by Brian Rummel

Created on: March 02, 2010

I will admit that there’s an endless list of terrible shows on TV. I’m talking about shows that provide their viewers with nothing more than exploitive thrills at other people’s expense. The endless parade of “Reality TV Programs” is the perfect example of this point, these shows offer next to nothing in the way of family entertainment, or any moral value.

Now I’m no prude that’s for sure, but I choose not to partake in these types of shows. They don’t interest me, not in the least. If they’re your type of entertainment that’s good for you, I mean I have friends that watch these kinds of shows, and that’s all fine and good. This is a free country after all.

So far I think you’d be under the impression that I think TV is responsible for our societies problems, but I must disagree with you. I don’t believe that TV is the problem with our society. Sure there’s tons of programs that are not very good for our children, teenagers, and even some of our adults, but we can’t blame our problems on a piece of electronic entertainment.

It’s become apparent as I’ve gotten older that this great nation as a whole has begun to blame other entities for our problems as a society.

“Oh movies are too violent and that’s why these kids are doing these awful things, he got it from the TV, he was listening to metal music before he did it.”

These are just some of the quotes you hear when something terrible happens and someone is looking for an excuse, any excuse but the real factor into why we as a society have had problems, or are going to have problems with our youth, and adult population. This has to stop for the betterment of this great nation.

Responsibility is the key to stopping this issue as I see it. Parents must step up and become more involved in there children’s lives and not be so quick to just drop there kids off at the local mall with some money and tell them you’ll be back in three hours to pick them up. I mean depending on your child’s age that might be appropriate, but I’ve seen on many occasions that the child was clearly not old enough to be out at the mall with there friends unsupervised.

That’s just one example that I’ve noticed, and believe me I’m no expert, I’m just citing situations that I’ve observed over time. I mean the real solution to me is that we have to spend more quality time with our kids, teach them right from wrong, don’t depend on our schools system to do it for you. Observe what your child is watching on TV, and if you see something unsuitable talk to your child about that particular program. Find out why he or she is watching it, and if there are other options for them to watch.

TV isn’t our problem, but it’s become a scapegoat over the years. It’s always easier to blame something else then admit that you have failed as a parent, a government, a business man, or anyone of us that is bound to make a mistake somewhere along life’s journey.

This is just my opinion of course and some of you might feel differently and that’s ok, but at the end of the day the only word that matters is, responsibility and how you see it as an individual. 

Learn more about this author, Brian Rummel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.