Influence Of Television Essay, Research Paper

Television is a form of media that

has great ability to influence and brainwash the viewing public.

The talking box in one?s living room has assumed the overpowering role

it plays today as a result of the weakness of society. This may seem

like a negative view but a society?s strength is based on the relationships

between people and when so much time is spent away from others and together

with the media, the actions that take place are often times a reflection

of what television presents. In President Clinton?s speech, he brings

forth this very point and he acknowledges the family?s increasing weakness

and calls on all people to bring back the values of the past and stop the

media from playing such a huge role in our community. The overwhelming

influence of the media is a constant threat to the maintenance of traditional

family values and to the protection of our children?s future. Nevertheless,

television cannot be changed for it is too big and powerful but compromises

can be made that can strengthen society and help keep certain values protected.

Over the past decades, people have

less and less time in their hands due to careers, divorces and the constant

struggle for success. This unfortunately, is resulting in parents

spending less time with their children, which is an important responsibility

that no one or nothing can replace. President Clinton said, ?television?

may be the third parent, but it can?t be the first or the second?(Clinton,

p.173). The focus on ?parental responsibility?(Clinton, p.174) is what

is important and parents must ensure that their children are raised in

a controlled and safe environment. The media has ?more access? to

children?(Clinton, p.172) then ever before, and it can develop certain

bad habits, patterns and subconscious actions if the individual is too

weak to fight its affect. Therefore, parents must spend more time

with their children, otherwise, the old values will slowly slip away and

new ones, established by television, will take their place for good.

Television has incredible power.

In a society where money signifies success and influence, television has

taken its place among the most prosperous of businesses. Television

cannot be attacked because it can and has successfully stood up to all

sorts of challenges. The solution of changing its role in society

lies within man himself. Television, despite many negative aspects,

has much to offer. It is a great tool for learning, communication

and for information. Attacking television may deprive us of such

benefits therefore this trend must be approached with ?more conversation

and less combat?(Clinton, p.173). Instead of criticizing, we should look

for alternatives that, in the long run, will benefit society. Just as televisions?

bad influence has settled in slowly in our community, it can slowly be

filtered out with time, patience and most importantly with everyone?s cooperation.

We, society, are responsible for

making television a threat to traditional values and future generations.

It is our duty, as a population, to work together to steer away from the

tube to the values that will strengthen society. Step by step, this

can be done and the future will get brighter in the long run.