Posted by
Semiquaver on Monday, September 01, 2008 5:47:46 PM
I recently subscribed to cable TV after eleven television-free years. Deciding to go without it was the greatest thing I ever did for myself and with the zeal of a former smoker, I recommend it to all who will listen. The initial decision was economic. I had recently separated and made the requisite move to a one bedroom apartment in a building whose selling points were its proximity to the county welfare office and the court house. Short on discretionary income, did I really want to spend fifty dollars per month for the privilege of watching television?
I see now that I had already exhibited signs of nascent television intolorance. Any show with a laugh track had become unwatchable. The adult sitcoms, with their endless double and sometimes single entendres followed by paroxysms of digital belly laughs, could no longer be endured. The local reporter standing in front of a pile of salt during the most insignificant snow flurry saying the same thing every time: "Do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary." The sweeps week reminders to tune in at eleven to find out that something I had thought was completely harmless has actually been slowly killing me. The never ending parade of clueless adult males being ridiculed for their stupidity by women and children. Predictable, boring and most assuredly not worth six hundred dollars per year.
It's worth noting that this decision was made prior to the advent of reality television and the disappearance of that cute blond girl in Aruba.
So, I opted not to activate that little wire in my living room and suddenly found myself with an enormous amount of free time- something that everyone wishes they had more of. I became an avid reader of books and newspapers. I spent much more time practicing my musical instruments and actually got better. I wrote letters and went for walks. When my son came to visit, parking him in front of the television was not an option. There is no question that this deepened our relationship. Giving up television is one of the best things a parent with small children can do for them. Nothing is more disheartening than listening to a three year old singing the theme to "Cops" or asking questions about the kinds of subjects typically addressed on TV.
The benefits of my little experiment to the quality of my life have been immeasurable. Though I have resumed cable service because it came along with my internet, I seem to have become immune to its hypnotic appeal. I have no "favorite shows" and the little time that I do watch, I almost feel like a sociologist, or worse, a rubbernecker gawking at an accident on the highway.
I urge you to consider giving it up for a period of time, just to see what happens. It will make you a better person.