amounts to a talking picture with people yakking about things that have nothing to do with me or my life. Mostly, it's an annoyance.

Few things are more annoying than the yakking of a television roaring through the house when you're in the middle of a good book. And few things are more disrespectful than pouring your heart out to someone who keeps looking at the screen, once in a while nodding to you.

My advice to anyone who wants a healthy mind and a healthy body is simple. Turn the thing off, read a book, and go for a walk. Besides, turning the television off and finding other, more healthy things to do can help save on energy.

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