Wednesday, May 06, 2009

LIFE UNPLUGGED
The Turnoff TV folks are calling out for an unplugged week. If you missed the April version, there's another chance next September. These guys are working hard to create awareness of the infamous impact of television on collective minds.
George told me in his last class that TV loves to broadcast and overstress bad news (as some scientific studies show) for people under fear are more easily controlled and shop more. This hypotheses sounds interesting and I would add that mass media not only recreates reality as it filters what is news. The few minds behind the global theater don't unveil their intentions but manage to control the collective minds. Even though these lines might be an oversimplification of this very controversial issue, the facts can't be ignored. Yep.
Turn off your box.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

I agree with this text. We need to filter what tv shows. Moreover, most tv shows are not cultural.There is a great consumer appeal behind the tv.

Augusto Kalsing said...

This text is very interesting. Currently few TV's programs are good. Actually, in my opinion, the TV's programs are the most responsible for the intellectual and cultural decadence of the humans life.. Iniciatives as reported in this text should be applauded!

Leonardo Budaszewski Rodrigues said...

I agree with a part of this post. The TV is very important for some people who has it how the only one way of information. We, that have access to internet, newspapers, magazines, books, etc, the TV can be a “poor” way of information but if more uninformed people watch it we could have a better society (better selecting Politicals for example).
Anyway, let’s read more, hang out with friend and family, play sports and watch less TV.

Michael said...

This attempt at controlling collective minds isn't new. TV - in fact, all kind of media - is just the most efficient tool today. But the real tool is the fear, as pointed by Daniel in his post. I suggeest you think other attempts at controlling collective minds which used fear. I hope you can turn off it too!

Daniel de Aguirres said...

Michael: other means of mind controlling or brainwashing other than mass media...can you come up with one?

It sounds like all of you are willing to throw your TV sets away. Wow.

CESC said...

For me all kinds of media are able of brainwashing us. TV is just easier and reaches a greatest part of the least instructed public, which is easier to influence. But of course we are vulnerable, so I try to choose carefully my TV shows and to have at least a minimum of critical thinking. But I’m aware that I’m not shielded against these influences. Almost nobody is. We can just minimize them.
Now, about controling people using fear... well... this is a very old technique used by dictators, governments, lots of mass leaders and especially religions. I just didn't know that fear makes me shop more. But I agree... in certain situations. For example, if I thought there is too much violence all around, probably I'd want to buy a gun, or a new alarm system; if media disseminates that there’s a chance of getting sick if you don’t consume some new food or product, I'd probably buy it

Cele said...

To diversify this conversation... The TV is a problem for the masses, I agree with everything that was said here, but we all know that having access to good programs (watch TVE and cultural/ historical / educational channels and then criticize) and taking the minimum of EDUCATION, the TV not only is a great source of entertainment, but also culture. If it can be an enemy, it can become a partner. What is needed is wisdom. I love to watch television.